If you are searching for a Tier 2 visa to work in the UK in 2027, the first thing to understand is that the Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa. The Skilled Worker route is now the main sponsored work route for eligible overseas nationals who have a qualifying job with a Home Office-approved UK employer.
The terminology has changed, but many people including existing Tier 2 visa holders still use “Tier 2 visa” when searching for information about UK work visas, extensions and settlement.
The current Skilled Worker system is considerably more complex than simply obtaining a UK job offer. Your employer must normally be an approved sponsor, your job must meet the relevant skill requirements, you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), your salary must satisfy the applicable threshold and going rate, and you must meet other immigration requirements.
For most new Skilled Worker applications, the job must normally be skilled to RQF level 6 or above, although specific exceptions exist, including certain occupations appearing on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. The standard salary requirement is normally at least £41,700 per year or the applicable going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher, although different thresholds can apply in qualifying circumstances.
A mistake involving your occupation code, salary, sponsorship or eligibility can result in refusal even where you have a genuine job offer.
If you are uncertain whether your job and circumstances qualify, Book a Free Online Assessment with UK Immigration Solicitors before submitting your application.
What Is a Tier 2 Visa in the UK?
The Tier 2 visa was part of the UK’s previous points-based immigration system and allowed eligible overseas workers to work for sponsoring employers in the UK.
The Tier 2 (General) work visa has now been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa.
This means someone making a new application in 2027 will generally apply under the Skilled Worker route rather than for a new Tier 2 (General) visa.
However, Tier 2 remains relevant because people who previously obtained Tier 2 permission may still be living and working in the UK and may now be considering an extension or indefinite leave to remain.
Is the Tier 2 Visa Still Available in 2027?
You cannot make a new Tier 2 (General) application.
New sponsored workers apply under the current Skilled Worker system where they satisfy the requirements.
Existing Tier 2 (General) permission can still be relevant when considering matters such as:
- extending your permission;
- qualifying residence for settlement;
- changing employment;
- previous immigration history; and
- eligibility for indefinite leave to remain.
You should therefore distinguish between making a new work visa application and dealing with existing Tier 2 immigration history.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
The Skilled Worker visa allows an eligible person to come to or remain in the UK to undertake a qualifying job for a Home Office-approved sponsor.
Applicants generally need:
- an eligible job;
- an approved UK sponsor;
- a Certificate of Sponsorship;
- the required salary;
- the required skill level;
- sufficient English-language ability; and
- compliance with the other applicable Immigration Rules.
The visa can be granted for up to five years before an extension is required and can lead to settlement where the relevant requirements are met.
Tier 2 Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the successor to Tier 2 (General), but applicants should not assume that old Tier 2 guidance remains accurate.
The Skilled Worker rules have changed significantly, particularly regarding:
- eligible occupations;
- skill levels;
- salary thresholds;
- English-language requirements;
- dependants; and
- sponsorship.
Always assess an application under the rules applying on the date of application rather than relying on an old Tier 2 guide.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements in 2027
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must satisfy several requirements.
For most applicants, the central requirements include having an eligible job with an approved sponsor, receiving a valid Certificate of Sponsorship and meeting the relevant salary and English-language requirements.
Eligible Job and Occupation Requirements
Your job must fall within an eligible occupation code.
Following changes introduced on 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker applicants generally need a job skilled to RQF level 6, broadly graduate level, or an occupation qualifying under a relevant exception.
Certain medium-skilled occupations can remain eligible where they appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, while transitional provisions can apply to some workers who entered the route before the rule changes. This does not mean that an applicant personally needs a university degree simply because a job is classified at RQF level 6. The relevant issue is the skill level assigned to the occupation.
Choosing the wrong occupation code can cause serious problems. The code should accurately reflect the actual duties of the job rather than simply being selected because it appears to satisfy the immigration requirements.
Approved UK Sponsor Requirement
A Skilled Worker applicant must normally have an eligible job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office to sponsor Skilled Workers. An ordinary UK company cannot automatically sponsor overseas employees.
