Skilled Worker visa

Printable version

1. Overview

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.

It also allows you to work in UK waters.

Eligibility

Your job

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

  • work for a UK employer that바카라 사이트檚 been approved by the Home Office
  • have a 바카라 사이트榗ertificate of sponsorship바카라 사이트� (CoS) from your employer with information about the role you바카라 사이트檝e been offered in the UK
  • do a job that바카라 사이트檚 on the list of eligible occupations
  • be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do and the date you got your CoS

The specific eligibility depends on your job.

You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.

Knowledge of English

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You바카라 사이트檒l usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

If you바카라 사이트檙e not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa

You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.

How long you can stay

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You바카라 사이트檒l need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as 바카라 사이트榠ndefinite leave to remain바카라 사이트�). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you바카라 사이트檙e eligible.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you바카라 사이트檙e:

If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa.

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your 바카라 사이트榙ependants바카라 사이트� if they바카라 사이트檙e eligible.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you바카라 사이트檒l need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You바카라 사이트檒l find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you바카라 사이트檝e applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you바카라 사이트檒l usually get a decision on your visa within:

  • 3 weeks, if you바카라 사이트檙e outside the UK
  • 8 weeks, if you바카라 사이트檙e inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you바카라 사이트檒l be told if you can when you apply.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

  • pay the application fee
  • pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
  • prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much money you바카라 사이트檒l need.

If you work in public sector healthcare

If you바카라 사이트檙e a doctor or nurse, or you work in health or adult social care, check if you바카라 사이트檙e eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead. It바카라 사이트檚 cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.

What you can and cannot do

With a Skilled Worker visa you can:

Any voluntary work you do must be unpaid and for one of the following:

  • a registered charity
  • a voluntary organisation聽
  • an associated fundraising body (an organisation that raises money for a charity or voluntary organisation)
  • a statutory body (a government-appointed body, for example Historic England)

You cannot:

  • apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
  • change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa

If your application is successful, you바카라 사이트檒l get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Skilled Worker visa.

2. Your job

You must meet all the following requirements to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa:

  • your job is eligible for this visa
  • you바카라 사이트檒l be working for a UK employer that바카라 사이트檚 been approved by the Home Office
  • you바카라 사이트檒l be paid at least the minimum salary rate for the type of work you바카라 사이트檒l be doing

The minimum salary for the type of work you바카라 사이트檒l be doing is whichever is the highest of:

  • 拢38,700 per year
  • the 바카라 사이트榞oing rate바카라 사이트� for the type of work you바카라 사이트檒l be doing

The minimum salary may be lower if you바카라 사이트檙e extending your Skilled Worker visa or updating it because you have a new job or employer.

Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.

Check if your job is eligible

Before you can find out if your job is eligible, you need to know its 4-digit occupation code.

If you already have a job offer, ask your employer for your occupation code.

Look up your job바카라 사이트檚 occupation code

If you do not know your code, you can search for your job in the 바카라 사이트�.

Not every job title is included. If you cannot find your exact job title, try searching for similar jobs.

Make sure the job description matches what you바카라 사이트檒l be doing. Some similar jobs have different codes, for example chefs and cooks. Chefs are eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, but cooks are not.

Check if an occupation code is eligible for this visa

When you know your occupation code, view the table of eligible jobs to see if it바카라 사이트檚 included.

The table is very large. It바카라 사이트檚 sorted in order of occupation code, with the smallest numbers at the top. You may be able to use your web browser to search for your code on the page.

Salary requirements

You바카라 사이트檒l usually need to be paid the 바카라 사이트榮tandard바카라 사이트� salary rate of at least 拢38,700 per year, or the 바카라 사이트榞oing rate바카라 사이트� for your job, whichever is higher.

Example

Your salary is 拢39,000 per year, but the annual going rate for the job you바카라 사이트檒l be doing is 拢45,000. You do not meet the usual salary requirements for this visa.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.

