The UK government has announced important changes to the Skilled Worker visa, effective from 2025. These updates focus on adjusting the minimum salary requirements and introducing new provisions for individuals working in UK waters. The Skilled Worker visa, which replaces the Tier 2 (General) work visa, continues to offer foreign nationals the opportunity to live and work in the UK with approved employers, but with a few important adjustments.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Job Offer: Applicants must have a job offer from an employer who is approved by the Home Office.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer must issue a CoS, which outlines the details of the offered role.
- Eligible Occupation: Applicants must be employed in a role that is listed under the eligible occupations category, showcasing the specific skills needed in the UK workforce.
Additionally, a new salary threshold requirement has been introduced to ensure that foreign workers meet the economic standards set by the UK government.
Updated Minimum Salary Requirements
The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa applicants in 2025 has been raised to £38,700 per year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher. This ensures that workers are compensated in line with UK standards, especially for highly skilled jobs.
However, certain roles, especially those on the immigration salary list—which includes sectors with high labor demand—have lower salary thresholds. Applicants in these sectors will need to earn at least £30,960 per year.
The aim of these updated salary requirements is to attract skilled professionals while ensuring employers offer competitive wages.
Costs and Fees for Applicants
The application process for the Skilled Worker visa includes various fees, which depend on the applicant’s circumstances:
- Application Fee: Ranges from £719 to £1,639.
- Healthcare Surcharge: An annual charge of £1,035 is required to access the National Health Service (NHS).
- Financial Requirement: Applicants must have at least £1,270 in their bank account upon arrival in the UK to demonstrate financial stability.
Duration of Stay
The Skilled Worker visa allows successful applicants to remain in the UK for up to five years. After this period, they may apply to extend their visa. Additionally, extensions are required if the worker changes their employer or job role within the UK. The visa’s flexibility provides workers with the opportunity to pursue career growth while remaining in the country.
These changes aim to attract top-tier talent while ensuring the UK’s labor market standards are maintained, providing a streamlined process for skilled workers to contribute to the economy.
