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🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Main employment visa for workers with job offers in eligible skilled occupations. Requires employer sponsorship from a licensed sponsor. MAJOR 2026 CHANGES: Minimum salary threshold increased to £41,700 (or 100% of occupation going rate, whichever higher) from July 2025. Skill level requirement raised to RQF 6 (graduate-level). English requirement increased to B2 from January 2026 for new applicants. Lower thresholds available for PhD holders (£37,500/£33,400) and new entrants (£33,400). Health and education roles have separate thresholds. Immigration Skills Charge: £1,320/year for medium/large employers. Valid up to 5 years, renewable, leads to settlement after 5 years.

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Processing Time

3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK)

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Cost

£719-£1,500 visa fee + £1,035/year healthcare surcharge + £1,320/year employer Immigration Skills Charge

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Duration

Up to 5 years, renewable

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Work Rights

Tied to sponsoring employer (can change sponsors)

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Renewability

Unlimited renewals

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Path to Permanent Residence

Yes

Requirements

  • 1Job offer from licensed UK sponsor
  • 2Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  • 3Meet salary threshold (£41,700 or going rate)
  • 4Role at RQF 6 skill level or above
  • 5English language B2 (from Jan 2026)
  • 6£1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days

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