If you work in healthcare or education

There are different salary rules if you work in some healthcare or education jobs, where the going rate is based on national pay scales.

When you can be paid less

If you do not meet the usual salary requirements, and you do not work in healthcare or education, you might still be eligible if your salary will be at least 拢30,960 per year.

Check when you can be paid less.

You may also be able to meet lower salary requirements if you바카라 사이트檙e:

Approved UK employers

You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Approved employers are also known as sponsors, because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK.

View the list of approved UK employers.

If your employer is not currently approved, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they바카라 사이트檙e eligible.

They바카라 사이트檒l need to pay a fee - 拢574 for small businesses and charities or 拢1,579 for medium and large organisations. It usually takes around 8 weeks to process a licence application.

If you바카라 사이트檙e a care worker or senior care worker聽

Your employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission if you바카라 사이트檙e a care worker (code 6135) or senior care worker (code 6136) working in England.聽聽

.

If you already have a job offer from an approved employer

Your employer - also known as your sponsor - will check that you meet the eligibility requirements. They바카라 사이트檒l give you a 바카라 사이트榗ertificate of sponsorship바카라 사이트� (CoS) to prove this.

The certificate of sponsorship is an electronic record, not a physical document. It will have a reference number, which you바카라 사이트檒l need for your visa application.

You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.

Check which documents you바카라 사이트檒l need to apply.

3. When you can be paid less

You might still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if your job is eligible but your salary is less than the standard salary requirement of 拢38,700 or your job바카라 사이트檚 standard 바카라 사이트榞oing rate바카라 사이트�.

You can be paid between 70% and 90% of the standard going rate for your job if your salary is at least 拢30,960 per year and you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you바카라 사이트檙e under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
  • you have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) PhD level qualification that바카라 사이트檚 relevant to your job (if you have a relevant PhD level qualification in any other subject your salary must be at least 拢26,100)
  • you have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

There are different salary rules if you work in some healthcare or education jobs or you바카라 사이트檙e extending your visa or updating your visa.

Your job is on the immigration salary list

The immigration salary list is a list of skilled jobs which have lower salary requirements.

If your job is on the immigration salary list you also pay a lower fee to apply for your visa.

You must be paid at least 拢30,960 per year if you are being sponsored for a job on the immigration salary list.

You must still be paid at least the standard going rate for your job. Check the standard going rate for your job in the going rates table.

View the immigration salary list to see if your job is included and how much you바카라 사이트檒l need to be paid.

Make sure you check whether your job is listed in the part of the UK you바카라 사이트檒l be working in 바카라 사이트� UK-wide, or only in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

You바카라 사이트檙e under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training

You can be paid 70% of your job바카라 사이트檚 standard going rate if your salary will be at least 拢30,960 per year and one of the following applies:

  • you바카라 사이트檙e under 26 on the date you apply
  • you바카라 사이트檙e currently in the UK on a Student visa studying at bachelor바카라 사이트檚 degree level or above - or you have been in the last 2 years, and a Student or visit visa was your most recent visa
  • you바카라 사이트檙e currently in the UK on a Graduate visa, or you have been in the last 2 years
  • you바카라 사이트檒l be working towards a recognised qualification in a바카라 사이트�UK regulated profession
  • you바카라 사이트檒l be working towards full registration or chartered status in the job you바카라 사이트檙e being sponsored for

If this applies to you, check how much you바카라 사이트檒l need to be paid to qualify for this visa.

Your total stay in the UK cannot be more than 4 years if you apply for one of these reasons. This includes any time you바카라 사이트檝e already spent in the UK on a Graduate visa.

You have a PhD level qualification that바카라 사이트檚 relevant to your job

If your job is eligible for a PhD salary discount, you can be paid 80% or 90% of the job바카라 사이트檚 standard going rate, depending on which subject you are qualified in.

If you have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) qualification, you can be paid 80% of your job바카라 사이트檚 standard going rate, as long as you will still be paid at least 拢30,960 a year.

