UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025:UK Skilled Worker Visa lets talented people from all over the world live and work there. This visa lets foreign workers take jobs with approved UK employers. For many, it is not just a chance to gain international work experience but also a way to live in the UK permanently. This visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) Visa.
It is now the main route for international workers who want to work in the UK. To apply, you must have a confirmed job offer from an approved employer. The visa works on a points system where you need at least 70 points. Points come from having a valid job offer, meeting skill and English language requirements, and earning a certain minimum salary.
Starting in 2025, the minimum salary for most jobs increased to £41,700 per year. The visa is usually given for up to five years, and after that, you can extend it or try to get permanent residency if you have worked continuously during that time. Let’s know more about the UK Skilled Worker Visa in the following article.
Overview of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
| Program Name | UK Skilled Worker Visa |
| Administered By | UK Visa and Immigration |
| Former Name | Tier 2 (General) Visa |
| Application Fees | £769 to £1715 |
| Minimum Salary | £41,700 per annum |
| Duration of Visa | Up to 5 Years but it is extendable |
| Points Required | 70 Points |
| Post Category | Finance |
| Official Website | Skilled Worker Visa |
Eligibility Criteria for UK Skilled Worker Visa
The eligibility requirements for UK Skilled Worker Visa are as below.
- You must get a job offer from a UK employer who has a valid sponsorship licence.
- Your employer needs to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which confirms your job role and employment details.
- You must prove that you can speak English at a B1 level or higher based on the Common European Framework (CEFR).
- You should have at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- This financial requirement doesn’t apply if you have lived in the UK before or if your employer is fully sponsoring your job.
- The job you are offered must meet the skill and salary requirements set by the UK government.
- You need to score at least 70 points on the points-based system, which considers your job offer, skills, language, and salary.
Processing Time for UK Skilled Worker Visa
- If you apply from outside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks after sending your papers and fingerprint details.
- If you apply from inside the UK to switch your visa or extend it, it can take up to 8 weeks.
- Processing times may vary depending on how busy the visa office is.
- It is best to apply early to avoid delays.
- Make sure all your documents are complete to speed up the process.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Application Fees
- If you are applying from outside the UK, the cost is £769 for a stay of up to 3 years, and £1,519 for more than 3 years.
- If you apply inside the UK to extend or switch your visa, the fee is £885 for up to 3 years, and £1,715 for more than 3 years.
- For jobs on the Immigration Salary List, there’s a lower fee: £590 for up to 3 years, and £1,160 for longer stays.
- Besides the visa fee, everyone must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to use the UK’s NHS healthcare during their stay.
- Fees can change, so it is advised to check the latest information before applying.
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
Here is how you can apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
- After you get a job offer, your employer will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- You need to fill out the Skilled Worker Visa application form on the official UK government website and submit all the required paperwork.
- Next, you must give your biometric information, either by going to a UK Visa Application Centre or using the UK Immigration ID Check app if you can.
- Once everything is submitted and checked, the Home Office will review your application.
- You will get a decision within the usual processing time.
FAQs for UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025
The minimum salary for most jobs is £41,700 per year.
If you apply from outside the UK, it usually takes about 3 weeks. Inside the UK, it can take up to 8 weeks.
The fees start at £769 for up to 3 years, with extra costs for longer stays and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Yes, jobs on the Immigration Salary List have lower fees.
It is usually valid for up to 5 years and can be extended or lead to permanent residency.