Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2026: What Sponsors Need to Know
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for UK employers to sponsor overseas workers. This guide covers the current eligibility requirements, salary thresholds, and what sponsors must understand in 2026.
2024-2025 Changes
The general salary threshold increased significantly in April 2024 from £26,200 to £38,700. Make sure your Certificate of Sponsorship reflects current thresholds.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, both the worker and the job must meet specific criteria. As a sponsor, you must ensure the role you are offering genuinely meets these requirements.
Job Skill Level
The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-Level). Most professional, technical, and skilled roles qualify.
Minimum Salary
The higher of £38,700 per year, or the going rate for the specific occupation. Some discounts apply for new entrants and shortage occupations.
Licensed Sponsor
The employer must hold a valid UK sponsor licence with an A-rating and have an available Certificate of Sponsorship.
English Language
Applicants must prove English language ability at CEFR Level B1 through an approved test, degree taught in English, or nationality.
Genuine Job
The role must be genuine, not created primarily to enable immigration, and must meet the skill level throughout employment.
Salary Thresholds 2026
The salary you offer must meet or exceed the applicable threshold. The general threshold is £38,700, but discounts apply in certain circumstances.
Current Salary Thresholds
Going Rate Requirement
In addition to meeting the general threshold, the salary must also meet the "going rate" for the specific occupation code. The going rate is set by the Home Office based on labour market data. You must pay the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for the role.
Visa Application Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps you plan worker start dates. The process typically takes 3-8 weeks depending on where the worker is applying from.
What Sponsors Must Do
As a sponsor, your obligations extend beyond just assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. You must maintain compliance throughout the worker's employment.
- Verify the role genuinely meets skill level requirements
- Ensure salary meets both general threshold and going rate
- Assign an accurate Certificate of Sponsorship
- Keep Appendix D documents for the worker
- Report changes through the Sponsor Management System
- Monitor attendance and take action on unexplained absences
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Master Sponsor Licence Compliance
Understanding visa requirements is just the start. Our complete guide covers everything you need to maintain your sponsor licence.