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The Skilled Worker route is the main visa pathway for overseas nationals who want to work in the UK. It allows Home Office–approved employers to sponsor skilled workers for eligible roles across different sectors.
Key Requirements
To qualify, the worker must:
- Have a valid job offer from a UK sponsor.
- Work in a role that meets the required skill level.
- Earn a salary that satisfies the minimum threshold for the Skilled Worker visa.
From 22 July 2025, most sponsored jobs must be:
- At RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or higher, or
- Listed on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List.
However, workers who were already sponsored in lower-skilled roles before that date can continue under transitional rules. This helps employers maintain existing staff while adapting to the new skill requirements.
Health and Care Visa
In addition, employers can use this route to sponsor healthcare professionals under the Health and Care Visa. This subcategory is designed for eligible roles within the NHS, adult social care, or related medical services. It offers faster processing and lower visa fees, making it more practical for healthcare recruitment.
Settlement and Dependants
After five years on this route, Skilled Workers can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if they meet all eligibility requirements.
Therefore, this route provides a clear pathway toward long-term residence and stability in the UK.
Those working in graduate-level roles or higher can bring their partner and dependent children if they meet the dependant visa rules.
However, workers in below-graduate roles will usually not be allowed to bring dependants, unless an exemption or transitional arrangement applies.
In short:
The Skilled Worker route helps UK employers fill essential vacancies while giving overseas professionals a chance to build a long-term future in the UK — provided they meet the new 2025 skill and salary standards.
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