If you have a non-STEM qualification, you can be paid 90% of your job바카라 사이트檚 standard going rate, as long as you will still be paid at least 拢34,830 a year.

In both situations, you must:

  • have a UK PhD or an equivalent doctorate-level overseas qualification - you바카라 사이트檒l need to to check if an overseas qualification is equivalent to a UK PhD
  • be able to prove your qualification is relevant to the job you바카라 사이트檒l be doing in the UK - your employer can confirm this

View the list of jobs that qualify for a PhD salary discount to see if your job is included and how much you need to be paid.

If you바카라 사이트檙e a research or academic leader, you may also be eligible to apply for the Global Talent visa. This visa has no language or minimum salary requirements.

You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

You can be paid 70% of your job바카라 사이트檚 standard going rate if you바카라 사이트檒l be working in a postdoctoral position in certain science or higher education roles.

Your job must be in one of the following occupation codes to qualify for this salary discount:

  • 2111: chemical scientists
  • 2112: biological scientists
  • 2113: biochemists and biomedical scientists
  • 2114: physical scientists
  • 2115: social and humanities scientists
  • 2119: natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified
  • 2162: other researchers, unspecified discipline
  • 2311: higher education teaching professionals

If this applies to you, check how much you바카라 사이트檒l need to be paid to qualify for this visa.

Your total stay in the UK cannot be more than 4 years if you apply to work in a postdoctoral position at 70% of the standard going rate. This includes any time you바카라 사이트檝e already spent in the UK on a Graduate visa.

4. If you work in healthcare or education

There are different salary rules if you work in some healthcare or education jobs. Your salary must be at least 拢25,000 - or more if your job바카라 사이트檚 바카라 사이트榞oing rate바카라 사이트� is higher.

The going rates for these jobs are based on the national pay scales set by the relevant independent body, for example the NHS.

View the list of eligible healthcare and education jobs to see if your job is included.

National pay scales tables

If your job is on the list, your salary must be at least the national pay scale rate for the job you바카라 사이트檒l be doing.

These going rates apply whether you바카라 사이트檒l be working in the public or private sector.

Check how much you바카라 사이트檒l need to be paid in the:

Ask your employer if you바카라 사이트檙e not sure what your role or pay band will be.

5. Knowledge of English

You바카라 사이트檒l usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.

Level of English

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the .

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

  • passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
  • having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18
  • having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English - if you studied at a university outside the UK, you바카라 사이트檒l need to for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor바카라 사이트檚 degree, master바카라 사이트檚 degree or PhD

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you바카라 사이트檙e a national of one of the following countries or territories:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • the Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • the British overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • USA

If you바카라 사이트檙e a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife or vet

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you바카라 사이트檝e already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body.

If you바카라 사이트檙e a vet, you may need to prove that you passed an English Language assessment with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.聽

6. How much it costs

When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you바카라 사이트檒l need to have enough money to:

  • pay the application fee - the standard fee ranges from 拢769 to 拢1,751 depending on your circumstances
  • pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually 拢1,035 per year
  • support yourself when you arrive in the UK - you바카라 사이트檒l usually need to have at least 拢1,270 available (unless you바카라 사이트檙e exempt)

You바카라 사이트檒l pay a lower application fee if your job is on the immigration salary list.

You바카라 사이트檒l be told how much you need to pay when you apply.

For example, you바카라 사이트檙e applying to come to the UK from Argentina for 2 years on a Skilled Worker visa.

Your job is not on the immigration salary list so your visa will cost 拢769, plus 拢1,035 for each year of your stay for the healthcare surcharge. This means you바카라 사이트檒l pay a total of 拢2,839 when you apply for your visa.

You바카라 사이트檒l also need to prove you have 拢1,270 available to support yourself in the UK if your employer cannot cover these costs.

