Skilled Worker Visa

Eligibility

• The role must appear on the eligible occupations list. Most UK tech roles qualify under SOC codes 2135 (IT business analysts) and 2136 (programmers and software developers).
• Minimum salary: £38,700/year or the going rate — whichever is higher. New entrant threshold: £30,960.
• English language: B1 level or above.
• The employer must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

What it costs the employer

Verify current figures at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa before quoting.

What it costs the candidate

• Visa application fee: £827 (up to 3 years), £1,636 (over 3 years)
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year (£3,105 for a 3-year visa)
• Biometric enrolment: included in application fee

Timeline

• Standard processing: 3–8 weeks from visa application submission
• Priority processing: 5 working days (additional ~£500 fee)
• Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued before visa application
• Employer typically takes 2–4 weeks to issue CoS after offer letter

Questions to ask your employer

• “Do you have an active Skilled Worker sponsor licence?” — look them up on the Home Office register if they seem unsure.
• “How many sponsored employees do you currently have?” — a company that has done it before is faster and less anxious.
• “Who handles your sponsorship process — in-house or an immigration firm?”
• “Will the company cover the Immigration Skills Charge?” — most do, but worth confirming.

Red flags to watch for

• Company not on the Home Office register — they cannot sponsor, regardless of what they say in the interview.
• “We've never done sponsorship before” — not a dealbreaker, but expect longer timelines and more back-and-forth.
• Job ad says “must have the right to work in the UK” without mentioning sponsorship — likely not open to it, but worth asking.
• Offer contingent on you sorting out your own visa — the employer must issue the Certificate of Sponsorship. That's not negotiable.