The United Kingdom’s Skilled Worker Visa pathway has become the primary route for qualified foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities in one of the world’s leading economies. Following Brexit and ongoing labor shortages across multiple sectors, UK employers are actively recruiting international talent through visa sponsorship programs.
Understanding the UK work permit requirements, salary thresholds, immigration health surcharge, sponsorship process, and application procedures is essential for anyone planning to work in the UK. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about securing a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2026.
What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa in December 2020, offering a points-based immigration system. Applicants must score at least 70 points based on:
Mandatory Requirements (50 Points)
- Job offer from licensed sponsor: 20 points
- Job at appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or above): 20 points
- English language proficiency: 10 points
Salary-Based Points (20 Points)
- Earning £38,700 or above: 20 points
- Earning £30,960-£38,699 (if job on shortage occupation list): 20 points
- New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, certain healthcare workers): £30,960 minimum
Additional Point Options
- PhD in subject relevant to job: 10 points
- PhD in STEM subject relevant to job: 20 points
Salary Requirements for UK Skilled Worker Visa
| Category | Minimum Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| General salary threshold | £38,700 |
| Jobs on Shortage Occupation List | £30,960 |
| New entrants (under 26, recent PhD graduates) | £30,960 |
| Healthcare professionals (specific roles) | £30,960 |
Important: You must be paid either the general salary threshold OR the “going rate” for your specific occupation code, whichever is higher. Check the UK Government’s occupation codes and going rates before accepting a job offer.
High-Demand Jobs with UK Sponsorship
The UK actively recruits foreign workers in these sectors:
Information Technology
- Software Developers (£40,000 – £75,000 annually)
- Cybersecurity Specialists (£45,000 – £80,000 annually)
- Data Scientists (£50,000 – £85,000 annually)
- IT Project Managers (£48,000 – £75,000 annually)
Healthcare (Shortage Occupations)
- Registered Nurses (£28,000 – £45,000 annually)
- Medical Practitioners (£40,000 – £120,000 annually)
- Paramedics (£27,000 – £42,000 annually)
- Pharmacists (£32,000 – £55,000 annually)
Engineering
- Civil Engineers (£35,000 – £65,000 annually)
- Mechanical Engineers (£38,000 – £68,000 annually)
- Electrical Engineers (£37,000 – £66,000 annually)
Education
- Secondary School Teachers (£30,000 – £50,000 annually)
- University Lecturers (£35,000 – £70,000 annually)
Finance and Business
- Financial Analysts (£40,000 – £70,000 annually)
- Accountants (£35,000 – £60,000 annually)
- Management Consultants (£45,000 – £80,000 annually)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Find a Licensed Sponsor
Only employers with a valid Sponsor Licence can hire foreign workers. Search the UK Government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors to verify your employer’s status.
Step 2: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship, a digital document with a unique reference number. This confirms:
- Job details and occupation code
- Salary information
- Start date
- Sponsor licence number
CoS Fee: Your employer pays £239 (small sponsors) or £1,476 (medium/large sponsors) per certificate.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Job details (title, annual salary, occupation code)
- Proof of English language ability (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Proof of funds (£1,270 minimum, held for 28 consecutive days)
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if from required country)
- Criminal record certificate (for certain jobs)
- Academic qualifications (if claiming points for PhD)
Step 4: Complete Online Application
Apply through the UK Government’s visa application website. You’ll need to:
- Create an account
- Fill in the application form
- Pay visa fees
- Pay Immigration Health Surcharge
- Book biometric appointment
Step 5: Pay Fees
Visa Application Fees:
- Up to 3 years: £719
- More than 3 years: £1,420
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year (£624 for healthcare workers)
- Paid upfront for entire visa duration
- Provides access to NHS services
Total Example Cost (3-year visa, non-healthcare):
£719 (visa) + £3,105 (IHS) = £3,824
Step 6: Attend Biometric Appointment
Provide fingerprints and photograph at a visa application center. Processing times:
- Standard: 3 weeks
- Priority: 5 working days (additional £500)
- Super Priority: 1 working day (additional £956)
Step 7: Receive Decision
If approved, you’ll receive:
- Vignette (sticker) in passport for initial 90 days
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card – collect within 10 days of UK arrival
Understanding UK Tax System and Net Salary
The UK uses a progressive income tax system:
Income Tax Rates (2026/27 Tax Year)
| Income Band | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Personal Allowance: Up to £12,570 | 0% |
| Basic Rate: £12,571 – £50,270 | 20% |
| Higher Rate: £50,271 – £125,140 | 40% |
| Additional Rate: Over £125,140 | 45% |
National Insurance Contributions
- 12% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270
- 2% on earnings above £50,270
Sample Net Salary Calculation
Gross Annual Salary: £45,000
Personal Allowance: £12,570 (tax-free)
Income Tax: £6,486
National Insurance: £3,618
Net Annual Salary: £34,896
Monthly Take-Home: £2,908
Use UK salary calculators to estimate your specific net income.
