A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. If you or your family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must: work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do The specific eligibility depends on your job.

You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa. You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

If you’re not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa. You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK. How long you can stay. Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa. You can include your partner and children in your application to stay in the UK if they are eligible. You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship. As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.