Switch to Skilled Worker Visa

You might be able to switch your visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if your visa category allows you to switch to the UK work visa category. You must have a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor and meet all the eligibility requirements.

It's important to note that switching to a Skilled Worker visa from some other visa categories may not be possible. Applicants should always consult an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information and specific eligibility requirements for switching to a Skilled Worker visa.

If you need legal advice or help with your UK Skilled Worker visa application, our experienced immigration lawyer can provide you with the help you need.

Call Rex Law Chambers on 0161 989 9370 or fill in our enquiry form for immigration advice and help with your Skilled Worker visa application.

Table of Contents

• What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?
• Requirements to switch to a Skilled Worker visa
• Minimum salary requirement
• Financial maintenance requirement
• Certificate of sponsorship requirement
• English language requirement
• Skilled worker visa points calculator
• Who cannot apply to switch to this visa
• Visa application processing time
• Visa application fees & associated costs
• How can an immigration lawyer help you?
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Need legal advice or help from an immigration lawyer?

What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is a long-term UK work visa category that allows Skilled workers to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. The Skilled Worker visa is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the UK's economy and fill shortages in certain occupations.

This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 as part of the UK's new immigration system.

Requirements to switch to a Skilled Worker visa

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Job offer: The applicant must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor license. The job offer must meet the skill level requirement and be on the list of eligible occupations for skilled work.
• Certificate of sponsorship: The employer must provide a certificate of sponsorship, which confirms that the applicant has a genuine job offer.
• Salary requirement: The applicant must be paid at least the minimum salary threshold for the job they are offered, which varies depending on the occupation and skill level.
• Skill level: The job must be at RQF level 3 or above, which generally requires at least A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Some skilled jobs require higher qualifications.
• English language: The applicant must meet English language requirements, either by passing an approved English language test, or by holding a degree taught in English, or by being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
• Financial requirement: The applicant must show that they can support themselves in the UK without relying on public funds.
• Criminal record: The applicant must not have any criminal convictions or a history of unacceptable behaviour.

Read this comprehensive guide for more information about Skilled Worker visa requirements.

Minimum salary requirement

The Skilled Worker visa has a minimum salary requirement that an employer must pay to sponsor a migrant worker. The minimum salary requirement varies depending on the job the individual is applying for and their skill level.

The current annual general salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.

Financial maintenance requirement

The financial maintenance requirement is an important eligibility criterion for the Skilled Worker visa, which requires that an individual must be able to support themselves while living in the UK.

The applicant must have enough money to cover their living costs, including accommodation, food, and other expenses, without relying on public funds.

You'll usually need to have at least £1,270 for a period of 28 days if they are applying from outside the UK, or £945 for a period of 90 days if they are applying from inside the UK.

Certificate of sponsorship requirement

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a key requirement for the Skilled Worker visa. It is an electronic document that is issued by the employer who has offered the individual a job in the UK.

To obtain a Skilled Worker visa, the individual must have a valid CoS from their sponsoring employer. The CoS serves as evidence that the employer has met the requirements to sponsor an individual under the Skilled Worker visa category and that the individual has a genuine job offer in the UK.

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, the individual will need to provide their CoS reference number, which will be included in the CoS. The CoS will also include details about the individual's job, including the job title, the job duties, and the salary.

English language requirement

The English language requirement for a Skilled Worker visa is an important eligibility criterion that an individual must meet in order to be granted a visa.

To meet the English language requirement, an individual must:

• Pass an approved English language test: The individual must take an approved English language test and achieve at least CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The approved tests include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, or the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test.
• Have a degree taught in English: If the individual has completed a degree-level course that was taught in English, they may be exempt from the English language test requirement.
• Be a national of a majority English-speaking country: If an individual is a citizen of a country where English is the majority language, they will automatically meet the English language requirement.

Skilled worker visa points calculator

To calculate Skilled Worker visa points, an individual needs to meet certain eligibility criteria and score a minimum of 70 points in total. Here is how the points are calculated:

• Job offer from a licensed sponsor: 20 points The individual must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor license.
• Job at an appropriate skill level: 20 points The individual must have a job that is at the required skill level (RQF level 3 or above), as specified in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code.
• English language proficiency: 10 points The individual must provide evidence of their English language proficiency. This can be done by taking an approved English language test or by meeting one of the exemptions.
• Salary: 0-20 points The individual can score points based on their salary. If their salary is at or above both the general salary threshold and the going rate for the job, they can score the maximum 20 points. If their salary is lower, they will score points based on the actual salary offered.
• Shortage occupation: 0-20 points If the individual's job is on the shortage occupation list, they can score an additional 20 points.

To calculate the total points, the individual should add up the points they score for each criterion. They must score at least 70 points in total to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK:

• on a visit visa
• on a short-term student visa
• on a Parent of a Child Student visa
• on a seasonal worker visa
• on a domestic worker in a private household visa
• on immigration bail
• because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad if you're in one of these categories.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions about Skilled Worker visa: