Skilled Worker Visa Entry Clearance UK

If you have been offered a job in the UK by a licensed employer and you are currently outside the country, the first thing you will need to do is apply for entry clearance. In immigration terms, that simply means applying for permission to come to the UK and for most overseas workers, that means applying for a Skilled Worker visa entry clearance.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the process in 2026, including the points you need to score, the documents to prepare, the costs involved, and what happens after a decision is made. Whether you are applying for the first time or supporting a sponsored worker, this guide will walk you through every stage.

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What Is Entry Clearance for a Skilled Worker Visa?

Entry clearance is the formal term used when someone applies for a UK visa from outside the country. When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad, you are applying for entry clearance permission to enter the UK and start working for your sponsoring employer.

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa on 1 December 2020. It sits within the UK’s points-based immigration system and is the main route through which non-UK nationals can come to work in the UK in skilled employment. It is employer-led, which means you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK Visas and Immigration-approved employer before you can make an application.

Your visa will be tied to that specific employer and job. Both you and your employer take on responsibilities once the visa is granted, so it is important to understand what is required from both sides from the outset.

Who Can Apply for Skilled Worker Visa Entry Clearance?

To apply for entry clearance under the Skilled Worker route, you must meet a number of requirements. These fall into two categories: mandatory non-tradeable requirements and tradeable requirements. Together, they make up the 70-point threshold you need to meet.

You also need to be applying from outside the UK. If you are already here on a different visa type, you would be looking at a switching application rather than entry clearance which is a separate process.

Mandatory (Non-Tradeable) Points – 50 Points Required

These points are called non-tradeable because you cannot swap them out or compensate for them with points from elsewhere. You must meet all of them.

• Job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points): Your employer must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence and must have issued you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Job at the correct skill level (20 points): The role must be on the list of eligible occupations and must be at or above RQF Level 6 for applications made on or after 22 July 2025.
• English language requirement (10 points): You must demonstrate your English language ability, either through a recognised English language test, a degree taught in English, or by being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Tradeable Points — 20 Points Required

Once you have scored the mandatory 50 points, you need an additional 20 points from tradeable criteria. These are more flexible, and different combinations can get you there.

These combinations give applicants some flexibility. For example, a lower salary may still be acceptable if the role appears on the Temporary Shortage List, or if the applicant holds a relevant STEM PhD.

Points-Based System Explained: How the 70 Point Threshold Works

The UK points-based immigration system assigns numerical values to certain characteristics and requirements. You need 70 points in total to qualify 50 from the mandatory criteria and 20 from the tradeable ones.

The Home Office assesses your application against these criteria using the information provided in your Certificate of Sponsorship and your supporting documents. It is not a competitive system you do not need to “beat” other applicants. If you meet the threshold, you qualify.

The key thing to understand is that the mandatory points are non-negotiable. If your job is not at the right skill level, or your English language evidence is missing, no amount of salary or qualifications will make up for that. Get the mandatory points sorted first the tradeable points follow from there.

Updated Salary Thresholds for 2026

The salary rules changed significantly in July 2025 following the Statement of Changes HC 997. If your Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned on or after 22 July 2025, the following rules apply:

Your salary also needs to meet the “going rate” for your specific occupation code. This is set separately for each job type and can be higher than the general threshold for certain roles. The higher of the general threshold or the going rate will always apply.

It is worth noting that transitional protections apply if your CoS was assigned before 22 July 2025. In that case, the previous salary thresholds and occupation rules would still apply to your application, even if you submitted it after that date.

For current salary thresholds by occupation, it is worth checking the eligibility checker on the UK Visas and Immigration website directly, as these figures are updated regularly.

What Documents Do You Need for a Skilled Worker Visa Application?

Pulling your documents together is one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. Missing or incorrect documents are one of the most common reasons applications run into problems. Here is what you will generally need:

Core documents:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (provided by your employer)
• Proof of English language ability
• Evidence of personal savings or confirmation that your sponsor has certified your maintenance

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need:

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results — required if you are from a country listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules
• Criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, if your role involves working with vulnerable people
• Proof of qualifications (degree certificate, PhD certificate) if you are claiming points for these

Financial maintenance requirement: You must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before you apply unless your sponsor has certified your maintenance on the CoS.

It sounds like a lot, but once you know exactly what applies to your situation, the list becomes manageable. Having an immigration solicitor review your documents before submission can save a lot of stress and significantly reduce the risk of refusal.

How to Apply for Entry Clearance for a Skilled Worker Visa Step by Step

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Everything starts with the job offer. Your employer must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Once they have offered you the role, they apply for and assign you a defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through their Sponsorship Management System (SMS). The CoS is not a paper document it is a digital reference number containing details of your job, salary, start date, and occupation code.

Your employer pays £525 to assign the CoS under standard service. This CoS reference number is central to your visa application.

Step 2: Check Eligibility and Points Score

Before starting your application, confirm that you score 70 points in total. Check the occupation list to verify your job is eligible. Confirm the salary meets both the general threshold and the going rate. Check whether you need TB test results or a criminal record certificate. If you are applying as a new entrant, confirm you meet the eligibility criteria for the reduced salary threshold.