If an employer does not already hold the required sponsor licence, it may need to obtain one before it can sponsor an eligible worker.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Your sponsoring employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Despite the name, this is an electronic record rather than a paper certificate. It contains important information about your proposed employment, including your role and sponsorship details.
You will need the CoS reference number when applying for your visa and generally need to submit the visa application within three months of receiving the certificate.
English Language Requirement
New Skilled Worker applicants generally need to demonstrate English ability at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, unless an exemption or another permitted method of satisfying the requirement applies.
Depending on your circumstances, English can potentially be demonstrated through an approved Secure English Language Test, an eligible qualification or another method accepted under the Immigration Rules.
Different transitional rules can apply to people who held Skilled Worker permission before 8 January 2026.
Financial Requirement
You will usually need to demonstrate at least £1,270 in available funds to support yourself when arriving in the UK unless an exemption applies. The funds normally need to have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the relevant timing requirements satisfied.
You may not need to provide this evidence where, for example, you have already been lawfully in the UK for the relevant period or your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
How Does the Skilled Worker Visa Points System Work?
The Skilled Worker route operates within the UK’s points-based immigration system. However, thinking of the application as simply “collecting enough points” can be misleading.
Some requirements are mandatory. Having enough points in theory does not rescue an application if a mandatory requirement has not been met.
Important elements include:
- sponsorship;
- an eligible job;
- the required skill level;
- English-language ability; and
- the applicable salary requirement.
Salary can involve tradeable points in certain circumstances, allowing some qualifying applicants to meet a lower general threshold where specific criteria apply.
Because the rules depend on the applicant, occupation and sponsorship history, you should not assume that a salary acceptable for another Skilled Worker will automatically be sufficient for you.
Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements
Salary is one of the most important and frequently misunderstood parts of a Skilled Worker application.
Under the current standard rules, an applicant will normally need to earn at least the higher of:
- £41,700 per year, or
- the applicable going rate for the occupation.
For example, earning £42,000 does not automatically qualify you if the going rate for your occupation is £46,000. Both requirements need to be considered.
What Is the Minimum Salary for a Skilled Worker Visa?
There is no single salary figure that applies to every Skilled Worker. While £41,700 is the current standard general threshold, qualifying applicants can be subject to different thresholds.
Potentially relevant circumstances include certain:
- Immigration Salary List occupations;
- new entrants;
- applicants with relevant PhDs;
- STEM PhD applicants;
- postdoctoral roles;
- healthcare roles; and
- education occupations.
For example, current rules provide lower general thresholds in certain qualifying categories, but the occupation-specific salary requirement must still be checked. Do not base an application solely on the headline £41,700 figure.
Going Rates for Skilled Worker Occupations
Each eligible occupation has a relevant going rate. The correct occupation code must therefore be identified before salary eligibility can be assessed properly.
For some healthcare and education jobs, salary requirements work differently because national pay scales may be relevant.
Can a Skilled Worker Qualify on a Lower Salary?
Potentially, yes but only where the Immigration Rules permit it.
A lower salary may be possible for certain qualifying applicants, including some new entrants, applicants with relevant academic qualifications and workers in particular listed occupations. These are legal eligibility provisions, not general discounts.
You should establish which salary option actually applies before relying on a lower threshold.
Minimum Working Hours for a Skilled Worker Visa
There is no simple universal rule saying every Skilled Worker must work a particular fixed number of hours per week to qualify.
Working hours matter because of the interaction between:
- the annual salary;
- the occupation’s going rate;
- hourly calculations where relevant;
- National Minimum Wage requirements; and
- the hours stated by the sponsor.
Occupation-specific going rates may be based on a specified working week and can require adjustment according to the worker’s hours. However, the standard general salary threshold is not simply reduced because someone works fewer hours.
This makes part-time Skilled Worker cases particularly important to calculate correctly. If your salary only appears to qualify because the annual threshold has been incorrectly pro-rated, the application may fail.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
A successful Skilled Worker application normally begins before the visa form is completed.
Step 1: Obtain an Eligible Job Offer
You need a qualifying job with an employer capable of sponsoring you.
