Introduction

The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most popular immigration routes for working in the UK. But to qualify, applicants must meet specific immigration requirements based on job type, salary, employer status, and English language rules.

This guide explains the full Skilled Worker Visa requirements for 2025 in simple, clear steps.

✅ 1. You Must Have a Sponsored Job Offer

To apply, the worker must first have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is licensed by the Home Office.

A valid job offer must:

• Be genuine and needed for the organisation
• Be at the correct skill level
• Meet the minimum salary rules
• Include a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number

If the employer is not a licensed sponsor, they must apply for a Sponsor Licence before hiring anyone on this visa.

✅ 2. The Job Must Be on an Approved Occupation Code

Each Skilled Worker job is linked to a specific occupation code that sets the required pay and skill level.

Examples of approved roles include:

• IT professionals
• Engineers
• Accountants
• Chefs
• Managers
• Care workers (for Health and Care Visa route)
• Health professionals

The employer must choose the correct code and prove the role is genuine.

✅ 3. Minimum Salary Requirement

To qualify, the salary must meet the required threshold for that specific occupation code.

In most cases:

• The job must pay at least the “going rate” for that role,
• And it must meet the minimum national salary level set for Skilled Workers.

Salary requirements can vary based on the occupation code, hours, and experience.
Paying a lower salary than the law allows can lead to visa refusal.

✅ 4. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship through the Home Office system.
The CoS confirms:

• Job details
• Salary
• Work location
• Contract dates
• Sponsor information

The worker cannot apply without this certificate.

✅ 5. English Language Requirement

The applicant must prove English ability at Level B1 (intermediate) in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

This can be met through:

• An approved English test
• A qualifying UK degree
• A degree taught in English
• Being a citizen of an English-speaking country (where accepted)

✅ 6. Financial Requirement (Maintenance Funds)

Applicants must show they can support themselves unless the employer certifies maintenance.

If required, they must show personal savings — normally 28 days of bank statements showing the minimum amount set by Home Office.

Many employers choose to certify maintenance so the worker does not need personal funds.

✅ 7. Police Clearance & TB Test (If Required)

Depending on nationality and job sector, applicants may need:

• Tuberculosis test (from approved clinics if applying from a listed country)
• Police clearance or criminal record certificate for certain roles such as healthcare and education

✅ 8. Application and Biometrics

After submitting the online visa form and paying the fees, the worker must:

• Provide identity verification
• Give fingerprints and a photograph
• Upload documents

Decisions are usually given within:

• About 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK
• Around 8 weeks if switching visas from inside the UK

Priority processing may be available.

✅ 9. How Long Does the Visa Last?

Most Skilled Worker Visas last up to 5 years.
The worker can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the long-term residence and salary rules after 5 years.

✅ 10. Can Family Members Join?

Yes.
Skilled Workers can bring:

• Husband or wife
• Unmarried partner (if eligible)
• Children under 18

Each dependent must submit their own visa application.

✅ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many visas are refused because of:

• Incorrect occupation code
• Salary below required level
• Missing documents
• Employer is not compliant
• Wrong or incomplete application forms
• Using an unlicensed sponsor

Professional guidance avoids these costly problems.

✅ How Stonebridge Legal Solutions Can Help

Stonebridge assists:

• Skilled Worker Visa applications
• Employer sponsorship
• CoS issuance
• Switching from Student Visa to Skilled Worker
• Compliance and HR setup for UK employers
• ILR applications for Skilled Workers

With expert support, the process becomes faster, safer and stress-free.

📞 Contact Stonebridge Legal Solutions today for Skilled Worker Visa help or a business consultation.