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🇬🇧work Visa

Skilled Worker

United Kingdom

Last updated: December 24, 2025

Duration

5 years (renewable)

Visa Fee

$1,030-$2,350

Time

3-8 weeks

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

This visa lets you work in the UK for a specific employer in a skilled job. You need a job offer from a UK company that is licensed to hire foreign workers. The job must require a university degree or higher qualification. This is the main work visa for skilled professionals in the UK. You can live and work in the UK without restrictions for your job. You can bring your spouse and children with you. You can study and travel outside the UK anytime.

Key Benefits

  • Work full-time in your UK job
  • Bring your spouse and children
  • Your spouse can work any UK job they want
  • Use the NHS free healthcare after paying yearly fee
  • Study courses at UK schools and universities
  • Travel outside UK and return anytime
  • Use unpaid volunteer work
  • Path to permanent residency after 5 years

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Have a real job offer from a UK company
  • Have a degree from university or equivalent qualification
  • Earn at least $56,295 per year (or the normal salary for your job, whichever is higher)
  • Speak English at B1 level (intermediate) OR have UK degree OR be from English-speaking country
  • Have no serious criminal record
  • Prove you have the required money in the bank
  • Pass a TB test if required for your nationality
  • Exceptions for recent graduates under 26: Can earn $45,097 per year instead
  • Exceptions for PhD holders: Can earn lower amounts depending on field of study

Financial Requirement

You need $1,715 in a bank account for 28 days straight. Your employer can cover this if they agree to support you. Spouse adds $385. Each child adds $270 for first child, $270 for each additional.

Documents

  • Job offer letterFrom your UK employer (less than 3 months old)
  • Proof of job sponsorshipYour employer's sponsorship reference number
  • PassportValid and current
  • English test resultsIELTS or similar unless you have UK degree or from English-speaking country
  • Bank statements28 days of account activity showing required funds
  • TB test certificateIf from Bangladesh (required for 6+ months stay)
  • Criminal record certificateIf applying for certain jobs (healthcare, education, social work)

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.