Application fees

If you바카라 사이트檙e applying from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on whether you바카라 사이트檒l be in the UK for:

  • up to 3 years - 拢769 per person
  • more than 3 years - 拢1,519 per person

If you바카라 사이트檙e applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa, the standard fee depends on whether you바카라 사이트檒l be in the UK for:

  • up to 3 years - 拢885 per person
  • more than 3 years - 拢1,751 per person

If your job is on the immigration salary list

You and your family will pay a lower application fee if your job is on the바카라 사이트�immigration salary list.

The fee for each person applying is:

  • 拢590 if you바카라 사이트檙e staying for up to 3 years
  • 拢1,160 if you바카라 사이트檙e staying for more than 3 years

The fee is the same whether you바카라 사이트檙e applying from inside or outside the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least 拢1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You바카라 사이트檒l usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

  • you바카라 사이트檝e been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
  • your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to 拢1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they바카라 사이트檙e in the UK. Check how much they바카라 사이트檒l need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the 바카라 사이트榮ponsor certifies maintenance바카라 사이트� section on your certificate. This is under 바카라 사이트楢dditional data바카라 사이트�.

7. Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you바카라 사이트檒l need to provide:

  • your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this
  • proof of your knowledge of English
  • a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
  • your job title and annual salary
  • your job바카라 사이트檚 occupation code
  • the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship

Ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one.

Other documents you might need

Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:

You바카라 사이트檒l need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you바카라 사이트檙e:

  • from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
  • from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you바카라 사이트檒l also need to provide a certified translation.

Criminal record certificate

You바카라 사이트檒l need to provide a criminal record certificate if you바카라 사이트檙e applying from outside the UK and you work in:

  • education, for example teachers, education advisers and school inspectors, childminders, teaching assistants
  • healthcare, for example nurses, doctors, paramedics, managers, pharmacists, dentists and dental nurses, ophthalmic opticians
  • therapy, for example psychologists, speech and language therapists, counsellors
  • social services, for example social workers, managers, probation officers, welfare and housing officers

Check how to apply for criminal records checks.

If you work in healthcare, you might be able to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

If you바카라 사이트檝e lived in more than one country

You might need to provide a certificate from each country you바카라 사이트檝e lived in, depending on your age and how long you stayed in each country.

If you바카라 사이트檙e under 28, you바카라 사이트檒l need a certificate from any country you바카라 사이트檝e stayed in for a total of 12 months or more since you turned 18.

If you바카라 사이트檙e 28 or over, you바카라 사이트檒l need a certificate from any country you바카라 사이트檝e stayed in over the last 10 years.

When you바카라 사이트檝e got your documents ready

You can apply online once your documents are ready.

How you apply depends on whether you바카라 사이트檙e:

8. Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Skilled Worker visa.

Check which documents you바카라 사이트檒l need to apply.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application, you바카라 사이트檒l need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you바카라 사이트檙e from and what type of passport you have.

You바카라 사이트檒l either:

  • use the 바카라 사이트楿K Immigration: ID Check바카라 사이트� app to scan your identity document - you바카라 사이트檒l also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre

You바카라 사이트檒l be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

  • the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application
  • you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa

Once you바카라 사이트檝e started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Continue your application

Find out how to sign in to your account.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you바카라 사이트檝e applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you바카라 사이트檒l usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You바카라 사이트檒l be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you바카라 사이트檒l be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You바카라 사이트檒l only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You바카라 사이트檒l get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

9. Your partner and children

Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your 바카라 사이트榙ependants바카라 사이트� if they바카라 사이트檙e eligible. They바카라 사이트檒l need to complete separate applications.

If your partner or child바카라 사이트檚 application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. If a child바카라 사이트檚 parents have visas with different expiry dates, the child바카라 사이트檚 visa will end on the earlier date.

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

  • your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
  • your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay
  • your child over 18 if they currently have permission (바카라 사이트榣eave to enter바카라 사이트� or 바카라 사이트榣eave to remain바카라 사이트�) to be in the UK as your dependant

You바카라 사이트檒l need to provide evidence of your relationship to your dependant when you apply.

