Skilled Worker Visa UK: Eligibility, Salary Thresholds & Key Updates (2025)

Skilled Worker Visa – A Brief Summary

A Skilled Worker visa usually allows the applicant to stay in the UK for up to 5 years to carry out an eligible job with an approved (sponsorship-licensed) employer. Note that migrants on this visa cannot receive publicly funded benefits or the state pension.

The Skilled Worker Visa effectively replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa around December 2020.

Further details on the Skilled Worker visa can be found in the Immigration Rules (Appendix Skilled Worker).

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, the applicant must:

• Have a job offer or currently be employed by a UK-licensed sponsor;
• Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from that employer;
• Be undertaking a job on the official list of eligible occupations (see Skilled Worker visa: eligible jobs);
• Be paid in accordance with the points table and the Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes.

The Skilled Worker visa operates under a points-based immigration system. Most requirements are mandatory and must be met strictly for a successful application.

2025 Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold Increases

From 22 July 2025, updated salary thresholds apply to all new applications and renewals:

• The general salary threshold has increased from £38,700 to £41,700.
• For new entrants, the threshold rose from £30,960 to £33,400.
• For transitional cases (those granted a visa before 4 April 2024), the lower threshold has increased from £29,000 to £31,300.

Sponsors don’t need to meet the new thresholds immediately for existing workers, but will need to meet them for extensions, changes in employment or settlement applications.

Skilled Worker Visa Skill Level: RQF 6 Requirement & Transitional Rules

The government continues to encourage UK employers to reduce reliance on international recruitment.

Eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa (including relevant SOC codes) are available online and now generally require RQF Level 6 and above. Occupations must either:

• Appear on the Interim Immigration Salary List, or
• Be included on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, or
• Fall within the updated Skilled Worker eligibility list.

Transitional Arrangements for Lower-Level Roles

There is limited transitional relief for Skilled Worker visa holders already in the UK in RQF Level 3–5 roles, provided their Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned before 22 July 2025.

The visa application (and CoS start date) can fall after 22 July 2025, as long as the CoS is still valid at the time of application.

Speak to a Skilled Worker Visa Solicitor

At Fairmont Law Solicitors, we are expert lawyers in UK business immigration law. The above is a brief summary of the Skilled Worker visa so if you would like detailed legal advice tailored to your circumstances, we welcome you to book a consultation.

Appointments can be arranged via telephone or conveniently online. One of our experienced solicitors will guide you through your options and ensure you understand every step of the process.

Don’t delay, call or book today. Fairmont Law Solicitors are here to help.

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