How to Get Visa Sponsorship Via the Skilled Worker Route In 2026

The UK Skilled Worker visa is one of the most common work visas used by non-UK citizens to take up skilled employment in the United Kingdom. Formerly known as the Tier 2 (General) visa, this route allows individuals to live and work in the UK long-term if they have a job offer from a UK employer who is approved as a sponsor. This visa is points-based, meaning you must satisfy certain criteria to be eligible.

In this guide, we will cover:

• Requirements for the Skilled Worker visa
• Documents needed when applying
• Deadlines and timing
• Visa fees and associated costs
• How to secure visa sponsorship via the Skilled Worker route
• How and where to apply
• Additional tips and common pitfalls

Requirements for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several key eligibility criteria.

Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

• You must have a job offer from a UK employer that is approved by the Home Office (i.e., holds a sponsor licence).
• The employer/sponsor provides you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) (an electronic record, not a physical paper), which includes a reference number needed for your visa application.
• You must apply within 3 months of being assigned your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Eligible Job

• The job you are offered must be on the list of eligible occupations (i.e., have a valid SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) 2020 code).
• The job must be “skilled” (the Skilled Worker route requires skill at a certain level).
• There is a salary requirement — you must be paid at least a minimum threshold set by the UK government for this visa.
• Usually, the standard minimum salary is £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for your job (whichever is higher).
• However, for some roles (especially if you’re extending or switching visas), a lower salary may be acceptable (e.g., £33,400) under some conditions.
• For some sectors (healthcare, education), different salary rules may apply based on national pay scales.

English Language Proficiency

• You must demonstrate your knowledge of English (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to a required level.
• This can be via a recognized English test (e.g., IELTS) or by showing that you have a degree taught in English.
• Note: As of 8 January 2026, stricter English language rules will apply, raising the required standard to level B2 (A-level equivalent) for speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Maintenance/Financial Requirement

• You must prove you have enough personal savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS.
• The standard requirement: £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying.
• If your employer agrees to support you, they must confirm this on the CoS.

Other Requirements

• Valid passport or travel document to prove identity and nationality.
• Criminal record certificate, but only for certain job roles (e.g., teachers, healthcare workers, social services).
• Tuberculosis test results, if you’re applying from certain countries.
• For researchers at a PhD level or above doing sensitive research, a valid ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate may be required.
• If your qualification is from outside the UK, you may need a UK NARIC/Ecctis evaluation (Ecctis reference number) to show equivalency.

Points-Based Requirement

• The Skilled Worker visa is a points-based system. To qualify, you must score at least 70 points under the UK immigration rules (as of the relevant policy version).

Points are awarded for:

• Having a job at the required skill level (eligible SOC code)
• The salary (how it compares to thresholds)
• English language ability
• A CoS from an approved sponsor
• Other possible factors (e.g., a PhD, shortage occupation, etc.) depending on the policy version.

Documents Needed for a Skilled Worker Visa

• When you apply, you’ll have to submit a variety of documents. Below is a detailed list, based on official guidance.

Mandatory Documents

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number provided by your employer/sponsor.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Test certificate (e.g., IELTS) or other acceptable evidence.
• Valid Passport or National Identity Card
• Must clearly show identity and nationality.

Job Details

• Your job title, SOC occupation code, annual salary (as in CoS).
• Name of your employer and sponsor licence number (this is on the CoS).
• Supporting/Conditional Documents (Depending on Your Situation)

Financial Evidence

• Bank statements (showing £1,270 or more) if not exempt.
• If your sponsor is covering maintenance, your CoS must include “sponsor certifies maintenance.”
• Tuberculosis Test Results (if your country is on the list)
• Criminal Record Certificate (if required for your job).
• ATAS Certificate for certain research roles (PhD level).

Qualifications

• UK PhD certificate, or
• Ecctis (or UK NARIC) reference number for overseas qualifications.

Translation of Documents

• Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• Dependants Evidence (if applicable)
• If your partner or children are applying with you, you may need to prove your family relationship.

Deadline/Timing for Application

• Understanding when and how to apply is critical for success.

