Immigration, Simplified
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for international professionals to work in the UK for an approved employer. Following major updates in 2025 and early 2026, the requirements have shifted to focus on higher-skilled roles and increased salary levels.
Official UK Government Updates
For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:
Core Eligibility
To qualify for 70 points under the current system, you must meet these mandatory criteria:
- Sponsorship (20 points): A valid job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office-approved A-rated sponsor.
- Skill Level (20 points): The role must be at RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree) for most standard roles.
- English Proficiency (10 points): As of January 8, 2026, new applicants must prove English skills at CEFR Level B2 (Upper Intermediate) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
2026 Salary Thresholds
To claim the final 20 points, your salary must meet the “higher of the two” rule: it must be at least the general threshold OR 100% of the specific “going rate” for your occupation code.
| Option | Category | General Threshold | Tradeable Points |
| A | Standard Applicant | £41,700 | 20 |
| B | Relevant PhD (non-STEM) | £37,500 | 20 |
| C | Relevant PhD (STEM) | £33,400 | 20 |
| D | Immigration Salary List (ISL) | £33,400 | 20 |
| E | New Entrant (Under 26/Recent Grad) | £33,400 | 20 |
- New Entrants: You can be paid 70% of the going rate, but your salary cannot fall below the £33,400 floor. This status is limited to a maximum of 4 years.
- Transitional Arrangements: If you held a Skilled Worker visa before April 4, 2024, and are extending with the same employer, your general threshold may be lower (typically £31,300).
Application Costs (2026 Rates)
Costs vary based on the length of your sponsorship and whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.
| Application Type | Outside UK Fee | Inside UK (Extension) |
| Up to 3 years | £769 | £885 |
| More than 3 years | £1,519 | £1,751 |
| ISL Roles (Up to 3 yrs) | £590 | £590 |
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Most adults must pay £1,035 per year upfront.
- Maintenance: You must show at least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 days, unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance on the CoS.
Timeline and Decisions
- Applying: You can apply up to 3 months before your start date.
- Standard Processing: Decisions take roughly 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK).
- Priority Services: Priority (5 days) costs an extra £500, while Super Priority (24 hours) costs £1,000.
Settlement (ILR)
The Skilled Worker route typically leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years. However, under 2026 proposals, the Home Office is reviewing extending the baseline pathway to 10 years for certain categories. To qualify, you must still be needed for your job and meet the relevant salary threshold at the time of application.
Skilled Worker Visa
Expert assistance for Skilled Worker visa entry clearance, switching, or extension applications.
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Important Information Regarding Our Fees
Service Fees: Our quotes are for professional consulting only and exclude Home Office fees, IHS, biometrics, and third-party costs.
Estimated Quotes: Prices shown are indicative. Final fees depend on case complexity, urgency, and the specific scale of your documentation.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are exclusive of VAT.
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