Strictly for Skilled Workers

With this visa, you can come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do

Legal Stay

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

Citizenship

After one year of holding Indefinite Leave to Remain, the applicant will qualify for UK Citizenship as long as you have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the five years preceding your application and you have no criminal convictions or questionable circumstances.

Skills

Have the skills, experience and knowledge to do the role.

Position

Hold a senior position within the business (but do not own or control the majority of it) and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

pay the application fee
pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
prove you have enough personal savings