Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker Visa UK — Build Your Career in the United Kingdom

The Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified professionals from around the world to live and work in the UK for an approved employer who holds a Home Office sponsorship licence. This visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) Visa and now serves as one of the main immigration routes for skilled overseas workers seeking long-term opportunities in the UK.

At The McKenzie Friend, we specialise in guiding individuals and businesses through the sponsorship process — ensuring all documents, eligibility criteria, and compliance steps are fully met before submission. Our goal is to make your relocation and employment journey in the UK clear, professional, and stress-free.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet specific Home Office requirements, including:

• Job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing your role, duties, and salary.
• Minimum skill level: job must be at or above RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels).
• Minimum salary threshold: usually £38,700 per year or the “going rate” for the job — whichever is higher.
• English language requirement: B1 level or above on the CEFR scale.
• Maintenance funds: you must show sufficient savings unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance.

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Visa Length and Extensions

The Skilled Worker Visa is typically granted for up to 5 years. You can extend it indefinitely as long as you continue working for a licensed sponsor and meet ongoing requirements. After 5 continuous years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), giving you permanent residence rights in the UK.

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Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa

• Live and work in the UK legally with your sponsored employer.
• Bring your partner and dependent children with you.
• Access the NHS and UK education system.
• Travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa validity.
• Progress toward permanent settlement (ILR).

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How We Can Help You

At The McKenzie Friend, we support both employers and skilled workers with:

• Assessing eligibility and identifying the correct visa route.
• Assisting UK employers with sponsor licence applications.
• Preparing all documentation for visa and dependent applications.
• Advising on compliance to avoid Home Office refusals or penalties.

Our support gives you clarity and peace of mind — ensuring your Skilled Worker Visa application is handled with accuracy and care from start to finish.