What are the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?

You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor, the job must normally be at degree level (RQF 6, or on the Temporary Shortage List) and meet the salary threshold (generally at least the going rate or minimum salary, whichever is higher), and you must meet the English language requirement (level B2 for new applicants since January 2026).

Visa Sponsorship Data

UK Licensed Sponsor List — Skilled Worker Visa Employers

Find employers licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. We track all licensed sponsors from the UK Home Office register.

View data for:

All Countries 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇦 Canada 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇦🇺 Australia 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇳🇱 Netherlands

2,237,955

Visa Grants

127,717

Licensed Sponsors

132,607

Companies Tracked

2010-2025

Years of Data

Understanding UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's main work visa route for foreign nationals. Employers must be licensed sponsors approved by the UK Home Office and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for each worker.

How UK Sponsorship Works

Employer obtains a sponsor licence from the Home Office
Employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Worker applies for Skilled Worker visa
Visa granted (usually 3-5 years)
After 5 years, apply for settlement (ILR)

Key Facts

• No annual cap on Skilled Worker visas
• Minimum salary threshold applies
• English at level B2 (since January 2026)
• Job at degree level (RQF 6), unless on the Temporary Shortage List
• Path to settlement after 5 years

Tip: Check if a company is on the licensed sponsor register before applying. Only licensed sponsors can issue the Certificate of Sponsorship required for your visa application.

Visa Grants by Year

135,111 approvals

2016

133,167 approvals

2017

142,878 approvals

2018

161,485 approvals

2019

98,376 approvals

2020

123,306 approvals

2021

217,822 approvals

2022

279,501 approvals

2023

154,109 approvals

2024

94,949 approvals

2025

Figures up to 2025 Q3.

Top UK Cities by Number of Visa Sponsors

London

43,581

Birmingham

3,317

Manchester

3,097

Glasgow

1,498

Leicester

1,493

Bristol

1,461

Edinburgh

1,310

Leeds

1,179

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Visa Sponsorship by Role

Healthcare & Care Roles→Farm & Agriculture Roles→Transport & Driving Roles→Hospitality & Food Roles→Construction & Trades Roles→Manufacturing Roles→Education Roles→Engineering Roles→Finance Roles→

Browse by Occupations

Administrative And Secretarial Occupations→Administrative Occupations Finance→Administrative Occupations Government And Related Organisations→Administrative Occupations Office Managers And Supervisors→Administrative Occupations Records→Agricultural And Related Trades→Animal Care And Control Services→Architects Chartered Architectural Technologists Planning Officers Surveyors And Construction Professionals→Artistic Literary And Media Occupations→Assemblers And Routine Operatives→Associate Professional Occupations→Bed And Breakfast And Guest House Owners And Proprietors→Building Finishing Trades→Business And Financial Project Management Professionals→Business Associate Professionals→Business Research And Administrative Professionals→

Browse by Sectors

Accommodation And Food Service Activities→Activities Of Extraterritorial Organisations And Bodies→Activities Of Households As Employers Production Activities Of Household For Own Use→Administrative And Support Service Activities→Agriculture Forestry And Fishing→Arts Entertainment And Recreation→Construction→Education→Electricity Gas Steam And Air Conditioning Supply→Financial And Insurance Activities→Human Health And Social Work Activities→Information And Communications→Manufacturing→Mining And Quarrying→Other Service Activities→Professional Scientific And Technical Activities→Public Administration And Defence Compulsory Social Security→Real Estate Activities→Transportation And Storage→Water Supply Sewerage Waste Management And Remediation Activities→Wholesale And Retail Trade Repair Of Motor Vehicles And Motorcycles→

Browse by Cities

Aberdare→Aberdeen→Aberdeenshire→Abergavenny→Aberystwyth→Abingdon→Accrington→Acton→Addlestone→Airdrie→Alcester→Aldershot→Alfreton→Alloa→Alnwick→Alresford→

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UK Skilled Worker Visa FAQ

What is the UK Skilled Worker visa?▼

The Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for a licensed sponsor employer. The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The job must meet minimum skill level and salary requirements.

How do I check if a UK employer is a licensed sponsor?▼

The UK Home Office publishes a register of licensed sponsors which is updated regularly. ApplyWave tracks this register so you can search any company and verify their sponsorship status instantly.

Can the Skilled Worker visa lead to permanent residence?▼

Yes. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the UK equivalent of permanent residence. You must meet salary and continuous residence requirements.