Skilled Worker Visa — sponsor-led, salary-checked, decision-ready
We align your job code, going rate and salary threshold with current rules, prepare a clean CoS pack with your employer, and file a persuasive application.
Skilled Worker Visa — sponsor-led, salary-checked, decision-ready
We align your job code, going rate and salary threshold with current rules, prepare a clean CoS pack with your employer, and file a persuasive application.
What is UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a type of work visa that allows foreign nationals to come to or stay in the United Kingdom in order to work for an approved employer in an eligible skilled occupation. It replaced the former Tier 2 (General) Work Visa and is one of the most common routes for individuals seeking long-term employment and residence in the UK.
This visa is designed to attract talented professionals from around the world who have the skills, experience, and qualifications that are in demand in the UK’s labour market. It provides a path not only to employment but also to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and, eventually, British citizenship.
At-a-glance
We validate your job code, salary and employer licence against the latest rules, then prepare a clean Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) pack and a persuasive application.
Role & employer requirements
Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and issue a CoS.
Your job must be on the eligible list (correct SOC code and skill level).
You must meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 or exempt).
TB test and criminal record certificate may be needed for certain roles/countries.
We liaise with HR to align duties, job code and contract wording with Appendix Skilled Worker.
Salary rules (plain English)
Your pay must meet the general salary threshold and the job’s going rate (based on SOC code) — whichever is higher.
Some roles have alternative thresholds or discounts (e.g., new entrants, specific occupation lists, Health & Care Worker route).
Pay must be genuine, compliant with hours, and meet UK labour law.
We calculate eligibility using your actual contracted hours and verify evidence (payslips, contracts, HR letters).
If you’re close to a threshold, we’ll model options with hours, job code alignment, or alternative routes.
Who can apply
You have a job offer from a licensed sponsor holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Your role is on the eligible occupations list with the correct SOC code and skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).
Your salary meets the general salary threshold and/or the going rate for the job code.
You meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 or above).
You can maintain yourself without public funds (funds held 28 days or sponsor certifies maintenance).
You apply from inside or outside the UK (switching from certain routes allowed).
Settlement path: After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet continuous residence and salary requirements.
Documents checklist
DocumentWhy it’s needed
Passport
Identity and travel history
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Issued by your employer confirming job, salary, and sponsor licence
Employment contract or job offer letter
Verifies role title, duties, and pay
Evidence of English (SELT / UK degree / majority-English country)
Proves CEFR B1 or above
Financial evidence (if sponsor not covering maintenance)
Shows you can support yourself for at least 28 days
TB test certificate
Required for residents of certain countries
Criminal record certificate
For roles in education, health, or with vulnerable people
Certified translations
For any non-English/Welsh documents
We verify your CoS data, documents, and salary evidence line by line to make sure your file is complete before submission.
Salary thresholds & going rate — how it works
Your pay must satisfy two tests at the same time: (1) the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker, and (2) the job’s going rate for your SOC code (usually expressed as an annual figure for a standard full-time week). You must meet whichever is higher.
What we check
SOC code match: duties align with the correct occupation code.
Hours & pro-rating: we convert your hours to the policy’s standard week and pro-rate going rate if needed.
Eligible pay only: base salary counts; most allowances/bonuses don’t (unless specifically permitted).
Contract evidence: CoS pay, contract hours, and payslips (for switches/extensions) all line up.
Discounted cases: some roles/routes (e.g., new entrants, certain lists, Health & Care Worker) may use different thresholds.
Typical pitfalls (we prevent)
Wrong SOC code for the described duties.
Using allowances to reach the threshold when they don’t qualify.
Hours not stated, leading to under-calculation against going rate.
Offer letter and CoS showing different pay/hours.
Make your Skilled Worker application decision-ready
We align your SOC code, salary and documents with the rules, coordinate with HR, and file a clean, compliant application.