If you바카라 사이트檙e the first person in your family to apply, you can get a 바카라 사이트榝amily linking code바카라 사이트� to connect your applications together. Your family members can enter the same code when they apply.

If you바카라 사이트檙e a care worker or senior care worker

Your partner and children cannot apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants unless you were employed as a care worker or senior care worker in the UK and on a Skilled Worker visa before 11 March 2024 and one of the following is true:

  • you바카라 사이트檙e currently still on a Skilled Worker visa
  • you바카라 사이트檙e extending your Skilled Worker visa with your current employer
  • you바카라 사이트檙e changing to a new job within the same occupation code while on a Skilled Worker visa

Your partner

You must be able to prove one of the following:

  • you바카라 사이트檙e in a civil partnership or marriage that바카라 사이트檚 recognised in the UK
  • you바카라 사이트檝e been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
  • you바카라 사이트檝e been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply but you cannot live together, for example because you바카라 사이트檙e working or studying in different places, or it바카라 사이트檚 not accepted in your culture

If you바카라 사이트檙e not living together, you바카라 사이트檒l need to prove that you have an ongoing commitment to each other, for example by providing evidence that you:

  • communicate regularly with each other
  • support each other financially
  • care for any children you have together
  • spend time together as a couple, for example on holiday or at events

Your child

They must:

  • live with you, unless they바카라 사이트檙e living away from home in full-time education - for example, at boarding school or university
  • not be married or in a civil partnership

You바카라 사이트檒l need to provide evidence of their address, such as:

  • a bank statement
  • credit card bills
  • driving licence
  • NHS registration document
  • an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they바카라 사이트檙e in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

  • 拢285 for your partner
  • 拢315 for one child
  • 拢200 for each additional child

Example

You - or your partner or child - would need to have 拢600 to bring your partner and one child with you to the UK (拢285 for your partner and 拢315 for your child).

You would also need to have 拢1,270 available to support yourself for your own application.

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You바카라 사이트檒l usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

  • you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
  • your employer can cover your family바카라 사이트檚 costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they바카라 사이트檒l only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than 1 year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They바카라 사이트檒l need your application number - you바카라 사이트檒l get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You바카라 사이트檒l find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

They can also enter a 바카라 사이트榝amily linking code바카라 사이트� if you got one when you applied. This will connect your applications.

Proving their identity

As part of an application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity.

They바카라 사이트檒l either:

  • use the 바카라 사이트楿K Immigration: ID Check바카라 사이트� app to scan their identity document - they바카라 사이트檒l also create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre

They바카라 사이트檒l be told what they need to do when they apply.

If they do need an appointment:

  • the visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application
  • they may have to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country)

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they바카라 사이트檝e applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they바카라 사이트檒l usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they바카라 사이트檒l be told if they can when they apply.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa)

If you extend or switch your visa, your partner or child바카라 사이트檚 current visa will still be valid until its original end date. Your partner or child need to apply to extend or switch their visa, either:

  • at the same time as you
  • at any time before their current visa expires

This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your Skilled Worker visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK:

If your partner or child is currently in the UK on a Student visa, they can only switch if they have either:

  • completed the course they were sponsored to study
  • studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

If you바카라 사이트檙e a care worker or senior care worker

Your partner and children cannot apply to join you or stay as your dependants if you switch to a Skilled Worker visa from another visa.聽

They can only apply to join you or stay if you were employed as a care worker or senior care worker in the UK and on a Skilled Worker visa before 11 March 2024 and one of the following is true:

  • you바카라 사이트檙e currently still on a Skilled Worker visa

  • you바카라 사이트檙e extending your Skilled Worker visa with your current employer

  • you바카라 사이트檙e changing to a new job within the same occupation code while on a Skilled Worker visa

How to apply

The application form will tell you if you can include your partner and children in your application or whether they need to apply separately.

