Tier 2 / Skilled Worker Visa (UK)
The UK's primary work visa for employers hiring foreign nationals in eligible skilled occupations, requiring a licensed sponsor, a job at the appropriate skill level (RQF 3 or above), and a salary meeting the relevant threshold.
- What Is the Skilled Worker Visa (UK)?
- Sponsor Licence: The Employer's Obligation
- Points-Based Eligibility Requirements
- Salary Thresholds and the April 2024 Changes
- Skilled Worker Visa Application Process
- Skilled Worker Visa Costs
- Path to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Skilled Worker Visa Statistics [2026]
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Skilled Worker Visa
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa (UK)?
Key Takeaways
- ✓The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) is the UK's main route for employers to hire foreign nationals in skilled roles. It replaced the old Tier 2 system on December 1, 2020.
- ✓The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence from the UK Home Office. Without one, they can't issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign workers.
- ✓The role must be at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or above, and the salary must meet the higher of the general threshold (38,700 GBP) or the going rate for the specific occupation.
- ✓There's no annual cap on Skilled Worker visas. The old Tier 2 cap of 20,700 was removed in December 2020.
- ✓After 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa, the holder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the UK equivalent of permanent residence.
The Skilled Worker visa is how UK employers bring in talent from outside the UK and Ireland. It's a points-based system where the applicant must score enough points across mandatory and tradeable categories: a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, a role at the right skill level, English language proficiency, and a salary meeting the threshold. The visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) route as part of the UK's post-Brexit immigration overhaul. The biggest changes were expanding eligible occupations to include RQF Level 3 roles (previously only degree-level jobs qualified) and removing the annual cap. For HR teams, the Skilled Worker visa requires planning and compliance infrastructure. You need a sponsor licence, a system for issuing and tracking Certificates of Sponsorship, and ongoing monitoring obligations. The Home Office can and does revoke sponsor licences for non-compliance, which would invalidate every sponsored worker's visa in your organization.
Sponsor Licence: The Employer's Obligation
Before sponsoring anyone, the employer must obtain a sponsor licence from the UK Home Office. This is a one-time application, but it creates ongoing compliance obligations.
Applying for a sponsor licence
The application (form SL1) requires evidence that the organization is genuine, operating lawfully, and has HR systems capable of meeting sponsorship duties. Key documents include company registration details, PAYE reference, employer's liability insurance, evidence of trading (bank statements, contracts, invoices), and details of the Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User who'll manage the sponsorship management system (SMS). Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks. The fee is 536 GBP for small sponsors or 1,476 GBP for medium and large sponsors. The licence is valid for 4 years.
Ongoing compliance duties
Holding a sponsor licence means agreeing to a set of duties. You must keep copies of sponsored workers' passports and visa documents. You must report to the Home Office within specified timeframes if a sponsored worker doesn't turn up for their first day, is absent without permission for 10+ consecutive working days, changes job duties or salary, or leaves the organization. You must also cooperate with Home Office compliance visits, which can be announced or unannounced. Failure to meet these duties can result in licence downgrade, suspension, or revocation.
Points-Based Eligibility Requirements
The Skilled Worker visa uses a points system. Applicants must score 70 points across mandatory and tradeable categories.
| Requirement | Points | Mandatory? | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job offer from licensed sponsor | 20 | Yes | Must hold a valid CoS assigned by the sponsor |
| Job at appropriate skill level (RQF 3+) | 20 | Yes | Occupation must appear on the eligible occupations list at RQF 3 or above |
| English language (B1 level) | 10 | Yes | Proven via SELT test, degree taught in English, or nationality from majority English-speaking country |
| Salary meets general threshold (38,700 GBP) | 20 | Tradeable | Required unless tradeable points apply |
| Salary meets going rate for SOC code | 20 | Tradeable | Going rate is occupation-specific, set by the Migration Advisory Committee |
| PhD in a subject relevant to the job | 10 | Tradeable | Can offset lower salary to 90% of going rate |
| PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | 20 | Tradeable | Can offset lower salary to 90% of going rate |
| Shortage occupation | 20 | Tradeable | Reduced salary threshold applies if role is on the Immigration Salary List |
Salary Thresholds and the April 2024 Changes
The UK government significantly raised the salary threshold in April 2024, which affects every new Skilled Worker visa application and many extensions.
