Apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa & Sponsor Licence 

A Skilled Worker visa is the permission granted to an individual to enter or remain in the UK for a sponsored role. The applicant needs a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, must meet salary and skill level requirements, and must demonstrate English language proficiency. The visa can be granted for up to five years and can lead to settlement after five years of continuous residence. 

To be eligible for a UK Skilled Woker Visa, you must secure a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsorship licence. You must also meet the minimum skill level, salary and English language requirements. 

As of January 8, 2026, the English language standard for new applicants has been raised to CEFR Level B2 (Upper-Intermediate). You can prove this through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.  

A CoS is not a physical paper document; it is a unique electronic reference number generated by your employer. It proves to the Home Office that the job you’ve been offered is genuine and meets all the legal requirements for sponsorship. You cannot apply for your visa without this number.  

Yes. This visa allows your partner and dependent children to apply for Dependant Visas. They will have the right to live, work, and study in the UK for the same duration as your visa.   

After completing 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet all the requirements. These currently include demonstrating continuous lawful residence, not having been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, meeting the salary threshold, passing the Life in the UK test, and meeting the English language requirement (currently B1 for settlement, but rising to B2 from 26 March 2027).  

In most cases, there is no formal interview for a Skilled Worker visa application. The decision is made based on the documents submitted. However, UKVI reserves the right to request an interview if there are concerns about the genuineness of the application, the role, or the employer’s compliance. Credibility interviews are more common for certain visa categories, such as Student visas, but Skilled Worker applicants should be prepared to answer questions about their role, employer, and qualifications if asked.