UK Skilled Worker Visa

About the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for overseas nationals to work in the United Kingdom in an eligible occupation under a licensed employer sponsor. It is administered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) within the Home Office and was introduced on 1 December 2020 as part of the UK's post-Brexit points-based immigration system, replacing the former Tier 2 (General) work visa.

Applicants must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an employer holding a current Home Office Sponsor Licence. The role must appear on the Skilled Occupations list at the required skill level under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Points are awarded for a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor, a role at the required skill level, and English language proficiency at the required standard.

The visa is employer-specific — a change of sponsoring employer requires a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a fresh visa application. Workers who accumulate a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence in the UK under this route become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The Skilled Worker route operates alongside, and is distinct from, the Global Talent, High Potential Individual, and Scale-up routes, each of which has separate eligibility and sponsorship requirements.

Key facts

• Requires a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an employer holding a current Home Office Sponsor Licence
• Role must appear on the Skilled Occupations list at the required Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) skill level
• English language proficiency at the required standard is a mandatory eligibility condition
• Employer-specific visa — a change of sponsoring employer requires a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a fresh application
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) available after a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence under this route
• Introduced 1 December 2020; replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa under the post-Brexit points-based immigration system
• Administered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Home Office