UK Skilled Worker Visa — Expert Applications and Extensions

Updated 11 September 2026

What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) allows overseas nationals to come to and work in the UK, provided they have been offered a qualifying job by a licensed UK employer.

It is the main pathway for employers to fill skilled vacancies with overseas talent, and for international workers to establish their careers in the UK. After five years on a Skilled Worker visa, most holders become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — permanent settlement in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility depends on the sponsored job, salary, English language and the applicant’s circumstances. A job title alone does not establish eligibility.

• Sponsorship: a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer for a genuine eligible role.
• Skill level: jobs normally need to be at graduate level (RQF 6). Some medium-skilled jobs remain eligible through specified lists or transitional provisions.
• Salary: usually at least £41,700 a year or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. Different options exist for some applicants, occupations and extensions; a reduced general threshold does not remove the applicable going-rate requirement.
• English: normally B2 for new applicants. People who held this visa before 8 January 2026 may qualify under B1 rules when extending or updating it.

We check the occupation code and the rules applying to your sponsorship and application dates. Read the official job and salary requirements and English language requirements.

The Application Process

Step 1: Employer Obtains a Sponsor Licence

The employer must hold a valid UKVI Sponsor Licence. If they do not have one, they must apply before the worker can be sponsored. See our UK Sponsor Licence service.

Step 2: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Assigned

The employer assigns a CoS to the specific worker via the Sponsor Management System (SMS). The CoS details the role, SOC code, salary, start date, and duration.

Step 3: Online Application

The worker submits an online application via GOV.UK, uploading supporting documents and paying the visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Biometric Appointment

The applicant attends a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photograph) at a UKVI application centre or Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 5: Decision

GOV.UK publishes current decision times for overseas and in-country applications. Timing depends on the application and any additional checks; faster services may be available.

Documents Required

The exact document list depends on the application type, but typically includes:

• Valid passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Proof of English language (degree taught in English, approved test, or exemption)
• Financial requirement evidence (unless employer certifies maintenance)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if required for country of origin)
• Any additional documents related to the specific occupation

We provide each client with a precise, tailored document checklist.

Fees

Government Fees

Government charges depend on the application and can change. Check the current GOV.UK fees and application guidance, including any health surcharge and optional priority service, before paying.

Government fees are subject to change. Check GOV.UK for the latest figures.

LegumLex Professional Fees

See our fees page for professional fee information.

Extension and Further Leave to Remain

Skilled Worker visas can be extended if you remain employed by your sponsoring employer (or transfer to a new licensed sponsor) and continue to meet the salary and occupation requirements.

We advise on:

• Timing extensions before permission expires, taking account of the CoS and proposed work dates
• Salary changes and their impact on visa compliance
• Changing employers or job roles
• Absences from the UK and their impact on ILR eligibility

Route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After five continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa (or a combination of eligible routes), you may apply for ILR — permanent settlement.

ILR applications require:

• Continuous lawful residence for 5 years
• Normally no more than 180 days outside the UK in total in any rolling 12-month period, subject to the route’s rules and permitted exceptions
• Meeting the salary threshold at the time of the ILR application
• Passing the Life in the UK Test
• English language requirement

We advise on ILR eligibility and manage applications. See our Indefinite Leave to Remain service.

Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa from Within the UK

In many cases, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK without leaving — for example, from a Student visa, Graduate visa, or another work visa. This avoids the disruption and cost of an overseas application.

Switching is not always available (e.g., you generally cannot switch from a Visitor visa). We advise on eligibility for in-country switching.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Salary does not meet the required threshold for the specific occupation code
• Certificate of Sponsorship has errors or has expired
• English language requirement not evidenced correctly
• Sponsor has had their licence downgraded, suspended, or revoked
• Applicant has adverse immigration history
• Maintenance funds not evidenced (where required)

We review every application thoroughly before submission to identify and address these risks.

Official Guidance

• GOV.UK: skilled worker visa — your job
• GOV.UK: skilled worker visa — knowledge of english
• GOV.UK: skilled worker visa — your partner and children