The role must genuinely correspond to an eligible occupation code and satisfy the relevant skill and salary requirements.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your approved employer assigns a CoS containing information about your role and sponsorship.
Check the information carefully.
Errors involving salary, occupation code, dates or employment details can create complications in the visa application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Gather the documents required for your circumstances before applying.
Do not assume every applicant needs exactly the same evidence.
Step 4: Submit the Online Application
Skilled Worker applications are made online.
The correct process depends on whether you are:
- applying from outside the UK;
- extending your permission;
- switching from another UK immigration category; or
- updating your visa because of a change in job or employer.
Step 5: Prove Your Identity
Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may be required to prove your identity using the relevant digital process or attend a visa application appointment. Follow the instructions generated by your application.
What Documents Are Required for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Core documents and information can include:
- your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number;
- a valid passport or other accepted identity/nationality document;
- evidence of your English-language ability;
- your job title;
- annual salary;
- occupation code; and
- your employer’s name and sponsor licence number.
Depending on your circumstances, additional evidence may include:
- bank statements or other maintenance evidence;
- relationship evidence for dependants;
- tuberculosis test results where required;
- criminal record certificates for specified occupations;
- an ATAS certificate where applicable;
- PhD evidence where relied upon; and
- certified translations of documents not in English or Welsh.
Submitting excessive irrelevant documents is not a substitute for providing the evidence actually required. If your case involves previous refusals, unusual sponsorship arrangements, a complicated immigration history or uncertainty about the occupation code, obtaining advice before applying can reduce avoidable errors.
How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Take?
Current GOV.UK service standards state that applicants will usually receive a decision within:
- 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK; or
- 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK.
The period generally runs after the applicant has applied, proved their identity and provided the required documents.
Applications can take longer where further checks are required.
Can You Get a Faster Decision?
Priority or faster decision services may be available for some applications. Availability depends on the application and service offered at the time. Paying for priority processing does not improve your eligibility or make a weak application more likely to succeed. It only affects the intended processing speed.
How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Cost?
Under the currently published fees, the standard Skilled Worker application fee ranges from £819 to £1,865, depending on whether you apply inside or outside the UK and the duration of your permission.
Current standard fees include:
Applying from outside the UK
- Up to 3 years: £819
- More than 3 years: £1,618
Applying from inside the UK
- Up to 3 years: £943
- More than 3 years: £1,865
Lower application fees currently apply to qualifying jobs on the Immigration Salary List.
In addition to the visa fee, most Skilled Worker applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £1,035 for each year of permission.
Applicants may also need to demonstrate the required maintenance funds. Government fees change, so anyone applying in 2027 should check the fee in force on the date of application rather than relying solely on an older article.
Can You Get a UK Work Visa Without a Job Offer?
You cannot normally obtain a Skilled Worker visa without a qualifying job offer. The route requires sponsorship from an approved UK employer and a Certificate of Sponsorship.
However, that does not mean every UK work-related immigration route requires a job offer. Depending on your circumstances, other routes may be available that operate differently.
The correct route can depend on factors including:
- qualifications;
- professional achievements;
- nationality;
- age;
- business plans;
- family circumstances; and
- previous UK immigration history.
If you do not have a sponsored job offer, the correct question is therefore not “How can I get a Skilled Worker visa without sponsorship?” but whether another immigration route fits your circumstances.
Skilled Worker Visa Extension Requirements
A Skilled Worker visa can normally be extended where the relevant requirements continue to be satisfied.
You can usually apply to extend if:
- you remain in the same job;
- your job remains under the same occupation code; and
- you continue working for the sponsor associated with your current permission.
You must apply before your existing visa expires.
Can Former Tier 2 Visa Holders Extend?
Yes, an eligible person holding previous Tier 2 (General) permission may be able to extend under the current Skilled Worker framework. This is one reason legacy Tier 2 terminology remains relevant. Some transitional provisions also protect certain existing workers from newer requirements that would otherwise affect fresh applicants.
For example, specific transitional rules exist for medium-skilled workers who received their first Certificate of Sponsorship before 22 July 2025 and have continuously held Skilled Worker permission. An existing Tier 2 or Skilled Worker should therefore not assume that the requirements for a new applicant apply identically to their extension.
