Skilled Worker Visa UK

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and is the primary route for overseas nationals to work in the UK in a skilled role. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a UK Home Office-approved sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a specific role, and meet the salary and skills threshold for that occupation. ZAM Law Associates has helped workers from dozens of sectors — healthcare, engineering, IT, finance, education, and many more — navigate this route successfully.

The Skilled Worker route is a points-based system. Mandatory points are awarded for having a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, the role meeting the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above), and English language ability. Once mandatory points are scored, salary-based tradeable points determine whether an application can proceed. We assess your exact points score before any application is prepared.

Salary Requirements

As of April 2024, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased significantly. Most applicants must earn at least £38,700 per year (previously £26,200). New entrant rates apply to recent graduates and those switching from certain student routes. Healthcare occupations and shortage occupations have their own salary rules. We calculate the exact threshold for your occupation code and ensure your Certificate of Sponsorship reflects the correct figures.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The Certificate of Sponsorship is a unique reference number your UK employer (the sponsor) assigns to your role. It confirms the job details, salary, and start date. The CoS must be valid — they expire 3 months from assignment. We work closely with both applicants and their employers to ensure the CoS is correctly prepared, as errors here are among the most common reasons for visa refusals.

A defined CoS is used for workers applying from outside the UK, while an undefined CoS is used for in-country switching. The correct type must be assigned by the sponsor. We check the CoS carefully against the application requirements and advise both parties before submission to prevent avoidable refusals.

Switching to the Skilled Worker Route

If you are already in the UK on another visa — for example a Student, Graduate, or Intra-Company Transfer visa — you may be able to switch to the Skilled Worker route without leaving the UK. The switching rules are complex and depend on your current visa conditions. We advise on eligibility and handle the in-country application, including liaising with your employer on timing and CoS assignment to ensure there is no gap in your lawful status.

Certain visa categories do not permit switching to the Skilled Worker route from within the UK. If you are on a Visitor visa, for example, you must apply from outside the UK. We advise clearly on this distinction before any application is prepared, preventing wasted fees on ineligible applications.

Bringing Dependants

Your spouse or civil partner and children under 18 can usually accompany you to the UK as your dependants. Dependants may work in the UK without restriction. Dependant applications can be submitted at the same time as your main application or at a later date. We advise on the documentation required for each family member and prepare all applications concurrently to avoid unnecessary delay in reuniting your family.

Dependant applications require evidence of the relationship (marriage certificate, children's birth certificates) and that the main applicant meets the salary threshold. There is no separate financial requirement for dependants beyond the maintenance funds threshold. We compile a clear and complete evidence bundle for each dependant application.

Settlement on the Skilled Worker Route

After 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you have not exceeded the permitted absence limits and continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Many of our clients plan their immigration journey from the outset, and we help them track the milestones toward permanent settlement — from initial entry to ILR and eventually British citizenship.

Our Skilled Worker Services at a Glance

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