UK Skilled Worker Visa: Complete 2026 Guide
139425 Companies Can Sponsor Skilled Workers in the UK
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for employer-sponsored migration to the United Kingdom. With 139425 licensed sponsors and 2,237,955 visa grants issued since 2010, the UK has one of the largest and most established work visa programmes globally. This guide covers the current requirements following the April 2024 salary threshold increase. Explore the full sponsor register on our UK visa sponsorship page.
Points-Based System
The Skilled Worker visa operates on a points-based system. You need 70 points:
| Requirement | Points | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from licensed sponsor | 20 | Yes |
| Job at appropriate skill level (RQF 3+) | 20 | Yes |
| English language (B1+) | 10 | Yes |
| Salary at required threshold | 20 | Yes |
All four are mandatory — there are no "tradeable" points that can substitute for a missing requirement.
Salary Requirements (Post-April 2024)
The April 2024 changes significantly raised salary thresholds:
| Category | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|
| General threshold | GBP 38,700/year |
| New entrant (under 26, students, PhD) | GBP 30,960/year |
| Health and care workers | GBP 29,000/year |
| Going rate for the occupation | Varies (whichever is higher) |
The salary must be the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for the specific SOC code. For many roles, the going rate exceeds GBP 38,700.
Licensed Sponsors
The UK publishes a public register of all licensed sponsors — unlike Australia, where the list is not publicly available. The register includes 139425 organisations spanning:
- NHS trusts and hospitals — the single largest group of sponsors
- Technology companies — from startups to multinationals
- Universities — sponsoring academic and research staff
- Financial services — banks, insurance, fintech
- Engineering and construction — growing demand
You can browse sponsors by city: London (largest concentration), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and more.
Application Process
- Employer obtains a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — assigned by the licensed sponsor with job details and salary
- You apply online — submit biometrics at a visa application centre
- Provide supporting documents: passport, English test, bank statements (GBP 1,270 for 28 days unless employer certifies maintenance), TB test (if applicable)
- Pay fees: visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (GBP 1,035/year)
- Decision: 3-8 weeks standard, or 1-5 days priority
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost (GBP) | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee (up to 3 years) | 719 | Worker |
| Visa fee (over 3 years) | 1,636 | Worker |
| IHS (per year) | 1,035 | Worker |
| CoS | 239 | Employer |
| Immigration Skills Charge (per year) | 364 (small) / 1,000 (large) | Employer |
| Priority processing | 500 | Either |
Total 5-year cost to worker: approximately GBP 6,800-7,800 including visa fees and IHS. This is one of the most expensive work visas globally.
Path to Settlement (ILR)
After 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Requirements:
- Still employed at the salary threshold (GBP 38,700 or going rate)
- No more than 180 days absence per year
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- English at B1 level (IELTS 4.0 in each component)
- ILR fee: GBP 2,885
After 1 year of ILR, you can apply for British citizenship (if eligible).
Impact of April 2024 Changes
The salary threshold increase from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700 had a significant impact on grant volumes. UK grants dropped from 279,501 in 2023 to 154,109 in 2024 — a 45% decrease. This particularly affected lower-paid sectors and new entrants. Healthcare and education received partial exemptions, softening the impact for NHS and school sponsors.
Practical Tips
- Check the sponsor register — search 139425 UK sponsors on ApplyWave
- Negotiate salary above GBP 38,700 — this is the minimum; going rate for your SOC code may be higher
- Consider new entrant rates — if you're under 26 or switching from a student visa, you qualify for GBP 30,960
- Factor in IHS — at GBP 1,035/year, a 5-year visa costs GBP 5,175 in health surcharge alone
- Apply for priority processing — GBP 500 extra gets a decision in 5 working days
Take your job search to the next level
ApplyWave helps you tailor resumes, track applications, and find visa-sponsoring employers — all in one place.