UK Skilled Worker Visa
A UK Skilled Worker visa allows an eligible worker with a genuine job offer from a licensed sponsor to live and work in the UK. If you are applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, understanding the salary rules, sponsorship requirements and evidence you will need is central to a successful application.
01— OverviewOverview
At RBJ Immigration, our immigration team, based in Oxford and advising clients across Oxford, London and the rest of the UK, provides professional advice and assistance with UK Skilled Worker visa applications, sponsor compliance, and switching between visa categories.
We can assess whether your job offer meets the salary requirement, identify the supporting documents you need, and assist with preparing and submitting your application.
[REQUEST A CALL BACK] 02— About This RouteAbout the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the UK's main sponsored work route. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and allows a Home Office-licensed sponsor to employ a worker from outside the UK in an eligible, skilled occupation. A successful application usually grants permission for up to 5 years, tied to the length of your Certificate of Sponsorship, and this route can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, typically after 5 years, provided the settlement requirements are met.
03— Eligibility & SalaryEligibility & Salary Requirement
To qualify, you must normally meet all of the following:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office-licensed sponsor
- A role at the required skill level, with a valid occupation code
- A salary meeting the relevant threshold
- The required standard of English language ability
Salary Requirement: Your salary must meet whichever is higher of the general threshold of £41,700 per year, or the specific "going rate" published for your occupation code. Lower thresholds can apply in defined circumstances: £37,500 for a relevant PhD, or £33,400 for a STEM PhD, an Immigration Salary List role, or a "new entrant" (broadly, under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training). Health and education roles are assessed against separate national pay scales.
04— Documents & FeesDocuments Typically Required
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference
- Passport and proof of English language ability
- Salary evidence (payslips or an employer letter), where required
- Personal savings evidence, if your sponsor has not confirmed maintenance
Fees and Processing Time: As of the Home Office's 8 April 2026 fee schedule: In-country application is £943 (CoS for 3 years or less) or £1,865 (CoS for more than 3 years), with a reduced fee for Immigration Salary List roles. Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035/year. Standard processing is usually within 3 weeks outside the UK and around 8 weeks inside the UK.
05— Process & SupportApplication Process & How We Can Help
- Check your eligibility, including your occupation code and salary threshold
- Secure your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Gather your supporting documents and complete the online application
- Provide biometric information and await the Home Office decision
How We Can Help: We confirm your occupation code and correct salary threshold, review your sponsor's Certificate of Sponsorship for compliance, prepare and submit your application, and advise on switching employers, extending your visa, or Indefinite Leave to Remain.
[REQUEST A CALL BACK]Frequently asked questions
Request a Call Back
Complete the short form and a member of the RBJ Immigration team will contact you. Or call RBJ Immigration on 01865 655848.
[ REQUEST A CALL BACK ]UK Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa UK is for leaders or emerging leaders in academia, research, arts and culture, digital technology, or engineering, recognised by an approved endorsing body, without needing a job offer or sponsor.
01— OverviewOverview
At RBJ Immigration, we help applicants build a strong endorsement case and manage the two-stage application through to visa grant.
[REQUEST A CALL BACK] 02— About This RouteAbout the Global Talent Visa
This route replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. It gives successful applicants freedom to work for any employer, freelance, or run their own business, without the sponsorship ties of the Skilled Worker route.
03— Eligibility & DocumentsEligibility & Documents Required
- Endorsement from an approved body in your field, or eligibility for the fast-track route via a qualifying prize
- Evidence of exceptional talent or exceptional promise in your specific field
- Endorsement letter, portfolio of work, references, and valid passport
Fees, Processing & How We Can Help
Endorsement application fee: £561. Visa application: £205 (with Approval Letter) or £766 (without). Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year. Standard processing is around 3 weeks outside the UK and 8 weeks inside the UK.
- Assessing which endorsing body and evidence route fits your field
- Reviewing your portfolio and endorsement application before submission
- Managing the two-stage endorsement and visa process
- Advising on settlement timelines, including the accelerated 3-year route for exceptional talent endorsement
Frequently asked questions
Request a Call Back
Book a consultation with our team. Or call RBJ Immigration on 01865 655848.
[ REQUEST A CALL BACK ]UK Graduate Visa
The UK Graduate visa lets international students who have completed an eligible UK degree stay on to work, or look for work, at any skill level, without needing a sponsor.
01— OverviewAbout the Graduate Visa
This route gives you 2 years (3 for PhD graduates) of unrestricted permission to work in the UK, commonly used as a bridge into the Skilled Worker visa once you find a sponsoring employer.
[REQUEST A CALL BACK] 02— Eligibility & RequirementsEligibility & Documents Required
- Currently in the UK on a Student visa
- Successfully completed an eligible course with a UK Student sponsor who has reported your completion to the Home Office
- Valid passport or BRP and university completion confirmation
Fees, Processing & Support
Application fee: £937, Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year. This is an in-country only route; standard processing is around 8 weeks.
- Confirming your eligibility and timing before your Student visa expires
- Advising on switching to the Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa once you have a job offer or endorsement
Frequently asked questions
Request a Call Back
Book a consultation. Or call RBJ Immigration on 01865 655848.
[ REQUEST A CALL BACK ]UK Student Visa
The UK Student visa lets you study a course in the UK with a licensed education provider once you have been offered a place and issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
01— OverviewAbout the Student Visa
The UK Student visa route is the entry point for most international students coming to study in the UK, and for many, a first step towards a Graduate visa and eventually a Skilled Worker visa.
[REQUEST A CALL BACK] 02— EligibilityEligibility & Requirements
- An unconditional offer and valid CAS from a licensed Student sponsor
- A course at the required level, taught by an approved provider
- English language ability, usually to level B2 for degree-level study
- Sufficient funds to cover course fees plus maintenance (living costs) for up to 9 months
- Valid passport, academic qualifications, financial statements, and ATAS certificate for sensitive courses
Fees, Processing & Support
Application fee (from outside the UK): £558, Immigration Health Surcharge: £776/year (reduced student rate). Standard processing outside the UK is around 3 weeks.
- Checking your CAS and financial evidence meet the maintenance requirement before you apply
- Advising on switching to the Graduate or Skilled Worker visa once your course ends
Frequently asked questions
Request a Call Back
Book a consultation. Or call RBJ Immigration on 01865 655848.
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