UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2026

🎯 The Points‑Based System – How to Score 70 Points

The Skilled Worker visa uses a points‑based system. You need a total of 70 points. The table below shows how points are awarded:

💡 How it works: The three mandatory criteria (sponsorship, skill level, English) give you 50 points. You then need 20 additional points from the salary‑related tradeable criteria. For most applicants, the standard salary of £41,700+ gives you those 20 points. If your salary is lower, you may still qualify if you meet one of the tradeable exceptions (e.g., shortage occupation, PhD, new entrant).

👉 Always verify your points using the official GOV.UK points calculator.

💰 Salary Requirements – General Threshold & Going Rates

The general salary threshold for 2026 is £41,700 per year. However, you must also meet the "going rate" for your specific occupation code (SOC 2020). The going rate is the minimum salary for that role based on UK national pay data. If the going rate is higher than £41,700, you must be paid at least the going rate.

Example: A software developer (SOC 2136) has a going rate of approximately £50,000. Even though the general threshold is £41,700, the employer must pay at least £50,000.

For official going rates per occupation, see the GOV.UK going rates tables.

Tradeable Salary Exceptions (Lower Salary Allowed)

• PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job – Minimum £29,000.
• Job on the shortage occupation list – Minimum £32,000 (but must still meet the going rate, which is often lower for shortage roles).
• New entrant (under 26, recent graduate, or in training) – 70% of the going rate, but never less than £25,000.
• Health and Care Worker visa roles – Minimum £28,300.

⚠️ Important: Even with these exceptions, you must still earn at least the specific lower threshold AND the applicable percentage of the going rate.

🗣️ English Language Requirement – B1 Level (CEFR)

You must prove your English proficiency at CEFR level B1 (intermediate) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You can prove this by:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider (IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, etc.). The test must be taken within 2 years of your application.
• Having a degree taught or researched in English (confirmed by Ecctis).
• Being a national of a majority English‑speaking country (list includes USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, etc.).

For the official list of approved tests and providers, see GOV.UK – SELT guidance.

💰 Maintenance Funds – £1,270 Minimum

You must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. This is to support yourself for the first month in the UK. If your employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship (by ticking the “maintenance certified” box), you do NOT need to provide bank statements.

If you are including dependents (spouse/children), you need additional funds: £285 for a spouse/partner, and £315 for each child.

Official guidance: GOV.UK – Money requirements.

📋 Eligible Occupations – RQF Level 3 or Above

The job must be at RQF level 3 or above (equivalent to A‑level or higher). Most professional, technical, and managerial roles qualify. Examples include:

• Healthcare – Nurses, doctors, radiographers, paramedics.
• IT – Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts.
• Engineering – Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical engineers.
• Education – Secondary school teachers (especially maths, science).
• Finance – Accountants, financial analysts, actuaries.
• Construction – Project managers, quantity surveyors, electricians.

The full list of eligible occupations is in the GOV.UK immigration rules – Appendix Skilled Occupations.

📄 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Essential Document

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record issued by your employer. It proves you have a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor. The CoS contains your job title, salary, occupation code, and the employer’s sponsor licence number. You cannot apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a valid CoS reference number.

For a complete explanation, see our Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) guide.

📝 How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step

1. Check your eligibility – Use the points calculator and confirm you meet all requirements.
2. Find a licensed sponsor – Use IFMOSA Work’s job board or the Home Office register.
3. Receive a job offer and CoS – Your employer assigns a CoS to you.
4. Apply online via GOV.UK – Complete the application form, pay the fees, and upload documents.
5. Pay IHS and visa fee – Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) plus visa application fee.
6. Attend biometrics appointment – Provide fingerprints and photo.
7. Receive decision – Usually within 8 weeks (outside UK).
8. Travel to the UK – Arrive within the validity of your visa vignette.

Official application portal: GOV.UK – Apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

💰 Application Fees & Healthcare Surcharge (2026)

• Visa application (up to 3 years) – £719 (shortage) / £827 (standard).
• Visa application (over 3 years) – £1,428 (shortage) / £1,579 (standard).
• Immigration Health Surcharge – £1,035 per year (payable for entire visa length).
• Biometrics – £19.20.
• Priority service (5 days) – £500; Super priority (1 day) – £1,000.

Example total for 3‑year standard visa: £827 + (3 × £1,035) = £3,932. For 5 years: £1,579 + (5 × £1,035) = £6,754.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

⚠️ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Trusting an employer without checking their sponsor licence – Always verify on the Home Office register.
• Assuming salary only needs to be £41,700 – Check the going rate for your specific occupation code.
• Not maintaining funds for 28 consecutive days – The balance must stay at or above the required amount every day for 28 days.
• Using an expired English test – SELT results are valid for 2 years.
• Paying for a CoS – Employers cannot charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship. If they ask for payment, it is a scam.