UK Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Rules
Eligible Skilled Workers may be able to bring or retain qualifying partners and children as dependants, but this is no longer a universal assumption for every occupation.
A qualifying partner can generally include a spouse, civil partner or eligible unmarried partner where the relationship requirements are met. Children must also satisfy the applicable dependant requirements.
Restrictions for Care Workers
Special restrictions apply to care workers and senior care workers. Whether family members can qualify can depend on when the main applicant began continuous sponsored employment and whether a specific exception applies.
Restrictions for Medium-Skilled Occupations
There are also restrictions affecting workers sponsored in certain medium-skilled occupations. For workers in these jobs, dependant eligibility can depend on whether the worker had already been continuously sponsored in a medium-skilled role before 22 July 2025, subject to the detailed exceptions in the rules.
This is an area where generic advice such as “all Skilled Workers can bring their family” is no longer reliable. Before accepting a sponsored job, applicants with partners or children should check the dependant rules applying to that specific occupation.
What Happens After 5 Years on a Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker route can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Under the current rules, an eligible applicant may qualify for settlement after completing a continuous five-year qualifying period. Previous qualifying time under Tier 2 (General) can also count towards settlement where the requirements are satisfied.
ILR Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa Holders
Settlement involves more than simply completing five calendar years.
Relevant requirements include:
- completing the required qualifying period;
- satisfying continuous residence;
- meeting the applicable salary requirements;
- continuing to be required by the sponsoring employer;
- the sponsor remaining appropriately approved;
- meeting the English-language requirement applicable on the settlement date; and
- passing the Life in the UK Test where required.
Continuous Residence and Absences
Under the current continuous residence rules, an applicant will generally need to have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period, subject to the detailed Immigration Rules and applicable exceptions.
Keep accurate travel records throughout your residence rather than trying to reconstruct five years of absences immediately before applying for ILR.
English Requirement for Settlement in 2027
A particularly important scheduled change affects settlement applications made from 26 March 2027. Under the Immigration Rules currently published, Skilled Worker settlement applicants applying on or after that date will need to demonstrate English at CEFR level B2, unless exempt.
Applicants planning ILR in 2027 should therefore check which English requirement applies to their exact application date.
Life in the UK Test
Applicants who fall within the relevant age range generally need to pass the Life in the UK Test as part of settlement. Do not leave settlement preparation until the final weeks of your Skilled Worker permission.
A review several months in advance can identify problems involving absences, salary, sponsorship or English requirements while there may still be time to address them.
New Skilled Worker Visa Rules for 2027
A page targeting 2027 needs to distinguish between rules already confirmed for 2027 and speculation about future immigration policy.
As things currently stand, significant rules affecting applicants include:
- the standard Skilled Worker salary threshold of £41,700, subject to applicable alternatives and exceptions;
- the general move to an RQF level 6 skill threshold for new applications, with specified exceptions;
- the Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List framework;
- restrictions affecting dependants of certain care workers and medium-skilled workers;
- B2 English for new Skilled Worker applicants; and
- the scheduled B2 English requirement for Skilled Worker settlement applications from 26 March 2027, unless exempt.
Immigration Rules can change before or during 2027. This guide should therefore be reviewed against the latest Home Office rules before publication and whenever significant immigration changes take effect.
Common Reasons Skilled Worker Visa Applications Are Refused
A genuine job offer does not guarantee a successful visa application.
Problems can arise where:
- the employer is not an appropriate licensed sponsor;
- the occupation code is incorrect;
- the role is not genuinely eligible;
- the salary is below the required threshold;
- the going rate has been calculated incorrectly;
- the Certificate of Sponsorship contains problematic information;
- the English-language requirement is not met;
- required evidence is missing;
- the applicant does not satisfy suitability requirements; or
- information in the application is inconsistent.
Some errors can also have consequences beyond the immediate refusal, particularly where UKVI believes inaccurate information or documents have been provided. If there is uncertainty about eligibility, resolving it before submission is generally better than trying to repair a refusal afterwards.
