United Kingdom · work · guide
UK Skilled Worker visa: job requirements
This guide explains the job and salary requirements you must meet to get a UK Skilled Worker visa.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 10 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job
Job eligibility
You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you apply. Your employer must be approved by the Home Office.[1][2]
You must make sure your job is eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. To check this, you need to know your job's 4-digit occupation code.[3][4]
If you work in England as a care worker or senior care worker, your employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission.[5]
Salary and hours
Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage. They must also follow UK rules on weekly working hours.[6]
You must be paid at least the minimum salary rate for the type of work you will do. Your minimum salary must be the highest of £41,700 per year or the going rate for your type of work.[7][8]
Sponsorship and timing
You must have a certificate of sponsorship reference number for your visa application.[9]
You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.[10]
Checklist
- Get a job offer from an approved UK employer[1]
- Check that your employer is approved by the Home Office[2]
- Find your job's 4-digit occupation code to check if it is eligible[4][3]
- Confirm your salary is at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for your work, whichever is higher[8][7]
- Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number[9]
- Apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship[10]
Questions people ask
Do I need a job offer to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you apply.[1]
How do I know if my job is eligible for the visa?
You must know your job's 4-digit occupation code to find out if it is eligible.[4][3]
What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Your minimum salary must be the highest of £41,700 per year or the going rate for your type of work.[8][7]
How long do I have to apply after getting my sponsorship certificate?
You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.[10]
Can I work for any UK employer?
No. You must work for a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office.[2]
Are there special rules for care workers in England?
Yes. If you work in England as a care worker or senior care worker, your employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission.[5]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.