Skilled Worker Visa

To work in the UK, your employer will issue a CoS so that you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. You’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.

The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to work in the UK for a listed employer. You must be employed at a role above Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6, unless the role is part of the shortage occupations or those extending their leave to remain in the UK.

The route replaced the Tier 2 (General) route. Existing Tier 2 (General) workers can apply for extensions, changes of employment and settlement under the Skilled Worker route.

Applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer will issue a CoS required for your application.

Home Office publishes employments that can be sponsored & are published on the eligible occupations and codes. 

Warwick University have developed a platform which the Home Office uses called CASCOT and can be a useful tool to use. 

Your employer will allocate a digital Certificate of Sponsorship through the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System. The CoS contains your personal details, job description, salary, and the sponsor’s licence number. It is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned.

Key point: You cannot submit a visa application until the sponsor has assigned a CoS and provided you with the reference number.

Application as a Skilled Worker Visa

When you apply for the immigration program – tradeable points are required to be met. In short, the following are required:

  1. Salaries. You must be paid at the going rate. The salary must be guaranteed basis gross pay. This can be reduced if you are a new entrant or have a STEM PhD.
  2. Your salary can be further reduced if this is part of the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
  3. Those applying on the basis of new entrants – someone who have started their career, aged under 26 years or have completed a degree in the UK. Those are some instances whereby you can benefit from the reduced salary requirements. There is a limit cap on those if you have been on the relevant immigration routes such as Tier 2.
  4. Employment will undergo genuine vacancy test.
  5. You must meet the financial and English language requirements. Further to that, in some instances, you would need to submit a criminal records certificate.
  6. The program allows you to work for another employer – without further sponsorship and limited 20 hours a week.

Genuine vacancy requirements from employers

As an employer, you would be required to meet the compliance requirements and demonstrate to the Home Office that the employment is genuine.

Home Office will need to be satisfied that the employer have gone through their recruitment process and confirm on the evidences collected. Furthermore, Home Office can interview both the employer or the person being sponsored. 

The sponsor licence can be revoked if the Home Office believes that the employment is not genuine or that there is evidences to demonstrate that the sponsor failed to follow procedures. 

Application process

  1. Receive the CoS details in full from your sponsor. This can be an organisation or a business. Only having the CoS number is not advisable, as you would need details of the sponsor including your work assignments. 
  2. Gather supporting documents, which can include your passport, English language evidence, employment evidence and where required, payslips. 
  3. Complete the online application on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. This is the digital application. 
  4. Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
  5. Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre.
  6. Await a decision – typically within 8 weeks for standard processing. You can use a priority visa service to get a faster decision. 

Sponsor responsibilities

Employers must maintain a valid sponsor licence and comply with ongoing duties, including:

  • Keeping employee records up to date.
  • Reporting any non‑compliance to UKVI within 10 days.
  • Ensuring the worker does not breach immigration conditions.

Visa duration and key timelines

The visa is usually granted for up to 5 years and can be extended. You may switch to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after 5 years of continuous residence, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Important timelines

• CoS validity: 3 months.
• Standard visa decision: up to 8 weeks.
• Visa duration: up to 5 years. 

Residency and Citizenship

Completing a period of residency will count towards applying for indefinite leave to remain. This can range from completing 5 years to 10 years residency in the UK. When you have acquired your settled status, you can then apply for British nationality.

How ICS Partners can support you

Our professionals can help you as an employer or as an organisation to manage your skilled worker programs. We are also able to assist indviduals - by working with their sponsors to do the following:

  • Confirm that the role meets the skill and salary thresholds.
  • Prepare a compliant CoS application for the sponsor.
  • Review your supporting documents and complete the UKVI online form.
  • Provide guidance on post‑arrival obligations and pathways to settlement.

If you’re ready to start your Skilled Worker Visa journey or have questions about eligibility, contact ICS Partners for a confidential, tailored advice.