General threshold increase
The general salary threshold jumped from 26,200 GBP to 38,700 GBP in April 2024, a 48% increase. This was the largest single increase in the visa's history. For new applicants, the offered salary must meet the higher of 38,700 GBP or the going rate for the specific SOC code. For existing visa holders renewing or extending, transitional arrangements apply: they need to meet the previous 26,200 GBP threshold until their current visa expires.
Reduced thresholds for specific groups
Certain applicants benefit from lower salary thresholds. New entrants to the labor market (under 26, or switching from a Student visa) face a reduced threshold of 30,960 GBP. Roles on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List) have occupation-specific reduced rates. Health and education roles have sector-specific pay scales that override the general threshold. PhD holders can offset salary requirements through the tradeable points system.
Going rate adjustments
Each occupation has a 'going rate' set by the Migration Advisory Committee based on Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data. When the going rate exceeds the general threshold, the going rate applies. For example, if the general threshold is 38,700 GBP but the going rate for the specific SOC code is 45,000 GBP, the applicant's salary must be at least 45,000 GBP. Going rates were also updated in April 2024 and shifted from the 25th percentile to the median of the pay distribution.
Skilled Worker Visa Application Process
The process involves both the employer and the worker, with specific steps and timelines for each.
Employer steps
The sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). The CoS isn't a physical document. It's a virtual reference number that contains the job details, salary, SOC code, and the worker's personal information. Sponsors must have available CoS allocations. Defined CoS (for workers applying from outside the UK) are allocated by the Home Office and may need to be requested. Undefined CoS (for workers already in the UK switching or extending) are available on demand. The CoS must be used within 3 months of assignment.
Worker steps
The worker applies online, pays the visa fee (610 GBP to 1,408 GBP depending on duration and whether it's a shortage occupation), pays the Immigration Health Surcharge (1,035 GBP per year), provides biometric information, and submits supporting documents. If applying from outside the UK, they attend a visa application centre. If inside the UK, they use the UKVCAS service. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks for outside-UK applications and 8 weeks for inside-UK applications. Priority services are available for additional fees.
Skilled Worker Visa Costs
Costs add up quickly, particularly the Immigration Health Surcharge. Employers often cover some or all costs as part of the employment package.
| Cost Component | Amount | Who Typically Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor licence | 536 GBP (small) or 1,476 GBP (medium/large) | Employer |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | 239 GBP per CoS | Employer |
| Visa application fee (up to 3 years) | 719 GBP | Varies (often employer) |
| Visa application fee (over 3 years) | 1,420 GBP | Varies (often employer) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | 1,035 GBP per year | Often employer for sponsored workers |
| Immigration Skills Charge | 364 GBP per year (small) or 1,000 GBP per year (medium/large) | Employer (legally required) |
| Priority processing (optional) | 500 GBP to 800 GBP | Applicant or employer |
| Legal fees | 2,000 GBP to 5,000 GBP | Employer |
Path to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
One of the Skilled Worker visa's key advantages is the clear path to permanent settlement in the UK.
ILR eligibility requirements
After 5 continuous years on the Skilled Worker visa (or a combination of qualifying visas), the holder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Requirements include: 5 years of continuous lawful residence with no single absence exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period, meeting the salary threshold at the time of ILR application (currently 38,700 GBP or the going rate, whichever is higher), passing the Life in the UK test, meeting the English language requirement at B1 level, and no unspent criminal convictions. The ILR application fee is 2,885 GBP per person.
Planning for the 5-year timeline
HR teams should track sponsored workers' visa timelines and plan extensions to ensure continuous qualifying residence. Gaps in visa status, extended absences from the UK, or salary falling below the required threshold can reset the 5-year clock. Some companies include ILR support as part of their immigration benefits package. After ILR, the worker is no longer tied to the sponsor and can work for any employer. One year after ILR, they can apply for British citizenship if they choose.
Skilled Worker Visa Statistics [2026]
Key data points on the UK Skilled Worker visa program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Skilled Worker visa holder change employers?
What happens if the employer loses its sponsor licence?
Does the salary threshold apply to part-time workers?
Can family members work in the UK?
Is the Immigration Skills Charge refundable?
Written by Adithyan RK