The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's main long-term work route for people from overseas. It is employer-led: you need a confirmed job offer from an organisation that holds a sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
Your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship — an electronic record containing the job details. The role must be on the list of eligible occupations and must meet the route's salary rules, which compare your pay with a general threshold and the going rate for the occupation.
Applicants must also meet an English language requirement and, in some cases, provide additional documents such as a criminal record certificate or a tuberculosis test result depending on the job and where they apply from. Salary thresholds and occupation lists are updated regularly, so check the current Immigration Rules for the figures that apply to you.
Eligible partners and children may be able to apply as dependants, subject to the rules in force for the role. The visa can be extended and may lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after a qualifying period, provided the requirements are met at the time.
Because the route depends on your employer's compliance, changes of job or sponsor need careful handling. This article is general information; for advice on your circumstances, speak to a regulated immigration adviser.