How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help
The Skilled Worker system combines immigration requirements with sponsorship, occupation codes, salary calculations and employer compliance. A seemingly small mistake can affect both the worker and sponsoring employer.
UK Immigration Solicitors can assess your circumstances and advise on matters including:
- Skilled Worker visa eligibility;
- Tier 2 to Skilled Worker extensions;
- occupation codes;
- salary requirements;
- Certificate of Sponsorship issues;
- switching immigration categories;
- change of employment applications;
- dependant applications;
- Skilled Worker extensions;
- settlement and ILR;
- previous visa refusals; and
- complex immigration histories.
If you have already received a job offer, we can help you understand whether the proposed role and your circumstances meet the immigration requirements before you submit the application.
If you do not yet have a qualifying sponsored job, we can assess whether another UK immigration route may be relevant to your circumstances.
Book a Free Online Assessment to discuss your UK work visa options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tier 2 Visa the Same as a Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. New applicants use the Skilled Worker route, although previous Tier 2 permission remains relevant for existing holders and can count towards settlement in qualifying circumstances.
Is the Tier 2 Visa Still Available in the UK?
You cannot make a new Tier 2 (General) application. New applicants seeking sponsored employment normally apply under the Skilled Worker route.
What Is the Minimum Salary for a Skilled Worker Visa?
The current standard requirement is generally the higher of £41,700 per year or the applicable going rate for the occupation. Different thresholds can apply in qualifying circumstances, so £41,700 should not be treated as a universal figure for every applicant.
How Many Points Do You Need for a Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker route uses a points-based system, but applicants must satisfy mandatory requirements rather than simply accumulating interchangeable points. Sponsorship, job eligibility, skill level, English and salary requirements must all be assessed correctly.
Can I Get a UK Work Permit Without a Job Offer?
Not through the Skilled Worker route, which requires a qualifying sponsored job. Other UK immigration routes may operate without a sponsored job offer depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Take?
Current GOV.UK guidance states that a decision will usually take around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK, once the relevant application, identity and document steps have been completed.
Can I Extend My Old Tier 2 Visa?
Potentially, yes. Existing Tier 2 (General) holders may be able to extend under the Skilled Worker framework where they meet the applicable requirements. Transitional provisions may also be relevant.
Can Skilled Worker Visa Holders Bring Dependants?
Many can, but restrictions apply to certain workers, particularly care workers, senior care workers and some medium-skilled occupations. Eligibility should be checked against the applicant’s occupation and immigration history.
What Happens After 5 Years on a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa?
You may become eligible for indefinite leave to remain after completing the required five-year qualifying period if you satisfy the continuous residence, salary, sponsorship, English, Life in the UK and other applicable settlement requirements.
Do Tier 2 Years Count Towards Skilled Worker ILR?
Qualifying time previously spent under Tier 2 (General) can count towards the five-year settlement period under the current rules.
What English Level Is Required for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2027?
New Skilled Worker applicants generally need to demonstrate English at CEFR B2, unless an exemption applies. Transitional provisions can apply to certain existing workers.
What English Level Is Required for Skilled Worker ILR in 2027?
Under the Immigration Rules currently published, Skilled Worker settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027 require English at B2, unless an exemption applies. Applicants should verify the rules in force when they apply.
How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Cost?
Current standard application fees range from £819 to £1,865, depending on where you apply and the duration of permission. Most applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £1,035 per year. Fees should be checked again at the time of application.
Get Advice on Your Skilled Worker Visa Application
A Skilled Worker application can affect your employment, family plans and potential route to permanent settlement in the UK.
The most expensive mistake is often not the visa fee itself—it is accepting a role, relying on an incorrect occupation code or submitting an application before establishing whether the sponsorship and salary requirements are actually met.
If you are:
- applying for your first Skilled Worker visa;
- currently on an old Tier 2 visa;
- changing employer;
- extending your permission;
- bringing eligible dependants;
- approaching five years in the UK;
- preparing for ILR; or
- dealing with a refusal,
our immigration team can assess the relevant requirements and advise on the appropriate next step. Book a Free Online Assessment with UK Immigration Solicitors.