UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa is the most basic work visa for foreign nationals who wish to work in the UK under the sponsorship of an approved employer. Professionals from Turkey and other countries apply for this visa to gain long-term work and residence in the UK.

👉 For general framework see: UK Work Visas 2025

This visa was formerly known as the Tier 2 (General) Visa and was renamed the “Skilled Worker Visa” with the post-2020 immigration reforms.

Application Requirements

1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Your UK employer must be on the list of sponsors approved by the Home Office.
• The employer will issue you a special Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

2. Salary Limit

• General salary limit: £26,200 per year or £10.10 per hour.
• In some sectors (health, education, shortage occupation list) a lower salary threshold may be acceptable: £23.040.
• Flexibility is available for new graduate or trainee roles.

3. English Language Requirement

The applicant must prove that he/she speaks English at level B1. Accepted documents:

• IELTS (UKVI approved)
• SELT exams
• Undergraduate/graduate diploma studied in the UK

4. Financial Sufficiency

• The applicant must have at least £1,270 in their bank account.
• In some cases, the sponsoring employer may take on this requirement.

5. Other Conditions

• Clean criminal record (especially if working with children).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Application Process Step by Step

1. Getting a Job Offer: You need to find a sponsored employer in the UK.
2. Issuance of CoS The employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for you.
3. Online Application Form: Applications can only be made through the gov.uk website.
4. Payment of Visa Fee: Application fee + IHS health contribution.
5. Biometrics Procedures: Fingerprints and photographs are taken at the VFS Global center.
6. Submission of Documents: Passport, CoS, bank statement, language certificate.
7. Finalization: 3-8 weeks on average.

👉 For alternative visas see: UK Business Startup and Investment Visas

Required Documents

• Valid passport.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• English language certificate.
• Bank statement (minimum £1,270).
• Criminal record (if required).
• Health contribution payment receipt.

Benefits and Risks

Advantages

• Legal right to work and reside in the UK.
• Possibility to bring family members (spouse and children) with you.
• After 5 years, apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
• Access to health care (NHS).

Risks

• Choosing the wrong visa category → risk of refusal.
• Missing documents → prolonged process.
• Cancellation of employer sponsorship → invalidation of visa.

Legal Basis

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is regulated under the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker.

• Official source: Skilled Worker visa – gov.uk
• Immigration Act 1971 (legislation.gov.uk)

Case Study

Situation: A nurse living in Istanbul was offered a job by the NHS in the UK.

• CoS has been organized.
• IELTS (UKVI) test certificate at level B1 was presented.
• His bank account showed £1,500.
• The application was finalized in 5 weeks and Skilled Worker Visa was obtained.

Question and Answer Blocks

How many years is the UK Skilled Worker visa issued?

Short Answer Usually 3 years.

Detail: After 5 years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Can I take my family with this visa?

Short Answer Yes.

Detail: Spouse and children under 18 can apply with dependent visa.

Will my visa be valid if I change jobs in the UK?

Short Answer No.

Detail: The new employer must also be a Home Office approved sponsor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Professional Legal Support

The UK Skilled Worker visa includes complex requirements such as a job offer, salary requirement and proof of sponsorship. Incorrect applications increase the risk of rejection.

MFY Legal | Law Firm manages your process in the most accurate way with its lawyers specialized in UK immigration law.

👉 Contact MFY Legal now for expert legal support tailored to you.