UK Skilled Worker Visa: Your Simple Guide to Working in Britain

If you’re eyeing a job in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa is the main route. It lets you live, work, and bring family members over. The good news? The process isn’t as scary as it sounds once you know the steps.

What the visa needs – points and a sponsor

First, you need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence. That sponsor will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a unique reference number. Then you sit the points‑based system. You need at least 70 points, coming from things like salary, job skill level, English ability, and whether the role is in a shortage occupation. A salary of £26,200 usually meets the salary threshold, but higher pay or a shortage job can add extra points.

Step‑by‑step application walk‑through

1. Find a licensed sponsor. Look for companies that advertise they’re approved for Skilled Worker visas. 2. Secure a job offer. The role must be at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly A‑level standard). 3. Gather documents. You’ll need your passport, proof of English (like IELTS), the CoS, and proof you meet the salary or other points criteria. 4. Apply online. Fill out the form, pay the visa fee (around £610 for most applicants) and the healthcare surcharge (about £624 per year). 5. Biometric appointment. Book a slot at a visa centre, give your fingerprints, and get a photo taken. 6. Wait for a decision. Most decisions come within three weeks.

While you wait, you can start preparing for life in the UK – think about accommodation, opening a bank account, and understanding the National Insurance number you’ll need for taxes.

Remember, the visa lasts up to five years, and you can extend it as long as you keep meeting the requirements. After five years, you might even be eligible for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) if you meet the residency rules.

If your job ends early, you have 60 days to either find a new sponsor, switch to another visa category, or leave the country. That’s why staying in touch with your employer’s HR team is key.

Got a partner or kids? They can join you as dependents, but they’ll need to prove they’re your spouse or child and pay the same healthcare surcharge. They can also work or study while you’re on the Skilled Worker visa.

Bottom line: the UK Skilled Worker visa is a clear path if you have the right job offer and meet the points test. Follow the steps, keep your documents tidy, and you’ll be on your way to a new career in Britain.