The basic requirements

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer, according to GOV.UK. The route has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. To qualify, you must work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office, have a certificate of sponsorship from that employer with information about the role, do a job on the list of eligible occupations, and be paid a minimum salary that depends on the type of work and the date you received your certificate of sponsorship.

You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply, and you must usually prove you can speak, read, write and understand English. A visa can last up to five years, and after five years settlement may be possible if requirements are still met. This brief is general information only, not personal immigration advice.

HC 584 and the staged rollout

The Statement of Changes HC 584, laid before Parliament on 3 September 2026, rolled out in stages, with the bulk of the package taking effect on 8 October 2026. It touched visitor, Student, Skilled Worker and family routes, among others. Minister of Religion and Religious Worker changes followed on 29 October, Student maintenance rises on 30 November, and EU Settlement Scheme identity-document changes on 9 December, according to summaries of the official statement.

One change reported from 8 October was that Skilled Workers recognised as victims of modern slavery are no longer tied to their sponsor for the rest of their visa. The Immigration Salary List was also due to close, with an interim Temporary Shortage List due to end on 31 December 2026. Because rules change — check the official GOV.UK page before applying or relying on any threshold in this brief.