International workers with the requisite abilities can work in the UK for licensed UK firms with the UK Skilled Worker Visa. By the end of 2020, the Tier 2 visa superseded the UK skilled worker visa.

The UK skilled worker visa is a long-term work visa that can be issued for up to five years at first, depending on how long your certificate of sponsorship is valid. It’s crucial to remember that your visa is only suitable for as long as you continue to work for your sponsoring company. You must apply for a new skilled worker visa to switch jobs or employers.

You can extend your visa under the skilled worker path before it expires, and one year later, after five years of qualifying, you can apply for British citizenship and indefinite leave to remain (ILR). You must get a job offer and confirm that you fulfil the requirements listed below if you are considering applying for a UK skilled worker visa.

UK Skilled Worker Visa: Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for a skilled worker visa are:

• Have an offer of employment from a UK company.
• Your employer must be on the list of licenced sponsors recognized by the Home Office.
• Your employer’s “Certificate of Sponsorship” must be up to date. Your current position must be listed among the approved occupations.
• You must earn at least £38,700 annually, or the going rate for your position, whichever is higher. There are also exemptions to this annual salary
• You must meet the English language requirements.
• To demonstrate your ability to support yourself in the UK, you must have £1,270 in your bank account and extra if you have any dependants

UK Skilled Worker Visa: How To Apply

Applicants outside the UK must apply online at the Home Office website for a skilled worker visa. You can finish and submit your application with your employment offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, and the supporting documentation. If you need to, you can finish a portion of the application and save your application to finish it later. The following are the steps for applying:

• Get a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
• Get your Sponsorship Certificate from your UK employer.
• Assemble the paperwork required to demonstrate your eligibility for a skilled worker visa.
• Fill out the online application. Whether you are applying from outside the UK or transferring from another visa within the UK will determine which form you need to fill out.
• Pay the healthcare surcharge, biometric, and application fees (see below).
• Any supporting documentation for your application should be uploaded.
• Make an appointment for biometrics to capture your photo and fingerprints.

Extension of the UK Skilled Worker Visa:

As long as you remain with the same sponsor or employer and work in the same occupation (which needs to be the same occupation code as your present visa), you can extend your visa before it expires. Instead of extending your present visa, you must apply for a new one if you intend to change jobs or employers.

Conclusion:

The UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 offers skilled professionals a pathway to work and settle in the UK, provided they meet eligibility criteria like a job offer from a licensed sponsor and required skill levels. My Legal Services simplify the application process, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws and maximizing your chances of success.