Skilled Worker visas

A clear starting point

Turn an eligible job offer into a well-prepared work visa application. This page sets out the questions to consider before choosing an application and paying any charges.

Workers with an eligible sponsored role offered by a Home Office-approved employer. The correct approach depends on the exact permission, application location and immigration history involved. A similar-looking case may be subject to a different rule or transitional arrangement.

Who is this for?

Workers with an eligible sponsored role offered by a Home Office-approved employer.

General eligibility and requirements

Check the occupation code, salary rules, sponsor licence, certificate of sponsorship and English requirement. Rules and transitional provisions depend on the role and application history.

Check the current official guidance for the intended submission date. If you have a previous refusal, an approaching expiry date or a change in circumstances, include that in your initial enquiry. These details may affect what is possible and how urgently you need advice.

Supporting documents

A useful evidence file addresses the specific requirements, with clear dates and consistent personal details. Depending on your circumstances, the following may be relevant:

• Passport
• certificate of sponsorship reference
• job and salary details
• English evidence
• maintenance evidence if required
• any route-specific certificates

This is a preparation list, not an exhaustive submission checklist. Check required formats, relevant evidence periods and translation requirements. Keep an exact copy of the final application and evidence. See our document preparation guide for a practical way to organise your records.

The application process

1. Ask the employer to check its licence, actual job duties, occupation code and applicable salary provisions. Confirm whether any transitional rules affect the offer.
2. Review the certificate of sponsorship for accurate identity, role, salary and date details. Gather English, financial and any occupation-specific evidence required for the applicant.
3. Select the outside-UK, extension, update or switching process that matches the circumstances. Coordinate the start date with the decision and the employer’s right-to-work check.

For appeals, protection and employer compliance matters, the relevant procedure may be a review, tribunal process or ongoing duty rather than a visa application. The official source below identifies the appropriate starting point.

Government fees & processing times

Professional fees are separate from government charges. Ask for a written quote confirming scope, any VAT, exclusions and additional costs. Our fees information explains what to clarify. Paying for a faster service does not guarantee approval or a decision by a particular date.

Common issues to consider

A job title that does not match the occupation code, salary calculations that include ineligible payments, and incorrect sponsorship dates.

Where a record is missing or inconsistent, explain the issue honestly and establish which evidence can address it. Do not amend a document to make it appear to meet a requirement. For help preparing for a discussion, read our consultation preparation guide.

Frequently asked questions