UK Skilled Worker Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the cornerstone of the UK's points-based immigration system, introduced on 1 January 2021 after the end of EU free movement. It allows overseas nationals to live and work in the UK in an eligible skilled occupation with a licensed sponsor.

Points Requirements (70 Points Total)

Applicants must score at least 70 points. The system has two tiers of points:

Mandatory (non-tradeable) — 50 points: - Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer: 20 points - Eligible skilled occupation (RQF Level 3 or above): 20 points - English language at B1 or above (CEFR): 10 points

Tradeable — 20 points needed from the following: - Salary at or above the general threshold (£38,700 from April 2024 or occupation going rate, whichever is higher): 20 points - PhD in a subject relevant to the role: 10 points - PhD in a STEM subject: 20 points - Shortage occupation (Appendix Shortage Occupation List): 20 points - New entrant (under 26, switching, or in first 5 years of a PhD): 20 points

The general salary threshold rose to £38,700 in April 2024 (from £26,200 previously). Lower thresholds apply to shortage occupations and new entrants (£30,960). Specific occupation-based going rates may differ.

Settlement Route

After 5 years of continuous residence on a Skilled Worker visa, applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The visa leads to British citizenship after an additional qualifying period.