A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
- work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
- have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
- do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
- be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do.
The specific eligibility depends on your job.
Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.
You can switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK provided you apply before your current visa expires and meet all other eligibility requirements.
You can find more information about the Skilled Worker visa on the GOV.UK website.