Migration Overseas
The main route for skilled professionals to work in the UK. Employer-sponsored visa with clear pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Key requirements to qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. The employer provides a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with details of your job and salary.
Earn at least £38,700/year or the "going rate" for your occupation (whichever is higher). ISL roles and new entrants qualify for £30,960 minimum.
Prove English skills at CEFR Level B2 through approved test (IELTS, PTE) or degree taught in English. Note: B2 requirement applies to new applicants from January 8, 2026. Some nationalities exempt from testing.
Job must be at RQF Level 6 or above (degree-level). Lower skill level roles (RQF 3-5) are only eligible if listed on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List.
Salary requirements vary based on your situation.
| Category | Minimum Salary (July 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Route | £38,700/year or going rate | Whichever is higher |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | £33,400/year | Previously "Shortage Occupation" - ISL expires Dec 2026 |
| New Entrant (Under 26) | £33,400/year | Recent graduates, PhD students, switchers |
| Health & Care Worker | £33,400/year or going rate | NHS band pay rates apply |
| PhD-level Jobs | £37,500/year | Jobs requiring PhD qualification |
| Transitional (pre-Apr 2024) | £31,300/year | For those granted visa before 4 Apr 2024 |
Common occupations for Indian professionals in the UK.
IT, Data, DevOps
Nurses, Doctors, Carers
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
Accountants, Analysts
Secondary, STEM subjects
Research, Biotech, Pharma
Project Managers, Surveyors
Supply Chain, Operations
Get expert guidance on your UK Skilled Worker Visa application. We help match your skills with UK employers.
Book Free ConsultationFind answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible skilled job. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa after Brexit and is the main UK work visa.
A CoS is an electronic document issued by your UK employer (licensed sponsor) containing information about the job and you. You need a valid CoS to apply for the visa.
Generally, you need to be paid at least £38,700/year or the 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher. Some discounts apply for certain occupations or circumstances.
The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent) and on the eligible occupations list. Many professional, technical, and skilled jobs qualify.
Employers pay £364-£1,000 per year of sponsorship (depending on company size). This is in addition to your visa fees.
Yes, after 5 years on Skilled Worker visa (or combination with other qualifying visas), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
You must prove English at CEFR Level B1 through approved tests (IELTS, PTE), qualifications taught in English, or being from a majority English-speaking country.
Yes, spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as dependents. Partners can work without restrictions; children can study.
Yes, but you need a new CoS from the new employer and must apply to update your visa before starting the new job.
Jobs on this list receive benefits: lower salary threshold and reduced Immigration Skills Charge. Check if your occupation qualifies for these discounts.
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