The Skilled Worker visa is the UK primary work route replacing Tier 2 (General). It lets approved employers sponsor overseas professionals for eligible roles that meet minimum skill and salary rules. You must hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office-licensed sponsor, meet English language at CEFR B1, and pass points-based criteria that cover job, salary, skill, and English.
UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025 Short summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What changed in 2025 | General salary threshold increased to GBP 41,700; hourly floor GBP 17.13; stricter going-rate rules; ISL provides lower thresholds for specific roles. |
| Who can apply | Applicants with a confirmed job offer from a UK sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting skill, English (B1), and salary criteria. |
| Processing times | Typical guide: about 3 weeks outside the UK, about 8 weeks inside (switch/extend). |
| Fees (application only) | Outside UK: GBP 769 (≤3 years) or GBP 1,519 (>3 years). Inside UK: GBP 885 (≤3 years) or GBP 1,715 (>3 years). Discounted rates apply for ISL roles. Health surcharge applies. |
| Settlement | Still stated as five years’ continuous residence on an eligible route, though proposals exist; always check latest. |
| Official site | gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa |
Key updates at a glance (2025)
- General salary threshold: Raised to GBP 41,700 on 22 July 2025 for most Skilled Worker applications.
- Hourly floor: A universal GBP 17.13 per hour minimum applies alongside the general threshold.
- Immigration Salary List (ISL): Where an eligible role appears on the ISL, the minimum can be lower (currently GBP 33,400), subject to the occupation’s going rate rules.
- Going rates: Roles must usually meet the 100 percent going rate for the occupation code (no broad 20 percent discount as before).
- Settlement (ILR): Government guidance still states Skilled Workers can apply for settlement after five years’ continuous lawful residence on this or another eligible route. Some proposals to lengthen qualifying time have been aired, but policy can change; check current guidance before planning.
2025 salary rules in detail
- General threshold: Most applicants must be paid at least GBP 41,700 and the occupation’s full going rate, whichever is higher, while also meeting the hourly minimum.
- Hourly floor: GBP 17.13 per hour applies across Skilled Worker roles from 22 July 2025.
- Immigration Salary List (ISL): If your occupation appears on the ISL, you can be paid a lower general threshold (GBP 33,400) provided you still meet the occupation’s going rate.
- Health and Care sub-route: Health and Care Worker visas are part of Skilled Worker but follow specific rules, including different salary norms and fee relief in some cases. Check the dedicated pages if applicable.
Tip: The salary you must meet is the highest of the general threshold, the hourly floor, and the occupation going rate for your Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). Always confirm your SOC and going rate in the official tables before applying.
Eligibility checklist
- Licensed sponsor and a valid CoS describing the job, SOC code, salary, and start date.
- Skill level appropriate to Skilled Worker rules.
- English language at B1 or above (approved test/providers or recognised qualifications).
- Financial requirement: At least GBP 1,270 in savings unless your sponsor certifies maintenance, or you qualify for an exemption.
- Tuberculosis test or other documents when required by your nationality/country of residence (see official list).
Fees, surcharge and processing times
- Application fees: Outside UK GBP 769 (up to 3 years) or GBP 1,519 (more than 3 years). Inside UK GBP 885 (up to 3 years) or GBP 1,715 (more than 3 years). ISL roles have reduced fees.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Payable per year of the visa to access the NHS; check the current annual rate when you apply.
- Processing times: Approximately 3 weeks from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks inside the UK, assuming a complete file. Priority services may be available for an extra fee.
Step-by-step application guide
- Get a job offer from a UK sponsor and obtain your CoS reference. Verify SOC code, salary, and start date align with 2025 rules.
- Prepare documents: Passport, CoS, English proof, financial evidence (unless certified by sponsor), TB test where required, and any occupation-specific paperwork.
- Apply online on the official Skilled Worker visa page and pay fees plus IHS.
- Biometrics and photo: Use the UK Immigration ID Check app where eligible, or book a Visa Application Centre appointment.
- Wait for a decision. Track your application; respond promptly to any additional information requests. Typical timelines listed above.
- Collect or view your digital status and start work from the date permitted on your visa. Keep pay, role, and hours aligned with your sponsorship conditions.
Settlement and extensions
Current guidance confirms Skilled Workers can apply for settlement after five years of continuous lawful residence on this or another eligible route, provided salary and other ILR conditions are met. Be aware that policy proposals could modify settlement timelines, so check the latest before planning long-term applications.
Practical tips to avoid refusal
- Match all salary tests: general threshold, hourly floor, and full going rate. Do not rely on pre-2025 discounts.
- Check the ISL carefully before assuming a lower threshold applies.
- Keep documents consistent with the CoS, especially job title, SOC code, start date, and salary.
- Confirm fees and IHS just before submission; rates can change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary in 2025?
For most roles the minimum general salary threshold is GBP 41,700, plus the occupation’s full going rate and the hourly minimum of GBP 17.13.
Can I be paid less than the general threshold?
Only in limited cases, for example where the occupation is on the Immigration Salary List, currently allowing a lower general threshold of GBP 33,400 provided the going rate is still met.
How long does a decision take?
As a guide, around 3 weeks outside the UK and up to 8 weeks inside, if your file is complete.
What are the fees?
Application fees start from GBP 769 outside the UK (up to 3 years) and GBP 885 inside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. Some roles on the ISL pay reduced fees.
When can I settle permanently?
Guidance states Skilled Workers can apply for settlement after five years continuous residence, subject to meeting ILR rules. Keep an eye on any future policy changes.
Official resources
- UK Skilled Worker visa: how it works, eligibility, fees and apply online.
- Salary rules and going rates, including the hourly floor.
- Immigration Salary List and when you can be paid less.
- Processing times and decision guidance.
For More Information Click HERE
