Skilled Worker visa
- Max stay
- 1825days
- Processing
- 21–56days
- Fee
- £1,804.00≈ $2,455
Difficulty1/10·Realism8/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Heavy paperworkLots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.
Why this score?
- —Embassy/consulate visa application
- +1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
- -1Multi-week processing time (up to 56 days)
- -0.5Biometrics appointment required
- -1Long documentation list (7 items)
- -1.5Sponsor licence required
- -1Confirmed job offer required
- -1High salary threshold (£38,700)
- +0.5Provides route to permanent residence
Approval realism
Approval is likelyMost applicants with the right paperwork get approved.
What drives this score?
- —Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
- +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
- -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
- +0.5Once a sponsor + job offer are secured, visa approval is generally routine
Work visa details
- Sponsorship
- Required
- Sponsor type
- Licensed employer
- Minimum salary
- £38,700.00 / year
- Job offer
- Required
- Permit length
- 1825 days
- Path to settlement
- Yes
Eligible occupations (sample)
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
114+ days beforeMost countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
98+ days beforeYou'll need: Confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor; Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer; Job at the required skill level (RQF 3 or above); Salary at or above the minimum threshold (currently £38,700 per year); and others (see full list above).
- 3
Book a biometrics appointment (Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country)
91+ days beforeBiometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.
- 4
Submit the application to the embassy or consulate
84+ days beforeIn person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.
- 5
Track the application; print the approval
7+ days beforeDecisions typically take 21–56 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.
- 6
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- Confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- Job at the required skill level (RQF 3 or above)
- Salary at or above the minimum threshold (currently £38,700 per year)
- English language requirement (CEFR level B1) demonstrated by approved test, degree taught in English, or majority-English-speaking nationality
- Sufficient personal funds (£1,270 unless sponsor certifies maintenance)
- Tuberculosis test result (some nationalities)
Fee breakdown
- Application fee (up to 3 years, outside UK)£769.00≈ $1,047
- Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)£1,035.00≈ $1,409
