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Skilled Worker Visa Application

lexenlaw.co.uk > Skilled Worker Visa Application

What The Skilled Worker Visa Is And Who It’s For In 2025

This route allows you to take an eligible, sponsored job in the UK at (generally) RQF Level 6+ with a licensed employer, meeting salary and English standards. It replaces older Tier 2 arrangements and covers most professions not on specialist routes.

Key Points:

Stay up to 5 years per grant, extendable

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

No access to public funds; dependants can join if criteria met

Works via the UK’s points-based system

You can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa up to 3 months before your job start date while you’re still outside the UK.

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    July 2025 Rule Changes You Must Know Before You Apply

    From 22 July 2025, the government increased salary/skill thresholds and tightened dependant rules for some roles. Plan your timing and evidence accordingly.

    Key Points:

    New general salary floor: £41,700 or the job’s going rate (whichever is higher)

    Skill level: RQF Level 6+ (degree-level) for new sponsorships, with limited transitional exceptions

    Roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) / Temporary Shortage List (TSL) at RQF 3–5: no dependants permitted

    Some proposals (e.g., raising English to B2, ILR to 10 years) are discussed but not fully enacted

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    Core Eligibility: Job Level, Salary, Sponsor Licence And English Language

    Your offer must match an eligible SOC code at the correct skill level, meet the salary requirement, and come from an A-rated licensed sponsor. You must also meet English at CEFR B1 (currently) and financial maintenance rules.

    Key Points:

    Valid CoS with job title, SOC, salary, and start date

    English at B1 (test, nationality, UK/English-taught degree, or prior approval)

    Maintenance: usually £1,270 held 28 days (unless exempt/sponsor certifies)

    TB / criminal record certificate where applicable

    The “Genuine Vacancy” Test That Can Make Or Break Your Case

    Home Office must be satisfied the role is real, appropriately skilled, and fits the sponsor’s business no inflated titles or tailored ads to exclude settled workers.

    Key Points:

    Role duties aligned to SOC and business scale

    No predominantly lower-skilled tasks

    Evidence trail: organogram, business need, recruitment history

    Inconsistencies risk refusal

    Salary Rules, Going Rates And When Lower Pay Can Still Qualify

    You must meet £41,700 or the going rate whichever is higher based on a 37.5-hour week (pro-rated). Limited “tradeable points” concessions may apply (e.g., relevant PhD, new entrant).

    Key Points:

    Check SOC-specific going rates carefully

    PhD (STEM/non-STEM) and new entrant discounts exist but are narrow

    ISL/TSL roles have special pay rules but tighter family rights

    Overtime/allowances usually don’t count toward the threshold

    Documents Checklist To Get Right The First Time

    Robust evidence avoids delays and refusals. Lexen Law templates ensure format and content meet Home Office specs.

    Key Points:

    CoS details, passport, SOC/contract showing pay and hours

    English proof, maintenance funds, TB/criminal record (if required)

    ECCTIS reference for non-UK qualifications where needed

    Certified translations for non-English/Welsh documents

    Step-By-Step: How To Apply (Outside Or Inside The UK)

    Applications are online via GOV.UK, with identity checks by app or Visa Application Centre. Inside-UK switching is allowed from many categories (not visitors, seasonal, etc.).

    Key Points:

    Apply up to 3 months before the CoS start date

    Biometrics: app or appointment, depending on passport

    Standard decisions: ~3 weeks (outside UK) / ~8 weeks (inside)

    Priority/Super Priority may be available for a fee

    Fees, Surcharge And Typical Total Costs

    Budget for visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and if you’re an employer the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).

    Key Points:

    Visa fee (typical range): £769–£1,751 per applicant (circumstance-dependent)

    IHS: £1,035 per adult / £776 per child, per year

    Maintenance funds: £1,270 unless exempt

    Employers: ISC of £364/£182 (small/charity) or £1,000/£500 (med/large) per period

    Extending, Changing Employer, And Protecting Your Status

    You can extend with the same employer/occupation code, or apply for a new CoS to change sponsors just keep continuous lawful residence.

    Key Points:

    Apply before current leave expires

    New CoS needed to change employer or materially change role

    Keep salary/skill level compliant at all times

    Don’t travel during an in-country pending application

    The ILR Pathway: Settling In The UK After Five Years

    Most Skilled Workers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 continuous years if salary, role need, absences, English and Life in the UK are met.

    Key Points:

    Absences: max 180 days in any 12-month period

    Salary at or above the threshold applicable to your cohort

    Pass Life in the UK + meet English requirement

    ILR fee currently £3,029; apply online

    Bringing Your Family: Who Qualifies As A Dependant In 2025

    Partners and children can join if you meet eligibility and financial rules except for new RQF 3–5 roles on the ISL/TSL, which currently bar dependants.

    Key Points:

    Partner (married/civil/unmarried with 2+ years’ cohabitation)

    Children under 18; 18+ if already dependants in the UK

    Extra maintenance: £285 partner, £315 first child, £200 each additional

    Relationship and cohabitation evidence required

    Common Refusal Triggers And How Lexen Law Prevents Them

    Most refusals come from salary miscalculations, SOC mismatches, weak “genuine vacancy” evidence, or document format errors. We pre-empt these with compliance-ready packs.

    Key Points:

    Cross-check SOC vs duties, hours, and salary pro-rating

    Evidence the business need and role fit

    Correct English/maintenance proofs and translation standards

    Administrative Review/Judicial Review strategy if needed

    Sponsor Licence Essentials For Employers Hiring Skilled Workers

    UK employers must be licensed, A-rated, and able to meet ongoing sponsor duties, audits, and reporting via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

    Key Points:

    Defined vs Undefined CoS (overseas vs in-country)

    HR systems for right-to-work, record-keeping, and reporting

    Pay the Immigration Skills Charge when applicable

    Avoid “genuine vacancy” pitfalls and undocumented role drift

    Why Choose Lexen Law for Your Skilled Worker Route

    We align your job specs, contracts, and CoS entries with the Rules, build a decision-ready bundle, and keep your compliant post-grant.

    Key Points:

    Sponsor licence setup/upgrade and audits

    Precision salary & SOC mapping; maintenance & English strategy

    Timelines, priorities, and travel planning

    ILR planning from day one (absences, evidence, dependants)

    Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

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