Introduction
The UK Skilled Worker Visa remains one of the most popular and practical routes for overseas professionals to live and work in the UK. It enables foreign nationals to take up qualified employment with a licensed UK sponsor and can lead to permanent settlement after five years.
Recent changes in 2024 and 2025 have reshaped the visa — introducing significantly higher salary thresholds, updated skill levels, and a full transition to a digital immigration status. This FAQ guide answers the most common questions for November 2025, based on the latest Home Office updates.
For end-to-end legal help, from sponsor licence setup to Skilled Worker Visa and ILR applications, LawSentis provides expert UK-based assistance tailored to professionals and employers.
Section 1: Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa
1. What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer holding a sponsor licence. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) route in December 2020 and usually lasts up to five years, with a direct route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
2. Who qualifies as a Skilled Worker in the UK?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Meet the required skill level — generally RQF Level 6 or above (Bachelor’s degree equivalent). Some transitional or lower-skill roles listed on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) may still accept RQF 3–5.
- Demonstrate English proficiency at B1 CEFR (note: this rises to B2 from 8 January 2026 for new applicants).
- Receive a salary that meets or exceeds the general or occupation-specific threshold.
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
If you’re unsure whether your job or qualifications meet the new RQF Level 6 rule, LawSentis can review your eligibility and advise on your visa options.
3. What jobs are eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Eligible roles are listed in the Home Office’s Skilled Occupations List, covering healthcare, IT, finance, engineering, education, and technical professions. Each occupation code includes specific salary and skill level requirements.
4. What is the new rule for Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
The main updates are:
- The general salary threshold rose to £38,700 in April 2024, and increased to £41,700 on July 22, 2025.
- The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by a revised shortage list system (ISL & TSL).
- Overseas Care Worker routes (SOC 6135 & 6136) closed to new applicants from outside the UK.
- Employers must ensure all sponsored roles meet RQF Level 6 unless the occupation appears on the TSL.
These rules are part of the UK’s focus on attracting higher-skilled, higher-paid professionals.
5. What are the latest immigration changes for 2025?
In addition to the higher salary and skill thresholds, the UK continues its move toward a fully digital immigration system, phasing out Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and shifting to online status management via UKVI accounts.
6. What is the new salary threshold for 2025?
The general salary threshold is £41,700 (effective since 22 July 2025) or the job’s “going rate,” whichever is higher.
- Roles on the ISL or TSL may qualify for a lower minimum (around £33,400 for new entrants).
- Certain health and education roles with separate pay scales also have different rules.
This ensures that Skilled Worker Visas focus on roles requiring genuine expertise and sustainable pay.
7. Which occupations are being removed from the Skilled Worker list?
Entry-level and low-skill roles were withdrawn. The most notable change was the closure of the Care Worker (SOC 6135) and Senior Care Worker (SOC 6136) routes for new overseas applicants. Only positions meeting RQF 6 or on the TSL remain eligible. LawSentis monitors these updates to help applicants align their job offers correctly.
8. Is the Skilled Worker Visa difficult to obtain?
The visa isn’t necessarily difficult if all conditions are met — but securing sponsorship and meeting salary or skill thresholds can be challenging. With expert legal guidance from LawSentis, applicants can ensure full compliance and maximize approval chances.
Section 2: Application and Process
9. How can I apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Applications are submitted online via the UK Home Office portal. You’ll need:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Evidence of English language proficiency.
- Proof of job offer and salary.
- Passport and supporting documents.
After submission, applicants either attend a biometric appointment or verify identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
10. What online platforms help apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
The GOV.UK official visa portal is the only legitimate online platform for applying. Third-party “fast-track” or “guaranteed visa” services are not authorized. For genuine support, LawSentis assists clients with documentation and legal representation through the entire process.
11. How do I book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre?
You can schedule your appointment through VFS Global or TLScontact, depending on your country. Slots are shown automatically once your online application is complete.
12. How can I check the status of my Skilled Worker Visa application?
Applicants can track progress via their UKVI account using their application reference number. LawSentis can also make formal inquiries on your behalf if your application exceeds standard processing times.
13. What mobile apps assist in tracking UK visa applications and documents?
The UK Immigration: ID Check app allows you to scan your passport, verify your identity, and track application progress. All status updates are shared digitally through your UKVI account.
