Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)
Work & Settle in the UK
The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 Visa) allows skilled foreign professionals to work and live in the UK with employer sponsorship.
It is one of the most common routes for skilled workers seeking long-term employment in the UK and provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
What is the Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)?
✔️ Allows skilled professionals to work in the UK under an approved employer with a Sponsor Licence.
✔️ Replaces the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa and provides a direct pathway to UK PR (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) after 5 years.
✔️ Visa validity: Up to 5 years, with the possibility of extension.
✔️ Spouses & dependents can accompany the primary visa holder and work freely in the UK.
✔️ No work restrictions – can switch employers with a new sponsorship certificate.
✔️ Covers a wide range of occupations from IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, education, and skilled trades.
Who Should Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
✔️ Skilled Professionals in High-Demand Occupations – IT experts, engineers, healthcare workers, finance professionals, and more.
✔️ Foreign Workers with UK Job Offers – Must have a valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
✔️ Healthcare & NHS Workers – Special provisions for doctors, nurses, paramedics, and aged care professionals.
✔️ STEM Graduates & Tech Specialists – Eligible for priority processing due to high demand in tech & engineering fields.
✔️ Workers Seeking Permanent Residency (ILR) – This visa provides a PR pathway after 5 years.
✔️ Spouses & Dependents of Skilled Workers – Family members can live, work, and study in the UK.
Eligibility & Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa
✔️ Valid Job Offer – Must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a Sponsor Licence.
✔️ Salary Threshold Requirement – Minimum salary of £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour (or £20,960 for shortage occupations).
✔️ Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – The UK employer must issue a CoS reference number for visa application.
✔️ Job Must Be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – Must match a recognized profession on the official UK list.
✔️ English Language Proficiency – IELTS/PTE or equivalent (minimum CEFR Level B1).
✔️ Sufficient Maintenance Funds – Proof of £1,270 in savings unless the employer provides financial support.
✔️ Health & Criminal Record Check – TB test required for applicants from certain countries.
Documents Checklist for Skilled Worker Visa Application
✔️ Valid Passport – Must be valid for the duration of the stay.
✔️ Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Issued by a UK employer.
✔️ Job Offer Letter – Includes job role, salary, and employer details.
✔️ Salary Evidence – Employer confirmation showing the job meets the minimum salary threshold.
✔️ Proof of English Proficiency – IELTS, PTE, or UK degree certificate.
✔️ Proof of Work Experience (If Required) – Letters from previous employers.
✔️ Educational & Professional Qualifications – Degree certificates or training certifications.
✔️ Maintenance Funds Proof – Bank statements showing at least £1,270 in savings.
✔️ TB Test Results & Police Clearance Certificate (If Required) – Medical and character checks for visa approval.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Fees (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker Visa | 3-8 weeks | £610 - £1,408 |
| Shortage Occupation List Visa | 3-8 weeks | £464 - £928 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | 3-8 weeks | £232 - £464 |
| Priority Processing (5-10 days) | 5-10 days | Additional £500 |
| Super Priority Processing (24 Hours) | 24 hours | Additional £1,000 |
UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees & Processing Time
✔️ Processing times vary by visa type and country of application.
✔️ Priority and Super Priority Services available for faster approvals.
✔️ Applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (£624 per year) for NHS access.
Occupations in Demand for UK Skilled Worker Visa Holders
✔️ Healthcare Professionals – Registered nurses, paramedics, radiographers, care assistants.
✔️ IT & Technology Experts – Software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity professionals.
✔️ Construction & Engineering Workers – Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electricians, quantity surveyors.
✔️ Finance & Accounting Professionals – Chartered accountants, tax consultants, auditors.
✔️ Education & Teaching Roles – Secondary school teachers (STEM subjects).
✔️ Hospitality & Tourism Workers – Chefs, hotel managers, restaurant supervisors.
✔️ Social Workers & Care Assistants – Mental health specialists, rehabilitation workers.
✔️ Creative & Digital Marketing Professionals – UX designers, content strategists, advertising managers.
Salary Insights for UK Skilled Worker Visa Jobs
| Occupation | Average Salary (GBP/year) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineers | £40,000 - £80,000 |
| Registered Nurses | £25,000 - £45,000 |
| Civil Engineers | £35,000 - £65,000 |
| Accountants | £30,000 - £60,000 |
| Electricians | £28,000 - £50,000 |
| Hospitality & Restaurant Managers | £22,000 - £45,000 |
| Logistics & Warehouse Managers | £30,000 - £55,000 |
| Healthcare Assistants & Care Workers | £20,000 - £35,000 |
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
✔️ Step 1: Check eligibility & job offer requirements.
✔️ Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer.
✔️ Step 3: Gather all required documents (passport, qualifications, salary proof, and English test results).
✔️ Step 4: Apply online through the UK Home Office Visa Portal and pay the visa fee.
✔️ Step 5: Book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
✔️ Step 6: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
✔️ Step 7: Wait for visa processing (3-8 weeks).
✔️ Step 8: Receive visa approval and travel to the UK.
✔️ Step 9: Start working in the UK and explore PR options.
Cost of Living in the UK for Skilled Workers
✔️ Cost of living is higher in London compared to regional cities.
✔️ Public healthcare (NHS) is free for visa holders after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
✔️ Many employers offer relocation packages and housing support.
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £900 - £1,800 (London) / £600 - £1,200 (Regional Areas) |
| Groceries & Food | £200 - £400 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet) | £100 - £250 |
| Public Transport | £80 - £200 |
| Healthcare (NHS) | Free (with Immigration Health Surcharge) |
| Entertainment & Dining | £100 - £300 |
| Childcare & Schooling (if applicable) | £500 - £1,500 |
Employer Sponsorship Programs for Skilled Workers
✔️ Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship – UK employers with a Sponsor Licence can hire foreign workers under this visa.
✔️ Health and Care Worker Visa Sponsorship – NHS hospitals, care homes, and private healthcare facilities actively sponsor workers.
✔️ Shortage Occupation List (SOL) Sponsorship – Faster visa processing and lower salary thresholds for in-demand roles.
✔️ Global Business Mobility Sponsorship – Multinational companies transfer skilled workers to UK branches.
✔️ Post-Study Work Sponsorship – UK graduates can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if sponsored by an employer.
✔️ Employer-Assisted PR Pathway – Some companies provide legal assistance and financial support for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications.
Regional Work Opportunities in the UK
✔️ London – Top hub for finance, IT, law, and corporate jobs, but has a higher cost of living.
✔️ Manchester & Birmingham – Growing demand in engineering, digital technology, and finance.
✔️ Scotland (Edinburgh & Glasgow) – Expanding healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy sectors.
✔️ Leeds & Newcastle – Strong opportunities in education, healthcare, and IT.
✔️ Liverpool & Sheffield – Manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades are thriving industries.
✔️ Bristol & Cardiff – High demand for aerospace engineers, creative professionals, and tech startups.
✔️ Northern Ireland (Belfast) – Strong finance, agriculture, and public sector employment.
PR Transition Strategies for Skilled Worker Visa Holders
✔️ Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After 5 Years – Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for ILR after completing 5 years of employment.
✔️ Employer-Sponsored PR Route – Some employers may support the ILR process for long-term employees.
✔️ Skilled Worker Visa Extension – If PR requirements are not met, applicants can extend the Skilled Worker Visa.
✔️ Spouse & Dependent PR Transition – Family members can also apply for ILR after 5 years.
✔️ Pathway to British Citizenship – ILR holders can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Faster Skilled Worker Visa Processing Tips
✔️ Apply Under the Priority Visa Service – The UK offers priority processing (5-10 days) for an additional fee.
✔️ Ensure Employer Completes Sponsorship Properly – Errors in Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications can cause delays.
✔️ Submit a Complete Application – Missing documents can lead to processing delays.
✔️ Check Processing Times Before Applying – Use the UK Home Office processing tool to track timelines.
✔️ Use an Immigration Consultant – Professional assistance speeds up approval and reduces rejections.
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