Skilled Worker Visa
Expert guidance on the UK’s primary work visa
route. OISC Level 3 regulated advisers helping
you secure your future in the UK.
What Is A Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is the UK’s main route
for overseas professionals to live and work in
the UK long-term. It replaced the old Tier 2
(General) route and forms part of the UK’s
Points Based Immigration System.
To qualify you must score 70 points by meeting
requirements around your job offer, salary,
skill level and English language ability.
After 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker
Visa you can apply for Indefinite Leave to
Remain — and eventually British Citizenship.
Key Requirements
📋 Job Offer Required
Must have confirmed employment
from a licensed UK sponsor holding
an A-rated Sponsor Licence.
💰 Salary Threshold
Minimum £41,700 annually.
New entrants and graduates
qualify at £33,400.
🎓 Skill Level
Your role must be classified
at RQF Level 6 or above
(graduate level equivalent).
🏠 Settlement Path
After 5 continuous years you
can apply for Indefinite Leave
to Remain (ILR).
Important Updates For 2026
The UK Government introduced major changes
to the Skilled Worker route in July 2025.
These updates affect salary thresholds,
skill levels and eligible occupations.
• Salary threshold increased to £41,700
• New entrant rate set at £33,400
• Minimum skill level raised to RQF Level 6
• Care worker roles moved to restricted
Health & Care sub-routes only
• Occupation list updated — many entry level
roles no longer qualify
• Stricter compliance measures now in effect
These changes make expert guidance more
important than ever. Contact Meralis today
to assess your eligibility.
How To Apply For a Skilled Worker Visa
Step 1 — Secure a Job Offer
Obtain a job offer from a UK employer
holding a valid A-rated Sponsor Licence.
Step 2 — Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
Your employer issues a Certificate of
Sponsorship (CoS) confirming your role,
salary and employment details.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents including
passport, English language proof,
maintenance funds evidence and TB test
results if applicable.
Step 4 — Submit Online Application
Complete your application via the UK
government’s online portal. Allow
approximately 1 hour if documents
are ready.
Step 5 — Pay Fees & Attend Biometrics
Pay all required fees including the
Immigration Health Surcharge and attend
your biometric appointment.
Step 6 — Receive Your Visa Decision
Await the Home Office decision.
Standard processing: 3–8 weeks.
Priority service: 5 working days.
Super Priority: Next working day.
Documents Required
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Valid current passport
• English language proof (B1 or above)
• Maintenance funds evidence
(£1,270 held for 28 days)
• TB test results (if from listed country)
• Criminal record check (certain roles)
• Previous passports if applicable
• Job offer confirmation details
Need Help With Your Skilled Worker Visa
Our OISC Level 3 regulated advisers have
helped clients successfully navigate the
Skilled Worker route. Book your free
consultation today.