Work visas

UK Jobs for Foreign Workers: Skilled Worker Visa Guide 2026

How the UK Skilled Worker visa works: who can apply, the salary rules, the English test, and what to check before you accept a UK job offer.

EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026 · Rules checked on GOV.UK

Introduction

For UK jobs for foreigners, the Skilled Worker visa is the main route for people who want a sponsored job. It is not a job-search visa. You need a job offer first.

That order matters. The employer must be approved by the Home Office. The job must be on the eligible list. The pay must meet a minimum. Only then can you apply.

This guide explains each requirement in plain language. It is general editorial guidance based on GOV.UK. Always check the official page before you apply.

Quick Information

Visa	Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa
Who applies	A worker with a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer
Standard minimum salary	The higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for the job
English level	Usually CEFR level B2, unless an exemption applies
Length of visa	Up to 5 years, then you can extend
Usual decision time	3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks from inside

UK Jobs for Foreigners: The Four Core Requirements

GOV.UK lists what you need to qualify. You must meet all of them.

• An approved employer. Your employer must hold a sponsor licence from the Home Office.
• A certificate of sponsorship. This is an electronic record with a reference number. Your employer issues it.
• An eligible job. Your occupation code must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• The minimum salary. It depends on your job and on the date of your certificate.

Is Your Job Eligible?

Every job has a four-digit occupation code. If you already have an offer, ask your employer for it. If not, the CASCOT search tool on GOV.UK can help you find a match.

Check that the job description matches your real duties. Similar jobs can have different codes. GOV.UK gives a clear example from construction. Bricklayers, roofers and carpenters are eligible, but construction labourers are not.

The eligible list splits jobs into two groups. Higher skilled jobs can apply. Medium skilled jobs can apply only in limited cases, such as jobs on the immigration salary list or the temporary shortage list.

Salary Rules for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

Your salary must meet the higher of two figures. The first is £41,700 a year. The second is the going rate for your occupation code.

GOV.UK gives a simple example. Suppose your salary is £42,000 and the going rate for your job is £45,000. You would not meet the usual requirement.

Some people can be paid less. If you do not work in healthcare or education, you may still qualify with at least £33,400 a year in some cases. GOV.UK has a separate page on when this applies. Healthcare and education jobs often follow national pay scales instead.

Rules can also differ if you extend your visa or update it for a new employer. Do not rely on an old figure from a forum post. Check the current page.

Approved Employers and Sponsor Licences

You must have a job offer from an approved employer before you apply. The Home Office publishes a list of approved UK employers. Search it before you spend time on an application.

If an employer is not approved, it can apply for a licence. GOV.UK lists the fee as £611 for small businesses and charities and £1,682 for medium and large organisations. Processing usually takes around 8 weeks.

Care roles have an extra rule. A care worker or senior care worker in England needs an employer registered with the Care Quality Commission. Doctors, nurses and some health and care staff may qualify for the cheaper Health and Care Worker visa instead.

English Language Requirement

You usually need to prove your English when you apply. There are four ways to do it.

• A UK school qualification such as a GCSE or A Level, started before you were 18.
• A degree from a UK institution.
• A degree taught in English from an institution outside the UK, confirmed by an Ecctis assessment.
• A Secure English Language Test with an approved provider.

The standard level is B2 on the CEFR scale. If you held this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it, the level is B1. Nationals of some countries do not need to prove English. The list includes Australia, Canada, Malta, New Zealand and the USA.

How the Application Works

You apply online. Your employer gives you the certificate of sponsorship first. You must apply within 3 months of receiving it.

You can apply up to 3 months before your start date. You then prove your identity and upload your documents. You may need an appointment for this step.

After that, GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks from outside the UK. From inside the UK, it is usually 8 weeks. A faster paid service may be offered.

Costs to Plan For

Each applicant pays the application fee and a healthcare surcharge for every year of the stay. You also need to show enough personal savings. Partners and children pay too if they apply as dependants.

Amounts change, so this guide does not quote them. Use the GOV.UK cost checker before you budget for a move.

What the Visa Allows

• You can work in the eligible job and study.
• You can bring a partner and children if they meet the rules.
• You can do unpaid voluntary work for certain organisations.
• You can apply to settle permanently after 5 years, if you meet the other rules.
• You cannot claim most benefits or the State Pension.
• You cannot change employer without applying to update your visa.

How to Evaluate a UK Job Offer

Ask three questions before you accept. Does the employer hold a current sponsor licence? What is the occupation code? Does the offered pay meet both the threshold and the going rate?

Get the answers in writing. A genuine employer will know them. Be careful if someone asks you to pay for a certificate of sponsorship. The employer issues it as part of its own duties.

Common Questions

Can I look for work in the UK on this visa? No. You need the job offer and certificate before you apply.

Does a low-skilled job qualify? Usually not. Medium skilled jobs qualify only in limited cases, such as the shortage lists.

Can I change jobs later? Yes, but you must apply to update your visa first.

Next Steps

Start with the occupation code for your role. Check whether it is eligible. Then search the approved employer list and apply to sponsors that hire in your field. Keep your CV clear and specific, and build it with the Europass CV builder if you like.

Official Sources to Check

Rules change, so confirm every figure on the official page before you apply or travel. These are the pages used for this guide.

• GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa overview
• GOV.UK: Your job, salary and approved employers
• GOV.UK: Knowledge of English

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Disclaimer: EU Job Hub provides general editorial information for jobseekers. It does not guarantee employment, sponsorship, work-permit approval or visa approval. Employment and immigration rules vary by country and by personal circumstances. Verify important information with employers and official authorities before making decisions. Never pay an individual or recruiter solely because they promise a job, placement or visa.