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United KingdomWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa lets you come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job for a Home Office-approved employer (a sponsor). Your employer gives you a certificate of sponsorship, and the job must be on the eligible occupations list and pay at least the minimum salary. You apply online and prove your identity with the ID Check app or at a visa application centre. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.

See requirements ↓
Entry restrictions apply to 1 passports for United Kingdom

The government has suspended some or all visas for holders of these passports. Exceptions exist; see the source.

  • Afghanistan

Source: GOV.UK - Visa brake: changes to the UK visa systemSource: UK Parliament - Written ministerial statement HCWS1379, 5 March 2026Source: GOV.UK - Explanatory memorandum to the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules HC 1691, 5 March 2026

Life in United Kingdom

Money

3

Currency

British Pound

GBP

British Pound

Cost of living

92

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

20–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 20% · social security 8%

Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.7

#27 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

People with a confirmed job offer from a UK licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation that meets the salary and English language rules.

Eligibility

  • Licensed sponsor

    You must work for a UK employer that the Home Office has approved as a sponsor. Care workers in England (codes 6135 and 6136) must work for an employer registered with the Care Quality Commission.

    What these codes mean (2)
    6135
    Care workers and home carers
    6136
    Senior care workers
    Official list: UK occupation code (SOC 2020)

  • Certificate of sponsorship

    You need a certificate of sponsorship from your employer, and you must apply within 3 months of getting it.

    • The CoS contains details of the role
    Official wording

    Your employer must assign you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) with details of the role. You must apply within 3 months of getting it.

  • Confirmed job offer

    You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementEligible occupation
  • Document checklistCertificate of sponsorship reference number
  • FeesApplication fee, outside UK, up to 3 years

The full requirements are for members

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  • 7 more requirements
  • 11 documents
  • 11 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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