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UK Skilled Worker Shortage Occupations List Explained

The Shortage Occupation List (and its successor Immigration Salary List) identifies roles where the UK faces persistent labour shortages, allowing reduced salary thresholds and other concessions. This article explains how the list works, which roles are typically included, and what it

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold Explained

The Skilled Worker visa salary requirement combines a general threshold with an occupation-specific going rate. The higher of the two normally applies. This article explains the calculation, tradeable points that reduce the threshold, and how allowances and benefits are treated.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Redundancy on a Skilled Worker Visa: Your Options

Redundancy from a sponsored role triggers the sponsor's duty to report the end of employment, which typically leads to a 60-day curtailment notice. This article explains the options during the 60 days: finding a new sponsor, switching route, applying for a new visa or leaving the UK.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

UK Immigration Skills Charge: Who Pays and How Much

The Immigration Skills Charge is paid by sponsors for each Certificate of Sponsorship issued on the Skilled Worker and certain other work routes. This article explains who pays, how much, the reductions for small businesses and charities, and the exemptions.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

UK Immigration Health Surcharge: Costs and Refunds

The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid by most visa applicants and funds their access to NHS services. This article covers the rate per year, who pays, who is exempt, and the narrow circumstances in which refunds are issued.

16 Jun 2026 · 9 min read

Going Self-Employed on a Skilled Worker Visa: Rules

Skilled Worker visa conditions tie the holder to a specific sponsored role with a specific employer. Self-employment is not permitted as the main work; supplementary self-employment is permitted in narrow circumstances. This article explains the boundaries and the alternative routes for

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Skilled Worker Visa Extension: Process and Costs

Skilled Worker visa holders can extend their leave from inside the UK before the current visa expires. The extension follows broadly the same process as the initial application but uses in-country fees and processing. This article explains timing, documents and the path through to

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Skilled Worker Visa Dependants: Adding Your Family

Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders can apply as dependants. This article covers eligibility, fees, evidence of relationship, work and study rights, and the process for applying together or joining later.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

UK Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship Explained

The Certificate of Sponsorship is the formal record linking the sponsored worker to the job and the sponsor. This article explains what information it contains, how it is issued, the timeline between assignment and visa application, and common errors that delay or invalidate applications.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Changing Jobs on a Skilled Worker Visa: Rules and Process

Skilled Worker visa holders can change jobs but must follow specific rules. Changes within the same employer in the same SOC code typically do not require a new application; changing employer or SOC code requires a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new visa application before starting

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Global Talent Visa to ILR: The 3-Year Fast Track

Global Talent Exceptional Talent endorsement holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years, faster than most other UK visa routes. This article covers the requirements, the evidence of continued contribution to the field, and the practical timing.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Self-Employment on Global Talent Visa: Rules and Tax

The Global Talent visa permits self-employment without restriction. This article covers the practicalities: registering as self-employed with HMRC, the tax position, National Insurance, and how self-employed income counts for settlement and other purposes.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Global Talent Visa UK 2026 - After Tech Nation Closed

Tech Nation, the long-running endorsing body for Global Talent digital technology applications, closed in 2023. This article covers the successor arrangements, the digital technology endorsement criteria, and what applicants who started with Tech Nation needed to know about the transition.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Global Talent Science and Academic Route Explained

Global Talent for science and academia is endorsed by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This article covers each body's scope, the criteria for endorsement and the UKRI Endorsed Funder route for established researchers.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read

Global Talent Arts and Culture Endorsement Route

Arts Council England endorses Global Talent applications in fine art, design, theatre, dance, music, film, fashion, architecture and related fields. This article covers the evidence expected, the sub-sectors and how applicants build their endorsement case.

16 Jun 2026 · 10 min read