Replaced Tier 2 General in 2020. Sponsored employment route with a £41,500 minimum salary and a 5-year path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Official name: Skilled Worker visa
Not legal or immigration advice
This page summarizes publicly available information from official immigration authorities. Visa rules change frequently and individual circumstances matter. Verify with the relevant consulate, embassy, or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
$4,500–$12,000
21–56 days
60 months
Yes
The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's primary employment-based immigration route, replacing the Tier 2 (General) visa on 1 December 2020. Applicants need a confirmed job offer at an RQF-3+ level role from a UK employer holding a Home Office sponsor licence. The minimum salary threshold rose to £41,500/year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher) on 4 April 2024 — a sharp increase from the prior £26,200. After 5 years of continuous Skilled Worker residence, holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), then British citizenship one year later (12 months after ILR, with 5 years total UK residence). The visa is granted for up to 5 years and can be extended in 5-year increments.
Government fee
$950
Lawyer / agent
$800–$3,000
All-in (incl. medical, translation, travel)
$4,500–$12,000
Minimum income/savings: ~$53,000/year. £41,500/year as of 4 April 2024 — or the going rate for the SOC code, whichever is higher. New entrants and shortage occupations get reduced thresholds.
Initial visa
60 months
Path to residency
5 years
Path to citizenship
6 years
Skilled Worker holders pay UK PAYE on UK salary (20-45% income tax + 8/2% NI Class 1) from day one. The Statutory Residence Test determines tax residency on worldwide income — typically triggered at 183+ days or by the ties test. The non-dom regime ended on 6 April 2025; new arrivals get a 4-year FIG (Foreign Income & Gains) regime instead. See /tax/calculator/uk for the 2026/27 calculation. Healthcare access through NHS is included via the £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge (paid in full upfront with the visa fee).
Triggering threshold: more than 183 days physical presence.