🇬🇧 United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa
Also known as: UK work visa
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa?
Requires a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship. Salary must be at least £41,700/year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year, paid upfront for the whole visa) on top of the application fee. Settlement after 5 years.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $1,040–$1,050 |
| Processing time | 3–8 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | $53,000/year (about $4,417/month) |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians, Nigerians, and Pakistanis.
United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $1,040 | 3–8 weeks | $53,000/year | — |
| 🇳🇬 Nigerians | $1,040 | 3–8 weeks | $53,000/year | — |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistanis | $1,050 | 3–8 weeks | $53,000/year | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa
- Job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- English language evidence (B2)
- TB test at a Home Office approved clinic
- Maintenance funds £1,270 for 28 days
- Apply online and pay fee + health surcharge
- Biometrics at a VFS visa application centre
- Decision & eVisa
- After arrival: National Insurance number
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Skilled Worker Visa right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every United Kingdom visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in United Kingdom; income of about $53,000 a year. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians, Nigerians, and Pakistanis; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $1,040 for Indians and Nigerians and $1,050 for Pakistanis (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 3–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What is the income requirement for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa?
- The minimum income is about $53,000 a year (roughly $4,417 a month), expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
- Do I need a job offer for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United Kingdom is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the UK work visa the same as the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes. UK work visa is another name people use for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa.
United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa guides by nationality
Other United Kingdom visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: gov.uk. This guide is general information, not legal advice.