Immigration Health Surcharge and NHS Access
The Immigration Health Surcharge grants full access to the National Health Service (NHS), covering:
- GP appointments and hospital treatment
- Emergency care
- Mental health services
- Prescription medications (£9.90 per prescription)
Not Covered by NHS:
- Dental care (except emergencies)
- Eye tests and glasses
- Some specialized treatments
Consider additional private health insurance for comprehensive dental and optical coverage (£30-£100 monthly).
Cost of Living in the UK
Monthly Expenses (Average)
London
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): £1,500-£2,500
- Utilities: £150-£250
- Food and groceries: £300-£450
- Transportation (Zones 1-2): £160-£200
- Council Tax: £100-£200
Other Cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh)
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): £800-£1,400
- Utilities: £120-£200
- Food and groceries: £250-£400
- Transportation: £60-£100
- Council Tax: £80-£150
Employer Sponsorship Obligations
UK employers with Sponsor Licences must:
Compliance Requirements
- Conduct Right to Work checks before employment
- Report changes in employee circumstances (within 10 working days)
- Maintain accurate records of sponsored workers
- Pay salary as stated in Certificate of Sponsorship
- Ensure workers perform genuine employment
- Cooperate with Home Office compliance visits
Sponsor Duties
- Assign Certificates of Sponsorship only for genuine vacancies
- Withdraw CoS if employee doesn’t start within 3 months
- Report if sponsored worker stops working or goes absent
- Pay Immigration Skills Charge: £1,000 annually (£364 for small sponsors)
Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if you:
- Continue meeting salary requirements
- Pass Life in the UK Test
- Meet English language requirement (B1 level)
- Have not spent more than 180 days outside UK in any 12-month period
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependents. They’ll pay separate visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependents can work and study without restrictions.
Can I switch jobs while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, but your new employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship. You’ll need to apply to update your visa.
Do I need to speak English for the UK work visa?
Yes, you must prove English proficiency at B1 level (intermediate) through approved tests like IELTS or equivalent, or by having a degree taught in English.
What if my visa application is refused?
You can request an administrative review if you believe there was a case worker error. Alternatively, address the refusal reasons and reapply. Consider consulting an immigration lawyer.
Can I start my own business with a Skilled Worker Visa?
You can do supplementary employment outside your sponsored job for up to 20 hours weekly, including self-employment. Your main employment must remain with your sponsor.
How long can I stay outside the UK?
Extended absences affect settlement applications. Generally, stay within the UK except for holidays and business trips. Absences over 180 days in any 12 months may impact your settlement eligibility.
Conclusion
The UK Skilled Worker Visa provides excellent opportunities for qualified professionals across numerous sectors. With clear salary thresholds, structured sponsorship requirements, and comprehensive healthcare access through the Immigration Health Surcharge, the pathway to working and settling in the UK is well-defined.
By securing employment with a licensed sponsor, meeting the points-based requirements, preparing thorough documentation, and understanding the tax and living cost implications, you can successfully relocate and build your career in the United Kingdom.
Disclaimer: UK immigration rules are subject to change. Always verify current requirements through the official UK Government website or consult with a qualified immigration advisor before making decisions.