14. Can I use visa processing services to expedite my Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes. You can use the Priority (5-day) or Super Priority (1-day) service where available, for an additional Home Office fee. LawSentis can confirm your eligibility for premium processing in your country.
15. Where can I find official UK government guidance on Skilled Worker Visa requirements?
All official guidance is published on GOV.UK under the Skilled Worker route. If you find it complex, LawSentis simplifies the process through personalized advice sessions explaining every stage in plain language.
Section 3: Legal, Professional & Support Services
16. Which companies offer legal services for UK Skilled Worker Visa applications?
Regulated UK firms like LawSentis provide comprehensive visa and sponsor licence assistance. Avoid unregulated “consultants” or agents offering guarantees – only UK-regulated providers, such as those authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) or the SRA, can legally give immigration advice.
Lawsentis is an IAA level 3 regulated firm that can help you with your application support.
17. What are the best UK immigration consultants specializing in Skilled Worker Visas?
Reliable consultants are those regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) (formerly OISC) or the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). LawSentis is one such regulated firm, offering expert support for Skilled Worker and business immigration cases.
18. Which recruitment agencies focus on placing skilled workers eligible for UK visas?
Many recruitment agencies work with licensed UK sponsors in IT, healthcare, engineering, and construction. However, agencies cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship — only the actual employer can. Always confirm the employer is listed on the Home Office Register of Sponsors.
19. What are the top-rated online courses to prepare for the Skilled Worker Visa English test?
Accepted English test providers include IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert, and Pearson PTE Academic UKVI. Applicants can prepare through accredited online platforms such as FutureLearn or British Council’s online programs.
Section 4: Duration, Extension & Settlement
20. What happens after 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa?
After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet continuous residence, salary, and lawful employment requirements. This provides permanent settlement rights in the UK.
21. Can I extend a Skilled Worker Visa after 5 years?
You can extend it if you’re not yet eligible for ILR, as long as you remain sponsored. LawSentis ensures your extension application aligns with compliance requirements and is submitted before expiry.
22. How many years on a Skilled Worker Visa before ILR?
You must complete 5 consecutive years under this route to qualify, with certain other work categories (such as Global Talent) counting toward the total.
23. Can I stay in the UK after my Skilled Worker Visa expires?
No. You must apply for an extension or switch before expiry. Overstaying can result in severe immigration penalties. LawSentis provides reminders and early submission support to help you avoid lapses.
24. What will replace the BRP in 2025?
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is being replaced by a digital immigration status (eVisa). The Home Office requires all BRP holders to set up a UKVI online account to access their digital status. The physical BRP is now obsolete and is invalid for travel (since 1 June 2025).
25. What is the Skilled Worker 5-Year Route?
This is the settlement pathway where individuals spend 5 years continuously on the Skilled Worker Visa before qualifying for ILR. Extensions are allowed if ILR conditions aren’t yet met.
26. Can I work full time on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can work full-time for your sponsor and take limited supplementary work (up to 20 hours per week) provided it is in the same occupation code as your main job, or an occupation on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
27. What happens after I get Indefinite Leave to Remain?
You can live and work in the UK without restriction and later apply for British citizenship after 12 months of ILR status (provided all other nationality requirements are met).
28. Is the Skilled Worker Visa hard to get?
Not if you meet all criteria and your application is professionally handled. Refusals usually occur due to incorrect CoS data or salary mismatch – LawSentis ensures precision and compliance throughout the process.
Conclusion
The Skilled Worker Visa continues to be the UK’s key route for global professionals — now with higher thresholds and a focus on digital transformation. With evolving rules in 2025, accuracy and timing are essential for success.
For professional, fully regulated support with Skilled Worker Visa applications, sponsor compliance, or settlement, LawSentis offers:
- Skilled Worker Visa applications and extensions
- Sponsor licence applications and audits
- ILR and settlement assistance
- Family and dependent visa support
How LawSentis Can Help You
Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa involves complex sponsorship, compliance, and documentation steps – but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At LawSentis, we offer:
- Full visa application and document review
- Sponsorship and job eligibility assessment
- Priority processing support
- ILR and visa extension assistance
Our experts ensure your case is handled with precision from start to finish.