The UK Skilled Worker Visa remains a key route for international talent to contribute to the British economy, particularly in high-skilled sectors facing shortages. As of 2026, recent reforms introduced in Spring 2025 have elevated the bar for eligibility, emphasizing graduate-level skills and higher salaries to prioritize domestic upskilling and reduce net migration. This visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, allows foreign workers to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with options for extension and eventual settlement. In 2026, applicants must navigate increased salary thresholds—now starting at £41,700 for general roles—and stricter skill requirements at RQF Level 6 or above. English proficiency has also been raised to B2 level for first-time applicants from January 8, 2026. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of requirements, salary details, application processes, and tips for success in 2026, drawing on the latest government updates.
With net migration peaking at 906,000 in June 2023, these changes aim to curb reliance on lower-skilled overseas labor while boosting UK workforce training. Projections suggest a reduction of around 70,000 annual visas, impacting sectors like health and social care. Whether you’re an employer sponsoring talent or a prospective worker, understanding these thresholds is essential for compliance and planning.
Overview of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is designed for individuals with a job offer from a UK employer licensed as a sponsor. It covers a wide range of occupations, from IT professionals to healthcare workers, provided they meet skill and salary criteria. In 2026, the visa is points-based, requiring 70 points: 50 for a sponsored job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), 10 for English language proficiency, and 10 for meeting salary requirements (though not explicitly detailed as “points” in all guidance, this structure underpins eligibility).
Key features:
- Duration: Up to 5 years, extendable.
- Dependants: Partners and children under 18 can join, but new restrictions apply for certain lower-skilled roles on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
- Settlement: After 5 years, eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to salary and other conditions.
- Work Rights: Full-time work for the sponsor, plus supplementary employment (up to 20 hours/week) in the same occupation code.
- Costs: Application fee £719 (outside UK) or £827 (inside), plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) and increased Immigration Skills Charge for employers (up to £1,320/year from December 2025).
Transitional provisions allow existing visa holders sponsored before April 2024 to extend under lower thresholds until reviewed. For 2026, the focus shifts to RQF 6+ roles, with time-limited access for medium-skilled jobs via the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or TSL, set to expire by end-2026 unless extended.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026
To qualify in 2026, applicants must meet stringent criteria, with enhancements to skill levels and English proficiency.
Job Offer and Sponsorship
- Must have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor.
- The employer issues a CoS, confirming the role and salary.
- The job must be on the list of eligible occupations (using Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes). From 2025 onwards, most roles require RQF Level 6 (graduate-equivalent), excluding lower-skilled positions unless on the ISL or TSL. Medium-skilled (RQF 3-5) jobs are limited to extensions or specific lists.
- Care workers (SOC 6135/6136) face restrictions: no new out-of-country entry clearance, but in-country switching allowed until July 2028.
Skill Level
- Primarily RQF 6+ (e.g., roles requiring a degree like managers, professionals). Transitional access for RQF 3-5 via TSL (requiring employer workforce strategies) or ISL.
English Language Proficiency
- Prove B1 level (reading, writing, speaking, listening) on the CEFR scale for extensions or those with prior visas. From January 8, 2026, first-time applicants need B2 level. Acceptable proofs: Secure English Language Test (SELT), degree taught in English, or nationality from majority English-speaking countries.
Financial Requirements
- Show £1,270 in savings (held for 28 days) unless the sponsor certifies maintenance.
Other Criteria
- No criminal record or immigration violations.
- Tuberculosis test if from certain countries.
- Suitability test for all routes from 2026, assessing history.
For Health and Care Worker sub-route: Lower thresholds (£31,300), but similar rules apply.
Salary Thresholds and Going Rates in 2026
Salary is a critical hurdle, with 2026 thresholds updated based on 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data. Applicants must meet the higher of the general threshold or the occupation-specific “going rate.”
General Salary Threshold
- Standard: £41,700 per year (increased from £38,700 in 2025).
- Health and Care: £31,300 (from £29,000).
- For extensions before December 1, 2026, lower pre-2025 rates may apply (£26,200 or 70% going rate).
Occupation-Specific Going Rates
- Based on median UK salaries for SOC codes, annualised for a 37.5-hour week. Pro-rated for part-time or variable hours.
- Updated with 2024 ASHE data; no major 2026-specific revisions announced beyond these.
- Examples (2026 rates):
- Software Developers (SOC 2136): £45,000+
- Nurses (SOC 2231): Based on NHS scales, often £35,000+
- Managers (SOC 1115): £50,000+
Full list available on gov.uk; use CASCOT tool for codes.
Discounts and Lower Thresholds
- New Entrants (under 26, students, trainees, postdocs): 70% of going rate, min £33,400 (from £30,960). Max 4-year stay.
- PhD Discount: 80-90% of going rate, depending on subject.
- Immigration Salary List (ISL): 80% of standard threshold (£33,360) or full going rate, whichever higher. Time-limited to Dec 2026.
- Temporary Shortage List (TSL): Similar discounts for medium-skilled roles, with employer commitments to UK training.
- Health/Education Jobs: National pay scales apply (e.g., NHS Agenda for Change).
Salary Calculation
- Includes base salary only; no allowances unless guaranteed (e.g., for extensions pre-Dec 2026).
- Pro-rated for hours: E.g., 30-hour week = (30/37.5) x going rate.
- For ILR: Minimum £41,700 or going rate.
| Category | Minimum Salary (2026) | Going Rate Discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker | £41,700 | N/A | Higher of threshold or full going rate |
| New Entrant | £33,400 | 70% | Under 26, recent students; max 4 years |
| ISL Jobs | £33,360 | 80% | Time-limited to Dec 2026 |
| Health and Care | £31,300 | Varies | NHS scales; ISL may apply |
| PhD Roles | Varies | 80-90% | Subject-dependent |
Application Process
- Secure Job Offer: Find a licensed sponsor via gov.uk register.
- Obtain CoS: Employer assigns reference number.
- Apply Online: Via gov.uk; submit biometrics, documents (passport, CoS, English proof, finances).
- Decision Time: 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside); premium options available.
- Entry: Digital status or vignette; start work upon arrival.
Employers: Pay increased Skills Charge (£1,320/year from Dec 2025), ensure compliance.
Key Changes and Challenges in 2026
- Salary Increases: 7% rise impacts 16-21% of applicants; average uplift £1,297-£2,347.
- English B2: Affects new applicants from Jan 8.
- Skill Shift: RQF 6+ focus reduces visas by ~27,000-33,000 annually.
- Lists Expiry: ISL/TSL end Dec 2026, potentially tightening access.
- ILR Qualifying Period: Potential increase under review.
- Impacts: Fiscal costs £5.4bn over 5 years, but potential GDP per capita gains via upskilling.
Challenges: Higher costs for employers, fewer options for medium-skilled roles.
Tips for Applicants and Employers in 2026
- Applicants: Verify SOC code and going rate early; prepare for B2 English test. Use transitional provisions if eligible.
- Employers: Budget for salary uplifts (37% of Skilled Workers below new threshold); explore TSL for shortages, invest in UK training to meet requirements.
- Seek Advice: Consult immigration lawyers; monitor MAC reviews.
- Alternatives: Consider Global Business Mobility or High Potential Individual visas if applicable.
Conclusion
In 2026, the UK Skilled Worker Visa prioritizes high-skilled, well-paid roles to support economic growth while addressing migration concerns. With thresholds at £41,700 and B2 English mandatory for newcomers, preparation is key. These reforms, while challenging, aim to foster a sustainable workforce. For the latest, check gov.uk or professional advisors. Success lies in aligning with UK’s evolving priorities.
