The UK Skilled Worker visa is the main legal route for Indians moving to Britain on a genuine job offer. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa, allows up to five years of stay, and can lead to permanent settlement. This guide explains the UK Skilled Worker visa in plain English: eligibility, the salary you need, the Certificate of Sponsorship, real costs, and how to apply without falling for fraud.
What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker visa is points-based: score 70 points, with no annual cap. The first 50 are mandatory — a licensed sponsor’s job offer (20), an eligible occupation (20) and the salary threshold (10).
UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Indians
You must meet all of the following:
- Job offer from a licensed sponsor. Your employer must hold a valid UK Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Your employer issues a digital CoS with a unique reference number — the most important document in the process.
- Eligible occupation. Your role must appear on the eligible occupations list at the required skill level (RQF Level 6 for most new applicants).
- Salary threshold. The general minimum for most new applicants is currently around £41,700 per year, or the occupation’s “going rate” — whichever is higher. New entrants and some shortage roles have lower thresholds. Verify the current figure on GOV.UK — thresholds change.
- English language. New applicants generally need English at CEFR level B2, for example through IELTS for UKVI.
- TB certificate and maintenance funds. Applicants from India generally need a tuberculosis test certificate and proof of savings (around £1,270 for 28 days) unless the employer certifies maintenance on the CoS.
Applications made from India are usually decided in around three weeks after biometrics, though timelines vary.
How Much Does the UK Skilled Worker Visa Cost?
| Cost item | Typical amount (verify latest) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (stay up to 3 years) | From around £819 |
| Visa fee (stay over 3 years) | Up to around £1,865 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Around £1,035 per year |
| Maintenance funds | Around £1,270 for 28 days |
| English test / TB certificate | Varies by centre |
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Find a genuine job with a licensed sponsor. Confirm the employer on the official GOV.UK sponsor register. Never pay anyone for a Certificate of Sponsorship — real employers never charge for it.
- Receive your CoS with job title, salary and occupation code.
- Prove your English at B2 level (e.g. IELTS for UKVI), unless exempt.
- Get your TB certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic in India.
- Apply online and pay the visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge on GOV.UK.
- Prove your identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check app or a visa application centre.
- Wait for the decision — around three weeks from outside the UK.
Comparing destinations? See our USA B1/B2 visa guide and the UK tourist visa documents guide for short visits that do not allow work.
Common Reasons Applications Are Refused
- Salary below the threshold — less than the general threshold or the occupation’s going rate.
- Occupation code mismatch — the job title does not match the stated code, or the role is no longer eligible.
- Sponsor licence problems — the employer’s licence is suspended, invalidating the CoS.
- Missing English or TB certificate — the most avoidable cause of refusal.
- Fake job offers — agents selling fake CoS. If a recruiter asks YOU for money to issue a CoS, walk away; it is fraud.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can Indians apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa?
Yes — India is one of the largest sources of holders. You need a genuine offer from a licensed sponsor, a CoS, and must meet the salary, skill and English rules.
Q2. What is the minimum salary?
Around £41,700 per year for most new applicants, or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. Verify the current figure on GOV.UK.
Q3. How long is the visa valid?
Up to five years, extendable. After five continuous years you may qualify for settlement (ILR).
Q4. Is there an age limit?
No official upper age limit. You must be 18 or older at application.
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