UK Skilled Worker Tech Vsa

The UK Skilled Worker visa allows foreign professionals to live and work in the UK in an eligible job with a licensed employer. It’s the main work visa route for skilled roles across various sectors, including tech. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is approved by the Home Office. This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and is open to both EU and non-EU nationals.

Visa Category Type

Work

Typical Duration

WorkUp to 5 years, with the option to extend or settle permanently.

Nationalities Eligible

  • Open to non-British and non-Irish nationals.
  • EU/EEA citizens who moved to the UK after 31 December 2020 must also apply under this route.
  • No specific country restrictions — anyone meeting the requirements can apply.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following key requirements

  • Job Offer from a UK Employer

You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based company that is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.

  • Eligible Job Role

The job must be on the list of eligible occupations published by the UK Home Office. Tech roles like software developers, IT business analysts, and cybersecurity specialists are commonly included.

  • Salary Threshold

Your job must pay at least: £38,700 per year or £15.88 per hour, OR
The “going rate” for your role (if higher).Lower salary thresholds may apply for shortage occupations, new entrants, or healthcare jobs.

  • English Language Requirement

You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least B1 level (intermediate). This is usually done via a secure English language test or a degree taught in English.

  • Minimum Age

You must be 18 years or older at the time of application.

  • Financial Requirement

You must have enough money to support yourself — usually £1,270 in your bank account (unless your sponsor agrees to cover your costs).

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, which contains details about your job and salary.

Application Process

  • Secure a Job Offer

 First, get a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. Make sure the role meets the eligibility and salary requirements.

  • Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship — a reference number that includes details about your role, salary, and job location. You’ll need this to apply.

  • Prepare Required Documents
  • Your Certificate of Sponsorship number
  • Proof of English language skills
  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Proof of personal savings (unless exempt)
  • TB test results (if you’re from a listed country)
  • Criminal record certificate (for certain jobs like education or healthcare)
  • Apply Online

Submit your visa application online through the official UK government website. You’ll need to:

  • Fill out the application form
  • Upload your documents
  • Pay the visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
  • Biometrics and Visa Appointment

Book an appointment at a local visa application centre (VAC) to:

  • Provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
  • Submit original documents, if required
  • Wait for a Decision

Most decisions are made within 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK). Priority processing may be available for faster results.

  • Receive Your Visa or BRP

If approved, you’ll get a visa vignette in your passport or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) on arrival in the UK. You can then start your job on or after the date listed on your CoS.

Cost and Hidden Costs

Visa Fees

The cost depends on how long you’ll stay and whether your job is on the Shortage Occupation List.

  • Up to 3 years:
  • Standard job: £719
  • Shortage occupation: £551
  • More than 3 years:
  • Standard job: £1,420
  • Shortage occupation: £1,084

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

You must pay this to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

  • £1,035 per person, per year
  • Paid upfront for the entire visa duration (Example: For a 5-year visa = £5,175 per person)

Additional Costs to Expect

  • English Language Test: ~£150–£200
  • TB Test (if applicable): ~£60–£110, depending on country
  • Criminal Record Certificate: Varies by country
  • Document translation/certification: ~£20–£100+, if your documents aren’t in English
  • Biometrics (VAC appointment fee): May apply in some countries
  • Priority Processing (optional): ~£500+ for faster decisions

Hidden or Overlooked Costs

  • Proof of funds: You might need to show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days (unless your employer covers this).
  • Flight and relocation expenses
  • Accommodation deposits or initial rent
  • Cost of living before your first paycheck
  • School or childcare fees for dependents (if not publicly funded)

Family and Dependents

Who Can Join You

You can bring the following family members with you as dependents:

  • Spouse or partner (must be married or in a long-term relationship)
  • Children under 18
  • Children over 18 (only if they’re already in the UK as your dependents)

Each dependent must apply for a visa separately but at the same time or after your own application.

Financial Requirement

You must show that your dependents can be supported without using public funds.
 Unless your employer confirms they’ll cover this, you need to prove

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

These funds must be held in your (or their) bank account for at least 28 days before applying.

Close-up view of Ukrainian passports with US dollar bills, symbolizing travel readiness.

Healthcare Surcharge

Each dependent must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge:

  • £1,035 per year, per person (same as the main applicant)
A stethoscope and pen resting on a medical report in a healthcare setting.

Children and Schooling

  • Children can attend public (state) schools for free
  • Some childcare or nursery services may have costs
  • If applying for university, international tuition fees may apply
Children focus on computers in a modern classroom setting.

Pathway to Settlement

You may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also known as permanent residency — after 5 continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa.

Requirements for ILR

  • Still be working for the same employer who sponsored your visa
  • Be in a job that’s still eligible under Skilled Worker rules
  • Earn at least the minimum salary threshold for settlement (varies depending on the job code)
  • Have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years, without long absences (generally not more than 180 days in any 12-month period)
  • Pass the Life in the UK Test
  • Show English language proficiency

What About Your Family?

Your partner and children can also apply for ILR if they’ve lived in the UK for 5 years as your dependents and meet the same absence limits.

British Citizenship

After holding ILR for at least 1 year, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship — provided you meet all other naturalization requirements.

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