If your partner or child apply separately, they바카라 사이트檒l need to either:

They바카라 사이트檒l need your application number - you바카라 사이트檒l get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You바카라 사이트檒l find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

They can also enter a 바카라 사이트榝amily linking code바카라 사이트� if you got one when you applied. This will connect your applications.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They바카라 사이트檒l either:

  • use the 바카라 사이트楿K Immigration: ID Check바카라 사이트� app to scan their identity document - they바카라 사이트檒l also create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

They바카라 사이트檒l be told what they need to do when they apply.

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they바카라 사이트檝e applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they바카라 사이트檒l usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they바카라 사이트檒l be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you바카라 사이트檙e in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You must apply for your child바카라 사이트檚 dependant visa if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them.

The form you fill in depends on whether your child is inside or outside the UK. Your child must either:

You바카라 사이트檒l need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

What your partner or child can and cannot do

Your partner or child can:

  • work, except as a sportsperson or coach
  • study
  • travel abroad and return to the UK
  • apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as 바카라 사이트榠ndefinite leave to remain바카라 사이트�) if they바카라 사이트檝e lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

They cannot apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension.

If their application is successful, they바카라 사이트檒l get a full list of what they can and cannot do.

10. Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend a Skilled Worker visa or a Tier 2 (General) work visa if all of the following are true:

  • you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
  • your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
  • you바카라 사이트檙e still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Your partner and children

Your partner or child바카라 사이트檚 visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.

They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

If you바카라 사이트檙e a care worker or a senior care worker, your partner and children may not be able to stay in the UK as your dependants when you extend your visa.

If you have a Skilled Worker visa

If you got your first certificate of sponsorship (CoS) before 4 April 2024 you may be able to meet lower salary requirements.

If you have a Tier 2 (General) work visa

You may be able to meet different eligibility requirements, depending on:

  • whether you got the certificate of sponsorship for your first Tier 2 visa before or after 24 November 2016
  • your occupation code - some have different going rates

The requirements will apply if you either:

  • have a Tier 2 (General) work visa
  • had a Tier 2 (General) work visa which you바카라 사이트檝e extended as a Skilled Worker visa

If you got your certificate of sponsorship on or after 24 November 2016

If you apply to extend before 1 December 2026, you will still need to meet the lower salary requirements, but your salary may also include allowances, such as London weighting. Any allowances must be guaranteed for the length of your stay.

Jobs with different going rates

For some jobs, the going rate for the Skilled Worker visa is different if you had a Tier 2 (General) visa. These going rates are based on a 37.5-hour working week.

Occupation code for your Tier 2 (General) application Occupation code for your current application Going rate 90% of going rate 80% of going rate 70% of going rate
2113 Physical scientists 2114 Physical scientists 拢27,190 (拢13.94 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour)
2119 Natural and social science professionals not classified elsewhere 2119 Natural and social science professionals not classified elsewhere 拢27,190 (拢13.94 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour)
2119 Natural and social science professionals not classified elsewhere 2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline 拢27,190 (拢13.94 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour)
2311 Higher education teaching professionals 2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline 拢30,940 (拢15.87 per hour) 拢27,840 (拢14.28 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour)
2311 Higher education teaching professionals 2311 Higher education teaching professionals 拢30,940 (拢15.87 per hour) 拢27,840 (拢14.28 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour)
2311 Higher education teaching professionals 2322 Education managers 拢30,940 (拢15.87 per hour) 拢27,840 (拢14.28 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour) 拢25,000 (拢12.82 per hour)

If you바카라 사이트檝e changed job or employer

You바카라 사이트檒l need to apply to update your visa instead.

Fees

Check how much it costs for your type of visa.

You바카라 사이트檒l also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there바카라 사이트檚 no fee for this.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you바카라 사이트檒l need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you바카라 사이트檙e from and the type of passport or resident permit you have.

