UK Skilled Worker Visa Overview
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for UK employers to hire international talent. This guide covers everything from sponsor licences to application timelines.
Employer Requirements
Sponsor Licence
Before hiring any international worker, UK employers must hold a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.
To obtain a licence:
- Register on the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)
- Complete the application form
- Pay the fee (£536 small sponsor / £1,476 medium/large)
- Demonstrate genuine business need
- Show appropriate HR systems
Processing time: 8-14 weeks (2 weeks with priority)
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
For each worker, employers must assign a CoS containing:
- Job title and SOC code
- Salary details
- Start date
- Working hours
Worker Eligibility
Candidates must meet points-based requirements:
Mandatory Points (50 total)
- Job offer from licensed sponsor – 20 points
- Job at appropriate skill level (RQF 3+) – 20 points
- English language ability (B1 level) – 10 points
Salary Points (20 required)
- £38,700 or higher – 20 points
- £30,960-£38,699 (with tradeable points) – 10-20 points
Tradeable Points
Can offset lower salary with:
- PhD relevant to job – 10-20 points
- Job on Immigration Salary List – 20 points
- New entrant (under 26, recent graduate) – 20 points
Minimum Salary Thresholds
The salary must meet BOTH:
- General threshold: £38,700 per year
- Going rate: Minimum for that SOC code
Some routes allow lower salaries:
- Health & Care Worker visa: £29,000
- Immigration Salary List roles: 80% of going rate
- New entrants: 70% of going rate (minimum £30,960)
Application Process
For Employers
1. Obtain Sponsor Licence (if not held)
2. Check role eligibility (SOC code, salary)
3. Request CoS allocation (Defined CoS for overseas workers)
4. Assign CoS to worker
5. Worker applies for visa
For Workers
1. Receive CoS reference number
2. Gather supporting documents
3. Apply online via gov.uk
4. Pay fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
5. Book biometrics appointment
6. Attend VFS appointment
7. Wait for decision
8. Collect BRP after arrival
Required Documents
From Employer
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Job description
- Salary confirmation
From Worker
- Valid passport
- CoS reference number
- English language evidence
- TB test certificate (some countries)
- Criminal record certificate (some roles)
Processing Times
- Standard: 3-8 weeks (outside UK)
- Priority: 5 working days
- Super Priority: 24 hours (where available)
Visa Duration and Extensions
- Initial grant: Up to 5 years
- Extensions: Unlimited while sponsored
- Settlement (ILR): After 5 years continuous residence
Costs
Visa Application Fee
- Up to 3 years: £719
- More than 3 years: £1,420
Immigration Health Surcharge
- £1,035 per year of visa
Sponsor Costs
- Licence fee: £536-£1,476
- CoS fee: £239 per worker (medium/large sponsors)
Compliance Requirements
Sponsors must:
- Report changes within specified timeframes
- Keep accurate records
- Conduct Right to Work checks
- Maintain A-rating
Recruitroo manages the entire Skilled Worker visa process, from sponsor licence applications to ongoing compliance support.