The UK Skilled Worker visa remains the primary route for overseas professionals taking up eligible roles with licensed employers in the United Kingdom. In 2025, several important updates took effect, including a higher general salary threshold and a tightened skill level for most jobs. This guide explains what changed, who qualifies, how much it costs, how long decisions take, and the exact steps to submit a strong application.
UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025 Quick-reference summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route name | Skilled Worker visa |
| Key 2025 change | General salary threshold raised to £41,700; most roles must be RQF Level 6+; ISL replaces Shortage Occupation List. |
| When lower pay can apply | Limited scenarios including ISL and specific tradable-points cases, with a lower floor around £33,400 and occupation-specific going rates. |
| English requirement | B1 CEFR (reading, writing, speaking, listening) with accepted proofs. |
| Fees (standard) | Outside UK: £769 up to 3y; £1,519 over 3y. Inside UK: £885 up to 3y; £1,751 over 3y. ISL discount £590/£1,160. IHS usually £1,035 per year. |
| Processing time | Typically 3 weeks outside the UK; around 8 weeks inside the UK under the standard service. |
| Maintenance funds | Usually £1,270 unless exempt or sponsor certifies maintenance. |
| Settlement | Normally eligible after 5 years continuous residence (current rule), though policy proposals exist to lengthen this in future. |
| Official guidance | GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa pages and Sponsor Guidance. |
| Official site | https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa (GOV.UK) |
What changed in 2025
From 22 July 2025, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker applications increased to £41,700 a year (or the “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is higher). In limited circumstances you can be paid less, but not below £33,400, and only if you meet strict conditions such as working in a role on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or meeting tradable points criteria.
At the same time, the skill requirement was raised so that most roles sponsored under the route must now be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above. The Home Office sponsor guidance confirms these changes and the current position on settlement.
The old Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List. Roles on the ISL can be sponsored on lower salaries than the general threshold (typically 80 percent of the route’s usual minimum, subject to rules). The government maintains and updates the ISL and associated pay rules.
Who qualifies (points and core criteria)
The Skilled Worker route is points-based. You generally need 70 points made up of mandatory and tradable elements. Core requirements include a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), the correct occupation code at the appropriate skill level, English at B1 CEFR or higher, and meeting the salary rules noted above.
English language
You must prove English at B1 CEFR across reading, writing, speaking and listening, usually via an approved test, an eligible UK qualification, or an overseas degree taught in English verified through Ecctis.
Maintenance funds
Unless exempt, you must show at least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days within 31 days of applying, or have your sponsor certify maintenance on the CoS.
Salary rules in detail
- General threshold: £41,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
- When you can be paid less: Certain cases (for example, roles on the Immigration Salary List or other tradable-points scenarios) allow pay below the general threshold but not below £33,400. You must also meet role-specific going rates and any additional conditions.
- Immigration Salary List: The ISL replaces the old shortage list and provides limited, codified discounts from the general threshold.
Fees and the healthcare surcharge
The standard application fee depends on where you apply and the length of permission requested:
- Outside the UK: up to 3 years £769; more than 3 years £1,519.
- Inside the UK (extend, switch or update): up to 3 years £885; more than 3 years £1,751.
- Reduced fee for ISL roles (inside or outside): up to 3 years £590; more than 3 years £1,160.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): usually £1,035 per year for each applicant.
Documents checklist
Expect to provide your CoS reference number, proof of English, passport, job title and salary, occupation code, and sponsor licence number. Depending on the role and your circumstances you may need criminal record certificates, TB test results, and financial evidence for maintenance funds.
Processing times in 2025
For applications made outside the UK, Skilled Worker decisions are typically made within about 3 weeks of biometrics under the standard service. For in-country extensions or switches, a typical timeframe is around 8 weeks under the standard service, with paid priority options available in some locations. Always check the latest service standards before applying.
Visa length, extension and settlement
Skilled Worker permission is usually granted for up to 5 years at a time (you can extend if you continue to meet the rules). As at October 2025, Skilled Workers can normally apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years of continuous residence on this or another qualifying route, subject to all settlement requirements. Note that ministers have proposed lengthening settlement timeframes in future, but the published sponsor guidance still confirms the 5-year rule at the time of writing.
How to apply: step by step
- Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor and obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship with the correct occupation code, salary and start date.
- Prepare documents: English evidence, passport, financial evidence (unless exempt), and any role-specific documents.
- Apply online via the Skilled Worker route, pay the fee and the IHS, then enrol biometrics at a Visa Application Centre or using the UK Immigration ID Check app where available.
- Await a decision within the stated processing timelines; monitor emails from UKVI in case additional evidence is requested.
- Travel and start work on or after the start date listed on your visa and CoS.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Selecting the wrong occupation code or quoting a salary below the correct going rate.
- Not meeting the B1 English requirement or failing to include accepted proof.
- Missing the maintenance funds evidence where the sponsor has not certified maintenance.
- Assuming you qualify for a salary discount without verifying if your role is on the Immigration Salary List.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for the UK Skilled Worker visa in 2025?
For most roles, the minimum is £41,700 or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. Lower amounts can apply in limited cases such as ISL roles or other tradable-points scenarios, subject to a floor around £33,400 and role-specific going rates.
Do I need to prove English, and at what level?
Yes. You must demonstrate English language ability at B1 CEFR using an approved test or a qualifying academic route.
How much money must I have in savings?
Unless exempt, you must show £1,270 held for 28 days within the 31 days before applying, or your employer must certify maintenance on your CoS.
How long will a decision take?
Standard service decisions are typically made in about 3 weeks for applications outside the UK and around 8 weeks for in-country applications. Priority services may be available for an extra fee.
When can I qualify for settlement?
As things stand in October 2025, Skilled Workers can generally apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years if they meet all settlement rules. The government has discussed longer timeframes, so always check the latest guidance before planning.
Where can I see the official rules, fees and forms?
All official rules, fees, documents lists and application links are on GOV.UK.
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