Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) is the main route for international workers taking skilled jobs in the UK. It replaced the Tier 2 system in December 2020 and is now the most common sponsored work visa.
To qualify, you need:
- A job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
- A role at RQF Level 3 or above (A-Level equivalent skill level)
- A salary meeting or exceeding the minimum threshold
- An English language qualification at CEFR B1 level or above
The visa is granted for up to 5 years and can be extended. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
Health & Care Worker Visa
The Health & Care Worker visa is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa with significant advantages for medical professionals:
Lower salary threshold
£23,200 per year (or the going rate)
Reduced visa fees
Cheaper application compared to standard Skilled Worker
No IHS surcharge
Exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (saves £1,035/year)
Eligible roles
Doctors, nurses, social workers, care workers, and allied health professionals
The employer must be the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a CQC-registered organisation providing regulated health or social care activities.
Salary Thresholds for UK Visa Sponsorship
The salary your job must pay depends on your visa route, your experience level, and the SOC code of the role. The Home Office applies a "highest of" test:
| Category | General Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (experienced) | £38,700 | Or the SOC going rate, whichever is higher |
| Skilled Worker (new entrant) | £30,960 | 70% of the experienced rate / going rate |
| Health & Care Worker | £23,200 | Or the SOC going rate, whichever is higher |
| Immigration Salary List | £30,960 | Formerly the Shortage Occupation List — reduced rates apply |
Use our tools: Salary Checker to verify if a specific salary meets the threshold, or browse SOC Code Rates to see the going rate for any occupation.
SOC Codes Explained
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes are 4-digit codes used by the UK government to categorise jobs. Every sponsored job must be assigned a SOC code, and each code has its own "going rate" salary.
Your job offer must pay at least the going rate for its SOC code — or the general threshold, whichever is higher. For example, a Software Developer (SOC 2134) has a going rate of around £42,000, so the employer must pay at least that even though the general threshold is £38,700.
New Entrant Rate & Graduate Visa Switch
If you qualify as a new entrant, you benefit from a salary requirement that is only 70% of the standard rate. You qualify if you are:
- Under 26 years old at the time of application
- Switching from a Student visa or Graduate (PSW) visa
- Working towards a recognised professional qualification
- In a postdoctoral research position
Important: New entrant status only lasts for the first 4 years. After that, your salary must be increased to the full going rate when you extend your visa.
Finding a Licensed Sponsor
Only employers with a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The Home Office publishes the Register of Licensed Sponsors — a list of over 126,000 organisations authorised to sponsor workers.
Sponsors are rated either A-rated (good compliance) or B-rated (under improvement action). We sync this register daily so you always have the latest data.
The Visa Sponsorship Application Process
Find a sponsored job
Search for roles at licensed sponsors that meet the salary threshold for your SOC code. Use our filters to find jobs that match your qualifications.
Get a job offer & CoS
Once offered the role, your employer applies for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the Home Office. This usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Apply for the visa
Submit your visa application online with your CoS reference number, proof of English language, financial evidence, and TB test certificate (if required).
Biometrics & decision
Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre. Standard processing takes 3-8 weeks from outside the UK, or up to 8 weeks for in-country switching.
Start work
Once approved, you can start work from the date on your visa. Your employer must report your start date to the Home Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2024?
What is a licensed sponsor and how do I find one?
Can I switch from a Graduate (PSW) visa to a Skilled Worker visa?
What is a SOC code and why does it matter for visa sponsorship?
What is the Health and Care Worker visa?
How long does UK visa sponsorship take?
Ready to Find Your Sponsored Role?
Search thousands of visa sponsorship jobs from verified licensed sponsors.