You바카라 사이트檒l either:

  • use the 바카라 사이트楿K Immigration: ID Check바카라 사이트� app to scan your identity document - you바카라 사이트檒l also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You바카라 사이트檒l be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to extend your Skilled Worker visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you바카라 사이트檝e started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Continue your application

Find out how to sign in to your account.

How long it takes to get a decision

You바카라 사이트檒l usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You바카라 사이트檒l be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you바카라 사이트檒l be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you바카라 사이트檝e sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You바카라 사이트檒l only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You바카라 사이트檒l get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

11. If you got your first certificate of sponsorship before 4 April 2024

There are lower salary requirements if both of the following apply:

  • you got your certificate of sponsorship for your first Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024聽
  • you have continually held one or more Skilled Worker visas since then

You can be paid whichever is higher of 拢29,000 or the lower going rate for your occupation if you make an application to:

  • extend your visa
  • update your visa

Lower salary requirements will only be in place for applications made before 4 April 2030. These salary requirements will be updated regularly and your salary will still need to rise in line with the updated going rates each time you apply.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the lower going rate for your job in the going rates table.

When you can be paid less

You can be paid between 70% and 90% of the lower going rate for your job if your salary is at least 拢23,200 per year and you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you바카라 사이트檙e under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
  • you have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) PhD level qualification that바카라 사이트檚 relevant to your job (if you have a relevant PhD level qualification in any other subject your salary must be at least 拢26,100)
  • you have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

Check how much you will need to be paid for these jobs in the going rates table.

There are different salary rules if you work in some healthcare or education jobs.

If your job is on the immigration salary list

If your job is on the immigration salary list, you need to be paid at least 拢23,200 or your job바카라 사이트檚 full going rate, whichever is higher.

If you바카라 사이트檙e under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training

You can be paid at least 70% of your job바카라 사이트檚 lower going rate if your salary will be at least 拢23,200 per year.

Your total stay in the UK cannot be more than 4 years. This includes any time you바카라 사이트檝e already spent in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) or Graduate visa.

If you have a PhD level qualification that바카라 사이트檚 relevant to your job

If you have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) PhD level qualification, you can be paid at least 80% of the lower going rate if your salary will be at least 拢23,200 per year.

If you have a relevant PhD level qualification in any other subject, you can be paid at least 90% of the lower going rate if your salary will be at least 拢26,100 per year.

If you have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

You can be paid at least 70% of the lower going rate if your salary will be at least 拢23,200 per year.

Your total stay in the UK cannot be more than 4 years. This includes any time you바카라 사이트檝e already spent in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) or Graduate visa.

12. Update your visa if you change job or employer

You바카라 사이트檒l need to apply to update your Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) work visa if:

  • you want to change your job and your new job is with a different employer
  • your job changes to a different occupation code, and you바카라 사이트檙e not in a graduate training programme
  • you leave a job that바카라 사이트檚 on the immigration salary list for a job that is not on the list

You do not need to apply again if you stay in the same job, but your job is taken off the immigration salary list.

If you바카라 사이트檒l be doing a different job for your current employer, you only need to apply to update your visa if your new job is in a different occupation code.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately to update their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

Fees

Check how much it costs for your type of visa.

You바카라 사이트檒l also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there바카라 사이트檚 no fee for this.

Eligibility and documents you바카라 사이트檒l need to apply

Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you바카라 사이트檒l need a new certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

You may be able to meet lower salary requirements if both of the following apply:

  • you got your certificate of sponsorship for your first Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024聽
  • you have continually held one or more Skilled Worker visas since then

You바카라 사이트檒l only need to provide other evidence again if you바카라 사이트檝e been in the UK for less than one year.

If you바카라 사이트檙e applying to add a second job to your current visa

You must apply to update your visa if you take on a second job that is more than 20 paid hours a week in addition to the job you바카라 사이트檙e being sponsored for.

Your second job must meet the eligibility requirements and you바카라 사이트檒l need a new certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

You바카라 사이트檒l also need to include a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay.

