The Skilled Worker visa UK is the main immigration route for individuals who want to live and work in the UK. If you have an eligible job offer with an approved sponsor, this visa allows you to build your career in the UK. Below we explain the key facts, including visa requirements, how to apply, how to extend your Skilled Worker visa, and how employers can obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, please call us now on 0330 1337777 or complete an Online Enquiry.
“Good service, I made application for skilled worker visa and later for ILR, both are successful, quick replies. Amazing job!Good service, I made application for skilled worker visa and later for ILR, both are successful, quick replies. Amazing job!”
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa UK, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office–approved UK employer.
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from that employer.
- Be employed in a role listed on the eligible occupations list.
- Be paid at least the relevant minimum salary threshold.
- Meet the English language requirement.
- If you don’t meet these requirements, you may need to consider an alternative UK visa route.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa UK
The Skilled Worker visa application is completed online. You can apply from outside the UK, or from inside the UK if you already hold a valid visa.
- Complete the online Skilled Worker visa application form.
- Prove your identity – either through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre where your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) will be taken.
- Submit supporting documents, which may include:
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Proof of English language ability (test results or degree certificate).
- Valid passport or travel ID.
- Job details: title, salary, occupation code.
- Employer’s sponsor licence number.
- Evidence of income or qualifications (if required).
- Proof of relationship for partner or children applying as dependants.
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
- Certified translations of documents not in English or Welsh.
How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Last?
- A Skilled Worker visa can last for up to five years.
- After this period, you must either extend the visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if eligible.
- Your dependants (partner and children) must also apply separately to extend their own visas.
The Home Office will not remind you of your expiry date. Always check your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to confirm when your visa ends.
We have worked on a variety of immigration projects with Halliday Reeves in recent years and would be very happy to recommend their services and support on both a personal and business level.
“Many Skilled Worker visa refusals are caused by incomplete or incorrect applications. Using an experienced UK immigration solicitor reduces the risk of refusal and ensures your case is processed smoothly.”
Skilled Worker Visa Extension
If you want to continue working in the UK, you must apply for a Skilled Worker visa extension before your current visa expires.
- Begin your application several months before expiry, as it may take up to 4 months to process.
- To qualify for an extension, you must:
- Remain with the same employer and in the same role (occupation code).
- Obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Continue to meet the minimum salary requirement (lower thresholds may apply if you are under 26, working in a shortage occupation, or hold a STEM PhD).
- The Home Office aims to process applications in 8 weeks, but at busy times this can extend to 16 weeks.
- Priority services are available for faster decisions, for an additional fee.
Skilled Worker Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years on a Skilled Worker visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), giving you permanent residence in the UK.
Requirements include:
- Continuous residence in the UK (with no more than 180 days spent outside the UK in any 12-month period).
- Ongoing employment with your sponsor and compliance with minimum salary thresholds.
- Passing the Life in the UK Test.
Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence for Employers
If you are an employer wishing to hire overseas staff, you must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
How Long Does It Take?
- Most sponsor licence applications are processed within 8 weeks.
- A faster service may be available (limited daily quota) for an additional fee.
Sponsor Licence Eligibility
You may apply if:
- You do not have certain unspent criminal convictions.
- You have not had a licence revoked in the past 12 months.
- The role offered is an eligible occupation with the correct pay and skill level.
Roles You Must Assign
Employers must nominate individuals to manage the licence:
- Authorising Officer – overall responsibility for compliance.
- Key Contact – liaises with UKVI.
- Level 1 User – manages the licence online.
(One person may hold all roles if needed.)
Documents Required
A Skilled Worker sponsor licence application must be supported by documents such as:
- Company background details.
- Bank statements and accounts.
- VAT registration certificate.
- PAYE/tax details.
- Employer’s liability insurance (£5m minimum).
- Proof of banking arrangements.
- Membership of any required professional body.
Missing paperwork is one of the main reasons sponsor licence applications are refused. Legal guidance helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Why Choose Halliday Reeves?
- Over 20 years’ specialist immigration law experience.
- More than 50,000 successful visa applications.
- Fixed, affordable fees – no hidden costs.
- Multi-lingual solicitors and interpreters available.
- Accredited and regulated: SRA | Lexcel | SQM Competent Plus+ | Cyber Essentials.
- Offices in Middlesbrough & Wakefield, advising clients nationwide.
Contact Our Immigration Solicitors
We offer a free initial enquiry service for Skilled Worker visas and sponsor licence applications.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, please call us now on 0330 1337777 or complete an Online Enquiry.
“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”