When to Apply

• You must apply within 3 months of being assigned your CoS.
• If you’re outside the UK, you should apply before you travel.
• You can also apply from within the UK if you are switching from a different visa or extending your current Skilled Worker visa.

Biometric Appointment/Identity Check

• During the application, you may be required to attend a visa application centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
• Alternatively, you might be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check smartphone app (if eligible).

Decision Time

• If applying from outside the UK: typically within 3 weeks after application, once you have provided all your documents and biometrics.
• If applying from inside the UK (extension or switching): decisions often come within 8 weeks.
• There may be priority or super-priority services (for an extra fee) to accelerate the decision, depending on where and how you’re applying.

4. Fees & Costs

• Applying for a Skilled Worker visa comes with several costs — not just the visa application fee.

Visa Application Fee

• Varies according to your situation (length of visa, whether applying inside or outside the UK, whether your job is on the Immigration Salary List).

As of now:

Outside the UK:

• Up to 3 years: £769 per person
• More than 3 years: £1,519 per person
• Inside the UK (extension or switch):
• Up to 3 years: £885 per person
• More than 3 years: £1,751 per person
• Discounted rates may apply if your job is on the Immigration Salary List:
• Up to 3 years: £590
• Over 3 years: £1,160

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Most Skilled Worker visa applicants must pay the IHS to access the National Health Service (NHS).
• The current rate is £1,035 per year for most adult applicants.
• This must usually be paid upfront, covering the duration of your visa.
• Exception: Some roles (e.g., Health & Care Worker visa) may be exempt from IHS.

Maintenance/Financial Proof

• You need to show £1,270 in your bank for at least 28 consecutive days before applying (unless exempt).
• If your sponsor approves maintenance, they will confirm this, and you may not need to show the full amount yourself.

Other Possible Fees

• Sponsor licence cost: (for employers) if your UK employer is not yet licensed, they may pay for a sponsor licence.
• ATAS application cost (if needed).
• Criminal record certificate cost (if required).
• Translation costs for non-English documents.
• Priority visa service fee (if you choose to pay for faster processing).

How to Get Visa Sponsorship via the Skilled Worker Route

Visa sponsorship means that a UK employer offers to sponsor you for the Skilled Worker visa. Here’s how that process typically works:

• Find a UK Employer with a Sponsor Licence
• Look for UK companies that are “Home Office–approved sponsors.”
• You can check lists of licensed sponsors or ask the employer directly whether they can offer a CoS.

Get a Formal Job Offer

• Once the employer decides to hire you, they must provide a contract or written offer that outlines: job title, salary, working hours, etc.
• Make sure your job is eligible for the Skilled Worker visa (correct SOC code, meets skill / salary criteria).
• Employer Issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Your sponsor (employer) applies to issue a CoS via their sponsor licence.
• The CoS contains detailed information: your job title, SOC code, salary, employer details, and your employment start date.
• The CoS is valid for 3 months from the date of assignment — you must apply for your visa during that period.
• Certify Maintenance (if applicable)
• If the employer agrees to cover your living costs in your first month (£1,270), they must certify this on the CoS (i.e., “sponsor certifies maintenance”).
• This reduces your need to show personal bank savings.

Complete Your Application

• With CoS in hand, you follow the visa application process (online, document submission, biometrics).
• Attend any required appointments and wait for the decision.

Change of Employer/Extension

• If later you want to switch employers, your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and issue a new CoS.
• For visa renewal (extension), you must repeat parts of the process (CoS, application, etc.).

How and Where to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for the Skilled Worker visa:

• Check Eligibility and Prepare
• Use the UK Government’s “Check visa points” or equivalent tool to ensure you have enough points.
• Confirm your job offer, CoS, and financial documents are in place.

Prepare Documents

• Collect all required and supporting documents (as listed in Section 2).
• Translate any documents not in English / Welsh via certified translation.
• Make sure your bank statements meet the “28-day” rule if needed.
• If required, take an English test and get results.

