The Skilled Worker route allows employers to recruit individuals from outside the UK and Ireland to fill a wide range of skilled vacancies in the UK.
From January 2021, the job you’re offered will need to be at a required skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A level). You will also need to be able to speak English and be paid the relevant salary threshold by your sponsor. This will either be the general salary threshold of £25,600 or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher.
If you earn less than this, but no less than £20,480 - you may still be able to apply by ‘trading’ points on specific characteristics against your salary. For example, if you have a job offer in a shortage occupation or have a PhD relevant to the job.
You must meet the following mandatory criteria in addition to passing the relevant UK criminality checks:
- You must have an offer of a job from a licensed sponsor.
- The job must be at or above the minimum skill level: RQF3 level or equivalent (A level or equivalent qualification). You will not need to hold a formal qualification. It is the skill level of the job you will be doing which is important.
- You must speak English to an acceptable standard.
Meeting the mandatory criteria above will give you 50 points; they must obtain a further 20 “tradeable” points through a combination of points for salary, a job in a shortage occupation or a relevant PhD.
Skilled Worker In-Country Applications
Skilled Worker In-Country Extension Applications
Skilled Worker Out-of-Country Applications