Your letter must state:

  • your name
  • your date of birth
  • your current certificate of sponsorship reference number
  • the date when your current permission to stay runs out

If your application is successful, you바카라 사이트檒l get a new visa giving you permission to do both jobs.

You do not need to apply to update your visa if you바카라 사이트檙e taking on additional work that has an eligible occupation code or you바카라 사이트檒l be doing less than 20 paid hours a week.

When to apply to update your visa

You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job.

You can continue working in your current job while your new application is being considered, or to work out your notice period - as long as you apply before your current visa expires.

You should not start your new job until you바카라 사이트檝e got confirmation of your new permission.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you바카라 사이트檒l need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you바카라 사이트檙e from and the type of passport you have.

You바카라 사이트檒l either:

  • use the 바카라 사이트楿K Immigration: ID Check바카라 사이트� app to scan your identity document - you바카라 사이트檒l also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You바카라 사이트檒l be told what you need to do when you apply. You바카라 사이트檒l also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to.

Apply to update your visa

You must apply online.

Once you바카라 사이트檝e started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Continue your application

Find out how to sign in to your account.

How long it takes to get a decision

You바카라 사이트檒l usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You바카라 사이트檒l be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you바카라 사이트檒l be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you바카라 사이트檝e sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You바카라 사이트檒l only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You바카라 사이트檒l get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

13. Switch to this visa

You might be able to apply to change (바카라 사이트榮witch바카라 사이트�) to a Skilled Worker visa if you바카라 사이트檙e already in the UK on a different type of visa.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Your partner and children

Your partner or child바카라 사이트檚 visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.

They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

If you바카라 사이트檙e switching to this visa as a care worker or senior care worker, your partner or child will not be able to switch as your dependant to this visa.

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements:

If you바카라 사이트檙e currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:

  • you have completed the course you were sponsored to study
  • your job start date is after your course has finished
  • you바카라 사이트檙e studying for a PhD full time, and have been for at least 24 months

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you바카라 사이트檙e currently in the UK:

You must leave the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad if you바카라 사이트檙e in one of these categories.

Fees

Each person applying will need to pay:

You바카라 사이트檒l also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there바카라 사이트檚 no fee for this.

If you바카라 사이트檝e been in the UK for less than 1 year, you바카라 사이트檒l also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you바카라 사이트檒l need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you바카라 사이트檙e from and the type of passport you have.

You바카라 사이트檒l either:

  • use the 바카라 사이트楿K Immigration: ID Check바카라 사이트� app to scan your identity document - you바카라 사이트檒l also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You바카라 사이트檒l be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you바카라 사이트檝e started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Continue your application

Find out how to sign in to your account.

How long it takes to get a decision

You바카라 사이트檒l usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You바카라 사이트檒l be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you바카라 사이트檒l be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you바카라 사이트檝e sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You바카라 사이트檒l only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You바카라 사이트檒l get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

14. Taking on additional work

If you work overtime in the job you바카라 사이트檙e being sponsored for, you do not need to update your visa.聽

There바카라 사이트檚 no limit to how many hours of overtime you can do.

You can also work up to 20 hours a week in another job or for your own business, as long as you바카라 사이트檙e still doing the job you바카라 사이트檙e being sponsored for.聽

Your work must be in an eligible occupation code.

You can also do voluntary work. This must be unpaid (except for reasonable expenses such as travel) and for one of the following:

  • a registered charity
  • a voluntary organisation聽
  • an associated fundraising body (an organisation that raises money for a charity or voluntary organisation)
  • a statutory body (a government-appointed body, for example Historic England)

If you바카라 사이트檒l be doing more than 20 hours a week in another job

You바카라 사이트檒l need to apply to update your visa so that you바카라 사이트檙e being sponsored to do both jobs.

You바카라 사이트檒l need to:

  • get a new certificate of sponsorship from your second employer
  • include a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay