The UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide

1. Find a licensed sponsor

The first step in any Skilled Worker visa is finding an employer with an active Home Office sponsor licence. The Home Office maintains a public register of approximately 130,000 companies. Targeting roles advertised by companies already on the register is materially more efficient than blanket applications on generic boards.

Browse all licensed sponsors or filter by city.

2. Confirm SOC code & salary

Every UK occupation has a 4-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) code with an assigned “going rate” based on national median earnings. From 2026 you must be paid the higher of £41,700 or the going rate for your SOC code. Examples:

• SOC 2134 (Programmers and software development professionals): going rate £49,400
• SOC 2231 (Nurses): NHS pay scale (exempt from the £41,700 figure)
• SOC 2421 (Chartered and certified accountants): going rate £46,800

All SOC codes & going rates

3. New entrant & PhD discounts

If you are under 26, switching from a Student or Graduate visa, in postdoctoral research, or working towards a recognised professional qualification, you qualify for the new entrant rate — 30% off the going rate, with a £33,400 floor. Relevant PhD holders get 10% off (20% for STEM PhDs relevant to the job).

Full new entrant & PhD walkthrough

4. English language (B2 from 8 January 2026)

From 8 January 2026 the requirement is CEFR B2 — up from B1. Approved tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, LanguageCert, and Trinity ISE. Native speakers and degree-medium-of-instruction-in-English candidates remain exempt.

5. RQF Level 6 skill floor

Effective 22 July 2025, only roles at RQF Level 6 or above are eligible. Approximately 180 occupations (largely care, hospitality, and retail supervisory roles) dropped off the eligible list. The shift mostly closes the Skilled Worker route to sub-graduate-level work.

6. Total cost in 2026

Apply-from-overseas: visa application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) + biometric enrolment + optional priority service. The Immigration Skills Charge (£1,320/year (large) · £480/year (small/charity)) is paid by the sponsor, not the worker. The latest fee schedule took effect from 8 April 2026.

Read the £41,700 deep dive

Frequently asked questions

What is the 2026 minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa?

The general minimum is £41,700 per year, or the SOC code going rate, whichever is higher. The hourly floor is £17.13 regardless of weekly hours. New entrants (under 26 or switching from Student/Graduate) qualify for £33,400.

What English level is required from January 2026?

CEFR B2, effective 8 January 2026. The previous B1 standard no longer satisfies the requirement.

What is the minimum skill level for an eligible role?

RQF Level 6. Effective 22 July 2025, approximately 180 occupations dropped off the eligible list because they sit below RQF 6.

What is a defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A defined CoS is required for skilled workers applying for a UK visa from outside the UK. The employer applies to the Home Office for a defined CoS specifically for the candidate they wish to hire before the candidate can apply.

How do I find UK companies that sponsor visas?

Use our directory of 130,000+ licensed UK sponsors, synced with the Home Office Register. Cross-reference any employer against the official register before sending documents.