The Skilled Worker route replaced Tier 2 (General) on 1 December 2020.

This visa is for overseas nationals who have a job offer in an eligible skilled occupation from a Home Office‑approved employer. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming that the role meets the required skill and salary levels set out in the Immigration Rules.

Please note: this information is intended as a general guide. Applicants should always refer to the official Home Office policy for guidance.

Key Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  • have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor
  • be employed in an eligible skilled occupation
  • meet the salary requirement for their specific occupation
  • meet the English language requirement
  • satisfy financial and suitability requirements

Visa Length & Extensions

A Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to 5 years at a time. It can be extended multiple times, provided the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

Please see further detailed information on the below official websites:

UKCISA
Gov.UK