Skilled Worker visa for the United Kingdom: requirements and salary
The Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK for an employer the Home Office has approved as a sponsor. The employer gives you a certificate of sponsorship, and the job must be eligible and meet a minimum salary.
Checked against the official sources below on 2026-10-22. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Standard minimum salary: £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the job if higher
- Lower rate in some cases: At least £33,400 a year
- Decision time: Usually 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks from inside
- Length: Up to 5 years, then extend
Visa-sponsored jobs in United Kingdom
154 visa-sponsored tech jobs in United Kingdom on The Stack right now, from 51 companies, the latest posted on 2026-10-21. See all visa sponsorship jobs in United Kingdom
Companies sponsoring
Cities
- London 57
Who qualifies
- A confirmed job offer from a UK employer on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors.
- A certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from that employer. You must apply within 3 months of getting it.
- A job on the list of eligible occupations. Higher skilled jobs qualify; medium skilled jobs only in limited cases, such as jobs on the immigration salary list.
- A salary of at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. Some applicants can be paid less, but not below £33,400.
- English at the required level, which you usually have to prove.
How it works
- You apply online, up to 3 months before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.
- You prove your identity and provide your documents, which may need an appointment.
- You pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge for each year of your stay, and prove you have enough personal savings.
- Your partner and children may be able to join you as dependants.
Before you apply
- Changing job or employer means applying to update your visa.
- After 5 years you may be able to apply to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain), if you meet the rules in force at the time.