The Skilled Worker visa is a UK work route that lets a person fill an eligible job with a licensed employer. It requires a Certificate of Sponsorship, a job at the required skill level and a salary meeting the relevant threshold for the role.
In one line: The Skilled Worker visa lets a sponsored employee work in an eligible UK job that meets set skill and salary thresholds.
UK visa fees: key facts (checked 16 October 2026) Current Home Office fees (most rose on 8 April 2026). Fees are per person and paid when you apply; the health surcharge is paid on top for each year of the visa.
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How the Skilled Worker visa works
An applicant needs a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer holding a sponsor licence, a job on the eligible occupation list, English language ability and a salary meeting the threshold for that role.
For example, a sponsored marketing manager in 2026 generally needs to earn at least the general Skilled Worker threshold of 41,700 GBP per year, in force since 22 July 2025, or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher (Home Office, 2026), and pays the visa fee plus the immigration health surcharge.
The visa can be granted for up to five years before extension and can lead to indefinite leave to remain. Holders may bring eligible dependants, who each pay their own application fee and surcharge.
Skilled Worker visa vs sponsor licence
The Skilled Worker visa is the permission held by the individual employee to live and work in the UK for a specific sponsored role.
A sponsor licence is held by the employer and is what allows it to issue the certificate underpinning that visa, so the worker holds the visa while the company holds the licence.
Primary source: Home Office: Skilled Worker visa (GOV.UK)
