Skilled Worker visa Checklist

New applications and switches from other routes generally require CEFR B2 in all four skills. Holders before 8 January 2026 extending/updating may use the B1 transition without fresh proof. Check permitted prior proof or transfer between the two work routes, qualifications/Ecctis, nationality, regulated-profession evidence or approved SELT; a new test is not universal.

Skilled WorkerEnglish: B2new/other-route-switch; before8Jan2026holders extension/updateB1withoutreproof. Actualpriorproof/crossHealthCare/qualificationsEcctis/nationality/regulatorexceptions, SE LTcurrentprovider. Notmandatoryfreshtest.

Knowledge of English / extending updating switching / permitted evidence

Skilled WorkerEnglish: B2 new/other-route-switch; before 8 Jan 2026 holders extension/updateB1 withoutreproof. Actualpriorproof/crossHealthCare/qualificationsEcctis/nationality/regulatorexceptions, SE LTcurrentprovider. Notmandatoryfreshtest.

Usually provide £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of application. Permission to stay after at least 12 months of lawful UK permission can satisfy the requirement without funds evidence; an A-rated sponsor’s actual CoS maintenance certification is another route. Assess each dependant separately; a budget is not bank evidence.

Usually provide £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of application. Permission to stay after at least 12 months of lawful UK permission can satisfy the requirement without funds evidence; an A-rated sponsor’s actual CoS maintenance certification is another route. Assess each dependant separately; a budget is not bank evidence.

Maintenance / Appendix Skilled Worker SW15.1–15.3

Use an approved sponsor and an eligible actual occupation with the required pay and skill conditions. The CoS is an electronic record with a valid reference; a job offer or invented paper certificate is not sufficient. Medium-skilled access and care-worker options have specific date, list and location rules.

Actual approved employer, eligible occupation and electronic CoS reference. Medium-skilled and care occupations require actual date, list and location branch.

Your job / Certificate of Sponsorship

The usual Skilled Worker salary is at least £41,700 a year or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. Healthcare/education pay scales, eligible lower-pay cases and transitional/extension/update rules differ. Check the actual occupation, CoS date and pay option; £38,700 is not the universal current rule.

Actual occupation, pay option, CoS date and extension/update/transitional conditions; healthcare/education pay scales and permitted lower-pay options require individual check.

Your job / Certificate of Sponsorship

For entry clearance in occupations listed in SW16.1, provide certificates for countries with at least 12 months’ total presence in the preceding 10 years while aged 18 or over. SOC6132 is included for CoS assigned on or after 8 October 2024. A satisfactory explanation may excuse certificates not reasonably practicable to obtain. Entry-clearance partners follow SW34.1–34.2; dependent children are excluded.

For entry clearance in occupations listed in SW16.1, provide certificates for countries with at least 12 months’ total presence in the preceding 10 years while aged 18 or over. SOC6132 is included for CoS assigned on or after 8 October 2024. A satisfactory explanation may excuse certificates not reasonably practicable to obtain. Entry-clearance partners follow SW34.1–34.2; dependent children are excluded.

Sponsor guidance SK10.1–SK10.3; Appendix Skilled Worker SW16.1–16.2 and SW34.1–34.2

For entry clearance in occupations listed in SW16.1, provide certificates for countries with at least 12 months’ total presence in the preceding 10 years while aged 18 or over. SOC6132 is included for CoS assigned on or after 8 October 2024. A satisfactory explanation may excuse certificates not reasonably practicable to obtain. Entry-clearance partners follow SW34.1–34.2; dependent children are excluded.

Family admission is conditional. Care-worker rules use continuity before 11 March 2024; medium-skilled rules use continuity before 22 July 2025, with specific child and location exceptions. Check actual occupation, visa/employment history, relationship and whether applying inside or outside the UK; neither family admission nor an exception is automatic.

Family admission is conditional. Care-worker rules use continuity before 11 March 2024; medium-skilled rules use continuity before 22 July 2025, with specific child and location exceptions. Check actual occupation, visa/employment history, relationship and whether applying inside or outside the UK; neither family admission nor an exception is automatic.

Your partner and children / actual occupation continuity child location conditions

Actualoccupationcontinuitydateandchild/locationexceptionsrequired; notautomaticfamilyeligibility.