How to Move to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa in 2026

The UK's post-Brexit immigration system replaced freedom of movement with a points-based approach. The Skilled Worker Visa is now the primary route for non-British citizens to work in the UK, and the rules have tightened significantly since 2024 — particularly the salary threshold, which jumped from £26,200 to £38,700.

This guide covers how the visa actually works, what the salary increase means in practice, and the alternative routes most people overlook.

Skilled Worker Visa: The Basics

You need three things: a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence, a role that meets the skill level requirement (RQF Level 3 or above — roughly A-level equivalent), and a salary of at least £38,700/year or the "going rate" for your occupation, whichever is higher.

The visa lasts up to 5 years and is renewable. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the UK equivalent of permanent residency. Citizenship is possible after 6 years total (5 years + 1 year with ILR).

The £38,700 Threshold

This increase in April 2024 priced out a large segment of applicants. A nurse, teacher, or social worker earning £30,000 — a perfectly respectable UK salary — no longer qualifies for the standard route. There are exceptions: health and care workers have a reduced threshold of £29,000, and some occupations on the Immigration Salary List have lower thresholds. New entrants (those under 26, or recent graduates, or those in professional training) benefit from a 30% discount, bringing the threshold to ~£27,090.

For tech workers, engineers, and finance professionals, £38,700 is usually achievable in London and the South East. For roles outside those sectors or outside London, the threshold is a genuine barrier.

How the Sponsor System Works

Unlike many countries where you apply for a visa independently, the UK requires your employer to hold a sponsor licence and actively sponsor your application. The employer files a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and you then apply for the visa referencing that CoS.

This means you can't apply speculatively — you need a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor before you begin. You can check whether a company holds a sponsor licence on the UK government's register of sponsors, which is publicly available. Large employers (NHS trusts, major banks, tech companies, Big Four accounting firms) almost always have licences. Smaller companies often don't, and the process of obtaining one costs them £536–£1,476 plus ongoing compliance obligations.

Costs

The Skilled Worker Visa isn't cheap. The visa application fee ranges from £625 to £1,423 depending on whether your role is on the Immigration Salary List. On top of that, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035/year — so £5,175 for a 5-year visa. For a family of three (two adults, one child), the total IHS alone is £12,420 over 5 years.

Your employer covers the Certificate of Sponsorship fee (£239) and often contributes to the Immigration Skills Charge (£364–£1,000/year depending on company size). Some employers also cover your visa fees as part of the relocation package, but this is negotiable — not guaranteed.

Alternative Routes

Health and Care Worker Visa

A subcategory of the Skilled Worker Visa with significant advantages: reduced salary threshold (£29,000), no Immigration Health Surcharge (saving thousands), and reduced visa fees. Available for nurses, doctors, care workers, and other health professionals. This is the UK's most accessible work visa for healthcare professionals from overseas.

Global Talent Visa

For leaders or promising talent in science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture. No job offer required, no salary threshold, and it leads to ILR in 3 years (instead of 5). You need an endorsement from a designated body — Tech Nation for digital technology, the Royal Society for science, etc. Highly competitive but very rewarding if you qualify.

Graduate Visa

If you complete a UK degree, the Graduate Visa gives you 2 years (3 for PhDs) to stay and work in any role at any salary. This is often the entry point — complete a UK master's degree, get the Graduate Visa, find a job, and then switch to a Skilled Worker Visa.

Who the UK Works For

The UK's system is employer-driven. It works well if you're in a high-demand profession (healthcare, tech, engineering, finance), can find a licensed sponsor, and the salary meets the threshold. It's particularly strong for healthcare workers due to the reduced requirements, and for Commonwealth citizens who may qualify for the Ancestry Visa.

It's a harder path if you're in a lower-paying profession, self-employed, or can't find a licensed sponsor. The costs are also among the highest of any work visa globally — the combined fees for a family can exceed £20,000 over 5 years.