Skilled Worker visa
For people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation.
The Skilled Worker visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Skilled Worker visa is for
For people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation.
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence.
Skilled Worker visa - eligibility criteria
- Job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship for an eligible occupation
- Salary at or above the route and going-rate thresholds
- Knowledge of English at level B1
- 70 points under the points-based system
Skilled Worker visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Skilled Worker visa (United Kingdom) is ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Points-based |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years per grant (renewable) |
| Work rights | Work only for your licensed sponsor in the sponsored role |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) |
| Route to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence.
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Common Skilled Worker visa pitfalls we fix
Skilled Worker visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Skilled Worker visa cost?
The Skilled Worker visa government fee is ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Skilled Worker visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Skilled Worker visa lead to permanent residence?
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous lawful residence.
Can I work on the Skilled Worker visa?
Work rights: Work only for your licensed sponsor in the sponsored role.
Who can apply for the Skilled Worker visa?
For people with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence in an eligible skilled occupation.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority