Skilled Worker Visa — sponsor-led, salary-checked, decision-ready
We align your job code, going rate and salary threshold with current rules, prepare a clean CoS pack with your employer, and file a persuasive application.
At-a-glance
Licensed sponsor & CoS Eligible role (SOC code) Salary: general threshold or going rate English level B1 IHS payable Extend • Switch • Route to ILR
We validate your job code, salary and employer licence against the latest rules, then prepare a clean Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) pack and a persuasive application.
Role & employer requirements
- Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and issue a CoS.
- Your job must be on the eligible list (correct SOC code and skill level).
- You must meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 or exempt).
- TB test and criminal record certificate may be needed for certain roles/countries.
We liaise with HR to align duties, job code and contract wording with Appendix Skilled Worker.
Salary rules (plain English)
- Your pay must meet the general salary threshold and the job’s going rate (based on SOC code) — whichever is higher.
- Some roles have alternative thresholds or discounts (e.g., new entrants, specific occupation lists, Health & Care Worker route).
- Pay must be genuine, compliant with hours, and meet UK labour law.
- We calculate eligibility using your actual contracted hours and verify evidence (payslips, contracts, HR letters).
If you’re close to a threshold, we’ll model options with hours, job code alignment, or alternative routes.
Who can apply
- You have a job offer from a licensed sponsor holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Your role is on the eligible occupations list with the correct SOC code and skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).
- Your salary meets the general salary threshold and/or the going rate for the job code.
- You meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 or above).
- You can maintain yourself without public funds (funds held 28 days or sponsor certifies maintenance).
- You apply from inside or outside the UK (switching from certain routes allowed).
Documents checklist
| Document | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Passport | Identity and travel history |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Issued by your employer confirming job, salary, and sponsor licence |
| Employment contract or job offer letter | Verifies role title, duties, and pay |
| Evidence of English (SELT / UK degree / majority-English country) | Proves CEFR B1 or above |
| Financial evidence (if sponsor not covering maintenance) | Shows you can support yourself for at least 28 days |
| TB test certificate | Required for residents of certain countries |
| Criminal record certificate | For roles in education, health, or with vulnerable people |
| Certified translations | For any non-English/Welsh documents |
We verify your CoS data, documents, and salary evidence line by line to make sure your file is complete before submission.
Salary thresholds & going rate — how it works
Your pay must satisfy two tests at the same time: (1) the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker, and (2) the job’s going rate for your SOC code (usually expressed as an annual figure for a standard full-time week). You must meet whichever is higher.
What we check
- SOC code match: duties align with the correct occupation code.
- Hours & pro-rating: we convert your hours to the policy’s standard week and pro-rate going rate if needed.
- Eligible pay only: base salary counts; most allowances/bonuses don’t (unless specifically permitted).
- Contract evidence: CoS pay, contract hours, and payslips (for switches/extensions) all line up.
- Discounted cases: some roles/routes (e.g., new entrants, certain lists, Health & Care Worker) may use different thresholds.
Typical pitfalls (we prevent)
- Wrong SOC code for the described duties.
- Using allowances to reach the threshold when they don’t qualify.
- Hours not stated, leading to under-calculation against going rate.
- Offer letter and CoS showing different pay/hours.
Worked examples (illustrative)
| Scenario | General threshold | Going rate (SOC) | Offer (base pay) | Meets rule? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Role A (standard hours) | £X (current general threshold) | £Y (for this SOC) | £Y + £500 | Yes — exceeds the higher of the two |
| Role B (offer meets general but below going rate) | £X | £Y (higher) | £X + £1,000 | No — must reach the SOC going rate |
| Role C (new entrant discount) | Discounted threshold applies | Discounted going rate applies | Offer equals discounted going rate | Usually yes — if you qualify as a new entrant |
Fees, IHS & decision times
We’ll confirm your exact totals (length of CoS, inside/outside UK, any discounts) before filing.
| Where you apply | CoS length | Application fee (guide) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside the UK | Up to 3 years | £769 | Lower fee may apply if the role is on the Immigration Salary List. |
| Outside the UK | More than 3 years | £1,519 | Per applicant; dependants pay the same fee. |
| Inside the UK (extend/switch) | Up to 3 years | £885 | Standard in-country fee. |
| Inside the UK (extend/switch) | More than 3 years | £1,751 | Standard in-country fee. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year | Paid up-front for the visa duration (adults). Concessions apply for students/under-18s. | |
| Priority / Super Priority (optional) | +£500 / +£1,000 | Where available. Faster decision targets once ID/biometrics are done. | |
Decision times
Outside the UK: typically around 3 weeks for straightforward cases.
Inside the UK: usually up to 8 weeks on the standard service.
Other costs to expect
Visa Application Centre “user-pays” fees (some countries), document scanning, and optional courier/lodge services.
FAQs
Can I switch into Skilled Worker from inside the UK?
Yes, from many routes if you meet all requirements and hold valid leave (some categories can’t switch). We’ll confirm your exact options.
Do my dependants qualify?
Your partner and children can usually apply if they meet the relationship and maintenance rules. They’ll have permission in line with your visa.
What if I change employer or role?
You’ll normally need a new CoS and a new Skilled Worker application before starting the new sponsored job. Certain role changes with the same sponsor can also require approval — ask us first.
How long until I can apply for ILR?
Generally after 5 years of continuous Skilled Worker permission (and other criteria, including salary and absence limits). Time on most other routes won’t count unless specifically allowed.
Do I need to show funds?
Either hold the required maintenance funds for 28 days or have your sponsor certify maintenance on the CoS. We’ll advise which is best for you.
Can I take a second job or work self-employed?
Only in limited circumstances and usually with restrictions. Your main job must remain your sponsored role at the stated hours and salary.
Make your Skilled Worker application decision-ready
We align your SOC code, salary and documents with the rules, coordinate with HR, and file a clean, compliant application.