Moving Abroad

UK Skilled Worker Visa: Who Can Apply, How Long It Lasts and How to Apply

4 min read

In this guide
  1. What do you need to qualify?
  2. How long can you stay?
  3. How do you apply?
  4. What about family members and costs?
  5. After you arrive
  6. Common mistakes to avoid
  7. FAQ
    1. Do I need a job offer first?
    2. How long does the Skilled Worker visa last?
    3. Can I extend the visa?
    4. Can I settle in the UK after this visa?
    5. How early can I apply?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Quick answer: To get a UK Skilled Worker visa you need a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office, a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) with the role details, a job on the list of eligible occupations and English skills. GOV.UK says the visa can last up to 5 years before you need to extend, and after 5 years you may be able to apply for settlement. You must apply online, up to 3 months before the start date on your CoS.

The Skilled Worker visa is the main work route to the UK for people who have a job offer. It depends on your employer as much as on you, so many problems start before you apply: the wrong employer, the wrong job or a missing document. This guide explains the requirements GOV.UK publishes and the order to do things in.

What do you need to qualify?

  • An approved employer. The employer must be a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
  • A certificate of sponsorship (CoS). This holds the details of the role and comes from your employer.
  • An eligible job. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
  • A confirmed job offer. GOV.UK says you must have it before you apply for the visa.
  • English. You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English, and you will usually need to prove it when you apply.

GOV.UK says the minimum salary depends on the type of work and the date you received your CoS. Check the current salary rules for your occupation on the official page, because they change.

How long can you stay?

GOV.UK says your visa can last up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You can extend as many times as you like while you still meet the requirements. After 5 years, you may be able to apply for settlement, also called indefinite leave to remain. Read our guide to indefinite leave to remain for the routes and timelines.

How do you apply?

  1. Get the job offer and the certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
  2. Check the occupation and salary rules on GOV.UK.
  3. Prepare proof of English and the documents the application asks for.
  4. Apply online. GOV.UK says you must apply online, up to 3 months before your start date as listed on your CoS.
  5. Wait for the decision. It usually takes about 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision.

What about family members and costs?

GOV.UK says you, your partner and your children must each pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay, and prove you have enough personal savings. The amounts are on a separate GOV.UK page, so check them for your situation before you plan your budget.

After you arrive

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Resigning from your current job before the visa is approved.
  • Applying without a confirmed job offer or a certificate of sponsorship.
  • Assuming that any employer can sponsor you. The employer must be approved by the Home Office.
  • Paying someone who promises a job and a visa. Read how to avoid visa and job offer scams.

FAQ

Do I need a job offer first?

Yes. GOV.UK says you must have a confirmed job offer before you apply.

How long does the Skilled Worker visa last?

Up to 5 years before you need to extend it.

Can I extend the visa?

Yes, as many times as you like, while you still meet the requirements.

Can I settle in the UK after this visa?

After 5 years, you may be able to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain).

How early can I apply?

Up to 3 months before the start date listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

Key takeaways

  • You need an approved employer, a certificate of sponsorship and an eligible job.
  • Have a confirmed job offer before you apply.
  • The visa can last up to 5 years and can be extended.
  • Check salary rules and fees on GOV.UK, because they change.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Visa rules, salary thresholds and fees change often, so confirm everything on GOV.UK before you apply. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa

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