The UK Skilled Worker visa costs £769 (approx. USD 1,028) for stays up to 3 years and is processed in roughly 3 weeks (15 working days). You must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer before you can apply. Indian nationals are among the largest groups granted this route each year.
What is the UK Skilled Worker visa and who is it for?
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. It lets you live and work in the UK for a licensed employer in a specific job role. There is no annual cap on numbers, which makes it one of the most accessible routes for skilled professionals worldwide.
The visa is designed for workers whose role appears on the UK's eligible occupations list, maintained by the Home Office. Roles range from software engineers and nurses to accountants and chefs, depending on skill level and salary thresholds.
For Indian passport holders considering other English-speaking destinations, see our Australia visa guide and Canada visa guide for comparison.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To qualify, you must meet all three of the following conditions simultaneously.
### 1. Job offer from a licensed sponsor Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence issued by the Home Office. Check the register of licensed sponsors before accepting any offer.
### 2. Eligible occupation and skill level The role must be at or above RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels). The full list of eligible Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes is published on GOV.UK.
### 3. Minimum salary threshold As of April 2024, the general salary threshold is £38,700 per year, or the going rate for your specific occupation code — whichever is higher. Certain shortage occupation roles and new entrants may qualify at a lower threshold. Check the current salary requirements on GOV.UK, as thresholds are subject to policy review.
### English language requirement You must demonstrate English at B1 level (CEFR) or above, typically through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI, or by holding a degree taught in English.
Points-based summary
| Requirement | Points awarded | Tradeable? |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Sponsorship | 20 | No |
| Eligible job at correct skill level | 20 | No |
| Salary meets general threshold (£38,700) | 20 | No |
| English language (B1+) | 10 | No |
| Salary at or above going rate | Up to 20 | Yes |
| Job in a shortage occupation | 20 | Yes |
You need 70 points in total. The first four rows are mandatory (50 points). The remaining 20 must come from tradeable criteria.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship and how do you get one?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is not a physical document — it is a unique reference number assigned by your employer through the Home Office Sponsorship Management System. You enter this reference number in your visa application.
There are two types:
- Defined CoS — for workers applying from outside the UK who are being paid at or above the general salary threshold.
- Undefined CoS — for workers already in the UK switching from another visa route.
Steps your employer takes: 1. Apply for and hold a valid Sponsor Licence (processing time for licences is separate from your visa). 2. Log in to the Sponsorship Management System. 3. Assign a CoS to you, specifying your job title, SOC code, salary and start date. 4. Share the CoS reference number with you.
Once you have the reference number, you have 3 months to submit your visa application.
How much does the UK Skilled Worker visa cost?
Fees vary by duration and whether the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is included. The figures below are the government visa application fees only, as published by the Home Office.
- Up to 3 years: £769 per applicant
- More than 3 years: Check current fees on GOV.UK — the longer-duration fee differs and is subject to change.
### Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) In addition to the visa fee, most applicants must pay the IHS, which gives access to NHS services. The annual rate is set separately — check the IHS calculator on GOV.UK for the exact figure applicable to your duration.
### Other costs to factor in - Priority service fee — if you need a faster decision (check availability and cost on GOV.UK). - Biometric enrolment — at a Visa Application Centre in India. - Document translation and certification — where applicable. - Vistolane's service fee for application support is USD 59. See plans & pricing for details.
How long does the UK Skilled Worker visa take to process?
The standard processing time is 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date you submit your biometrics at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India. This is the verified timeline as of 19 September 2026.
Processing times can vary during peak periods. Check real-time processing estimates or the Home Office service standards before booking travel.
Priority and super-priority services may be available in some locations, offering decisions in 5 working days or 1 working day respectively. Availability is not guaranteed — check at the time of application.
What documents do you need to apply?
Gather the following before starting your online application on GOV.UK.
Mandatory documents: - Valid passport (with at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended travel date) - Certificate of Sponsorship reference number - Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS UKVI result, degree certificate, etc.) - Proof of salary (offer letter or employment contract showing annual salary) - Proof of personal savings if required (£1,270 held for at least 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance)
Additional documents that may be required: - Academic qualifications (if relevant to the role) - Previous UK visa refusal letters (if applicable) - Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic in India - Proof of any professional registration (e.g., General Medical Council for doctors)
Always cross-reference the official document checklist on GOV.UK, as requirements can change.
How do you apply step by step?
- Confirm your CoS — obtain the reference number from your sponsor.
- Complete the online application — at apply.visas.homeoffice.gov.uk.
- Pay the visa fee and IHS — done during the online application.
- Book a biometrics appointment — at a VFS Global centre in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune and others).
- Attend your appointment — bring your passport and any documents requested.
- Await a decision — typically 3 weeks from biometrics submission.
- Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or use the eVisa system on arrival in the UK.
Use the eligibility checker to confirm your profile meets the current requirements before you begin.
Can your family come with you?
Yes. Your spouse or civil partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants on your Skilled Worker visa. Each dependant must pay a separate visa application fee and IHS. Check the dependant visa fees on GOV.UK.
Dependants generally have the right to work in the UK without restriction, which makes this route particularly attractive for families.
Can the Skilled Worker visa lead to permanent residence?
Yes. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK — typically on a Skilled Worker visa — you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must meet the continuous residence requirement, pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language standard.
After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation. Check the Home Office guidance on ILR for full conditions.
If you are comparing long-term pathways, our United Kingdom visa guide covers broader immigration options, and the United States visa guide is useful for those weighing up transatlantic moves.
Frequently asked questions
See the FAQ section below for quick answers to the most common queries from Indian applicants.