What do I need for a UK work visa?

Each UK work visa has its own rules. But visas that need an employer, such as Skilled Worker, follow a similar pattern. You need a job offer from a Home Office-approved employer, a certificate of sponsorship, an eligible job at the minimum salary and, on most visas, English and funds. Some people also need a TB test or a criminal record certificate.

What do I need for a UK work visa?

This list is for the Skilled Worker visa. Other employer-sponsored visas are noted where GOV.UK says something different. Each point links to the guide with more detail.

1. A job offer from an approved employer. You must have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer (also called a sponsor) before you apply. See how to get a UK work visa and the register of licensed sponsors.

2. A certificate of sponsorship. This is an electronic record from your employer. It has a reference number that you need for your application. You must apply within 3 months of getting it. See the certificate of sponsorship guide.

3. An eligible job. GOV.UK uses the job’s 4-digit occupation code. For Skilled Worker, higher skilled codes qualify. Medium skilled codes qualify only if the job meets one of the conditions GOV.UK lists. See SOC codes, higher skilled occupations and medium skilled occupations.

4. A minimum salary. The amount depends on the visa and the job. See the table below and salary thresholds.

5. Pay and hours that follow UK law. Your employer must make sure the job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules on weekly hours. If not, your application will be refused.

6. Age. You must be 18 or over on the date you apply (SW 1.3). See the age requirements guide.

7. English language. Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker need CEFR level B2 (CEFR is a scale for language ability). GOV.UK lists some exceptions. Some visas have no English requirement. See the English language requirement guide and the Skilled Worker English guide.

8. Funds. You need at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying. There are two exceptions:

   • you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
   • your employer certifies on the certificate of sponsorship that it will cover your first month, up to £1,270

   See UK work visa cost.

9. A TB test, if you come from a listed country. See the TB test guide.

10. A criminal record certificate, for listed jobs. See the criminal record certificate guide.

11. An ATAS certificate, if your employer tells you that you need one. This applies where the job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher.

12. Fees, identity check and biometrics. You pay the application fee and usually the immigration health surcharge. Then you prove who you are with the ID Check app or at a visa application centre. See UK work visa cost and processing times.

13. Documents. The list is in the Skilled Worker documents guide. Documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation.

What is the minimum salary for each visa?

Visa	Minimum salary
Skilled Worker	£41,700 per year or the going rate, whichever is higher
Health and Care Worker	Usually at least £25,000, or the going rate if that is higher. For ten listed occupation codes (such as 1171 and 6135), usually £31,300 per year or the lower going rate, whichever is higher
Scale-up Worker	£39,100 per year or the going rate, whichever is highest
Senior or Specialist Worker	£52,500 per year or the going rate, whichever is higher
UK Expansion Worker	£52,500 per year or the going rate, whichever is higher
Graduate Trainee	£27,300 or 70% of the going rate, whichever is higher

The “going rate” is a set pay figure for that job’s occupation code. GOV.UK also lists lower salary options for the Skilled Worker visa, for example for applicants under 26 or on the immigration salary list. See when you can be paid less.

Which visas have different requirements?

Some visas do not need a job offer. They ask for something else:

• Global Talent: an eligible prestigious prize or an endorsement. You must be at least 18. GOV.UK’s Global Talent page states no language or minimum salary requirement. See Global Talent.
• Innovator Founder: a business or business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body. See Innovator Founder.
• High Potential Individual: a qualification awarded by an eligible university in the last 5 years. See High Potential Individual.
• Graduate: a Student visa, an eligible UK course and confirmation from your education provider. See Graduate.
• Youth Mobility Scheme and India Young Professionals Scheme: the right age and nationality, and savings of £2,530. Some applicants must be selected in a ballot. See Youth Mobility Scheme and India Young Professionals Scheme.
• Global Business Mobility visas: you must already work for an overseas business, for a length of time that depends on the visa. See Types of UK work visa.