Start Your Application

• Go to the official GOV.UK website for the Skilled Worker visa application. (Search “GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa apply”).
• Complete the online form: personal details, CoS reference, job details, finances, dependants (if any).
• You may be prompted to choose a visa centre/biometric appointment.

Identity Verification/Biometrics

• If required, go to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
• Or, use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, uploading your identity documents and taking a selfie, if you are eligible.

Pay the Fees

• Pay the visa application fee (varies by duration & place).
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the visa duration.
• Pay any additional costs (translation, test, criminal record check, ATAS, if needed).

Submit and Wait for Decision

• Submit your application and await the decision.
• Processing times: ~3 weeks (if outside UK), ~8 weeks (if inside UK).
• If you opted for priority or super-priority services, decisions may come faster.

Visa Granted

• Once approved, you’ll receive a visa (or vignette / biometric residence permit, depending on your situation) that allows entry / stay in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.
• Make sure you understand your visa conditions: permitted work (only in the sponsored job), any travel restrictions, length, renewal requirements, etc.

Advantages, Challenges & Tips

Advantages of the Skilled Worker Visa

• Skilled Worker visa can eventually lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (permanent residency), provided you meet continuous residence and other conditions.
• You can bring your spouse/partner and children as dependants.
• You can work in the UK in your sponsored role, and often switch to a different sponsor in future (with a new CoS).
• Through IHS, you get access to NHS services.
• Possibility to extend or switch into other visa categories (if eligible).

Challenges/Risks

• Salary Thresholds: Meeting minimum salary (or going rate) can be challenging, especially with recent increases.
• Sponsor Risk: If your employer loses their licence, or if they do not properly maintain sponsorship obligations, your visa could be at risk.
• Maintenance Requirement: Showing personal savings can be burdensome.
• English Requirement: With the upcoming stricter English rules (from Jan 2026), meeting the B2 level could be more demanding.
• ILR Rule Changes: Be aware of policy changes. For instance, there are proposals to extend the time to qualify for ILR from 5 years to 10 years for some Skilled Worker visa holders.
• Employer Burden: Employers also face costs (sponsor licence fee, Immigration Skills Charge, reporting obligations).

Tips to Improve Success

• Verify Sponsor Licence: Always check that your employer is a licensed sponsor.
• Negotiate Salary: Make sure your offer meets or exceeds the required salary threshold.
• Budget for Costs: Plan for visa fees, IHS, translation, English tests, etc.
• Prepare Documents Thoroughly: Incomplete or poorly prepared documentation is a common reason for refusal.
• Apply Early: Because CoS is valid for 3 months, apply as soon as it becomes available.
• Use Professional Help: Consider consulting an immigration lawyer or regulated adviser to avoid errors.
• Stay Updated on Rule Changes: UK visa rules change often; always check GOV.UK for the latest guidance.

Recent Changes & Important Updates (as of 2025)

• As mentioned, from 8 January 2026, English language requirements for Skilled Worker visa applicants will be tightened to B2 level (A-level equivalent).
• There is talk (and some policy movement) around making the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) route for Skilled Worker visa holders longer (from 5 years to possibly 10 years).
• The minimum salary requirement has been a point of change and debate.
• A public spending watchdog (the NAO) recently raised concerns about the Skilled Worker route’s economic impact and the government’s understanding of how the visa is used.

What to take home about the UK Skilled Worker Visa:

• The UK Skilled Worker visa allows non-UK nationals to work in skilled roles in the UK, provided they have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
• Key requirements include a Certificate of Sponsorship, eligible job (SOC code), minimum salary, English proficiency, and financial maintenance.
• Applicants must submit a variety of documents (passport, CoS, English test results, bank statements, criminal record certificate if needed, etc.).
• There is a 3-month window to apply once you receive your CoS.
• Costs include the visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and possibly others (e.g., translation, tests).
• Sponsorship is obtained via a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence.
• Application is done through the GOV.UK website, followed by biometrics or ID check.
• The visa can lead to long-term settlement (ILR), but recent changes may affect how soon that’s possible.
• It’s important to plan well, budget properly, and stay informed about evolving immigration policy.