This step is where mistakes most often happen. If you are uncertain about your points score or how your specific situation maps to the rules, speaking to an immigration solicitor at this stage can prevent costly errors later.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Applications are made online through the UK Visas and Immigration application portal. You will need your CoS reference number to get started. The form covers your personal details, your job information, your English language evidence, your financial position, and your travel history for the past five years.

Take your time with this. Errors in the form particularly around your CoS details can cause delays or refusals.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

The current application fee for a Skilled Worker visa entry clearance application depends on the length of stay and the type of job. In addition to the visa fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to NHS services during your stay in the UK. The IHS is currently £1,035 per year of your visa, per person. If your dependants are applying with you, they each pay the surcharge separately.

Step 5: Book Your Biometric Appointment

Once your application is submitted and paid, you will need to book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in your country. At this appointment, you will have your photograph taken and your fingerprints recorded. You will also submit your original supporting documents.

Processing times can vary significantly depending on the country and time of year. Standard processing is typically around three weeks, though some applicants opt for a priority service if it is available in their country.

Home Office Processing Times for Skilled Worker Visa Entry Clearance

Most Skilled Worker entry clearance applications are decided within three weeks when applying from outside the UK, though this can vary. Priority services may be available in some countries, offering a faster turnaround usually within five working days for an additional fee.

It is worth noting that processing times can fluctuate based on application volumes, so applying well in advance of your intended start date is strongly advisable. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have a decision.

Skilled Worker Visa Entry Clearance Fees (2026)

The fees payable to the Home Office for a Skilled Worker visa depend on your occupation and the length of stay applied for. As of 2026, the standard fees are:

• Up to 3 years: £719
• More than 3 years: £1,420
• Health and Care Worker (up to 3 years): £298
• Health and Care Worker (more than 3 years): £598

In addition to the visa fee, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year) and your employer pays £239 per year as the Immigration Skills Charge (there are exceptions for smaller employers and charities).

Legal fees for a solicitor to handle your entry clearance application vary. At Deluxe Law Chambers, fixed fees for a full entry clearance service typically start from £800, with the final fee depending on the complexity of the case.

What Happens After You Get Your Skilled Worker Visa?

Once your entry clearance application is approved, you will receive a vignette sticker in your passport. This allows you to travel to the UK within a specific window, usually 30 days from the start date on the vignette.

When you arrive in the UK, you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a Post Office within ten days of arrival. This is your main proof of immigration status while you are in the UK.

After five continuous years on the Skilled Worker route, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) permanent residence in the UK. You can find more detail on the ILR route in our guide to Skilled Worker Visa to ILR.

Common Reasons for Skilled Worker Visa Refusal and How to Avoid Them

Refusals happen, but many of them are avoidable. The most common reasons include:

Incorrect or incomplete Certificate of Sponsorship: Any errors in the CoS whether it is the wrong occupation code, an incorrect salary figure, or a mismatch with the applicant’s details can lead to a refusal. Employers should double-check every detail before assigning the CoS. You can read more about how the CoS works in our guide to the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Failing to meet the salary threshold: If the salary on the CoS does not meet either the general threshold or the going rate for the occupation, the application will fail. It is not enough to simply meet £41,700 the going rate for your specific occupation code must also be satisfied.

Missing documents: Applications missing key documents such as English language evidence, maintenance funds proof, or TB test results are frequently refused or delayed.

Occupation not eligible post-July 2025: Since 22 July 2025, only roles at RQF Level 6 or above qualify under the standard Skilled Worker route. Applications for roles at Level 3–5 will be refused unless transitional protections apply.

Incorrect application form: Errors in the online application, particularly around personal details or visa history, can cause problems. Always check the form carefully before submitting.

If your application has already been refused, you may be able to apply for an Administrative Review. This is a formal process where the Home Office reconsiders its decision. Our team regularly handles Administrative Review applications and can advise on whether it is the right step for your situation.

How Deluxe Law Chambers Can Help With Your Entry Clearance Application

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our immigration solicitors in Manchester and London handle Skilled Worker visa entry clearance applications every day. We know the rules, we know what UKVI expects to see, and we know how to put together an application that gives you the best possible chance of success.

When you instruct us, we will:

• Assess your eligibility and confirm your points score across mandatory and tradeable criteria
• Advise your sponsor on correctly assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship
• Review all supporting documents before submission
• Complete and submit the online application on your behalf
• Prepare a detailed cover letter setting out exactly how the requirements are met
• Pay the Home Office fees and book your biometric appointment
• Prepare you for any interview with an Entry Clearance Officer
• Follow up until a decision is reached

We offer fixed fees so there are no surprises. A full entry clearance service starts from £800 and you will have a dedicated solicitor handling your case from start to finish.

You can also read more about the wider Skilled Worker visa route, including information on changing jobs on a Skilled Worker visa and the rules for dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders. Call us on 0161 464 4140 – Book an appointment online