How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in the United Kingdom

Yes, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa to come to or stay in the UK for a skilled job. Before applying for a skilled worker visa in the UK, you must have a job offer from an employer in the UK that holds a valid licence to sponsor you. Additionally, you must also meet all the rules on the job, which include English language efficiency and salary confirmation. Once that is sorted, you can apply online and wait for the official processing to begin.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps required to apply for a Skilled Worker visa for the UK, and how professionals like MSD Solicitors can assist you.

What the Skilled Worker Visa Lets You Do

You can live and work in the UK for a job that meets certain rules. You are welcome to bring your partner and children. Once you have spent 5 years in the UK, you are eligible to apply for permanent settlement. Here are some key facts that you must know for a skilled worker UK Visa:

Fact	Detail
Valid for	Up to 5 years (or the length of your job offer)
Job requirement	Must be with a UK employer approved by the Home Office, and the job must be eligible
English language	You must prove you can speak, read, write and understand English at the required level
Salary or pay	The job must meet a minimum salary threshold (varies by job)
Path to settlement	After 5 years, you may apply for ILR if you meet the rules

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK

Step 1: Get a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

Your UK employer must hold a “sponsor licence” and issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the job.

Step 2: Verify job eligibility 

The job must be on the eligible list, at the required skill level (for newer rules, often at the graduate level) and meet the salary thresholds. 

Step 3: Check your documents

Before you apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, make sure you have the following:

1. A valid passport

2. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that your employer gives you

3. Proof that you can speak English

4. Bank statements as proof of funds

5. Other papers that were needed

Step 4: Apply online

Once you have met all the requirements (mentioned in step 3), you must now apply online via the official UK Government website. Additionally, in this step, you must pay the fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and once done, submit your documents.

Step 5: Do a Biometric Verification

You might have to do biometric verification, and then you have to wait for the official decision.

Step 6: Travel to the UK

After your UK Skilled Worker Visa is approved, you are allowed to move to the UK and begin

working. 

Step 7: Extend or Switch

For the individuals wanting to stay longer than the Visa allows, they’re allowed to extend it. However, in the case of job switching, you 

If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, extend it. If you change jobs/employers, you may need a new visa. 

Key Requirements You Must Meet

• Work offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence

• The job is eligible and meets skill and salary rules

• Certificate of Sponsorship issued

• English language ability proven

• Maintenance funds (or the employer certifies)

• Not disqualified from a visa (e.g., serious criminal record)

Why MSD Solicitors Makes It Easier to Get a Skilled Worker UK Visa

MSD Solicitors are UK immigration law experts offering help with the Skilled Worker route. This includes:

• Checking your job offer and employer licence to make sure you qualify.

• Advising on the latest rules (which are subject to frequent changes) so you don’t miss a step.

• Helping you get the right papers together and send them in, as well as walking you through the application process.

• Helping you if you need to extend, change jobs, or apply for ILR later.

Choosing a specialist firm helps avoid costly mistakes, rejections or delays.

Recent Changes (2025) You Should Know

• The required skill level has been raised in many cases to graduate (RQF Level 6) rather than A-level.

• Salary thresholds have changed – in many cases, jobs must pay more.

• The English language requirement for new applications will rise (to B2 level) from January 2026 for most applicants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Accepting a job that is not on the eligible list.

• Employer not holding or properly using a sponsor licence.

• Applying with the wrong salary or skill level.

• Missing the English language evidence.

• Applying with missing or incorrect documents can cause delays or refusal.

• Keep in mind that if you change employers, you may often need a new visa.

Final Thoughts

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, follow the steps outlined above, understand the requirements and consult an expert in the field (MSD Solicitors is among the best). Your chances of getting your Visa approved go up a lot if you do it professionally, of course, with the help of professionals. Getting a Visa

Meeting the requirements and sending in a complete, error-free application are the keys to getting a Visa.