VISA TYPE:

Skilled Worker Visa -

Work and Settle in the UK

Want to work long-term in the UK in a sponsored role? The Skilled Worker route allows overseas nationals to work for a licensed UK employer and can lead to settlement after five years.

We provide regulated immigration advice to help you check eligibility, switch routes where possible, and protect your immigration position whilst you build your career.

Who this route is for

You may be able to use the Skilled Worker route if:

You have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Your role matches an eligible occupation code and meets the minimum skill level
Your salary meets the applicable threshold or permitted discount
You meet English Language and other suitability requirements

Many applicants are already in the UK and want to switch from Student, Graduate, Youth Mobility or existing work routes; whether you can do this depends on your current visa, timing and compliance history.

Why Skilled Worker applications are refused

Most problems arise from technical issues, not lack of labour demand, for example:

Certificate of Sponsorship details not matching the role or salary actually offered
Using the wrong occupation code
Misunderstanding salary thresholds or discounts
Gaps or issues in immigration history that are not explained

We focus on aligning the role, salary and sponsorship details with the Immigration Rules so the application is clear and consistent.

Switching into Skilled Worker from inside the UK

You may be able to switch into Skilled Worker from within the UK if you hold valid leave and meet the route requirements.

Switching is commonly permitted from:

Student
Graduate
Youth Mobility Scheme
Some existing work Visas

Switching is not permitted from certain routes, including Visitor, Short-term student and some temporary or concessionary visas. We carry out a switching and eligibility check before any application work so you do not risk an ineligible or poorly timed application.

Already sponsored and working in the UK?

Many Skilled Worker visas holders contact us after their visa has been granted, when new questions arise such as:

Moving to a new employer
Promotion or change in salary or duties
Bringing a spouse or children to the UK
Reaching five years and planning an ILR application
Planning ahead for British Citizenship

Candidate Preparation Service

If you hope to come to the UK under the Skilled Worker route but have not yet secured a job, we offer a separate candidate preparation service to help you understand the rules, present your skills effectively and avoid common misunderstandings about sponsorship.

Find out more here: https://www.gbvisas.co.uk/skilled-worker-candidate-preparation

Support includes:

Initial suitability and switching assessment
Advice on Skilled Worker eligibility requirements
Review of role details, occupation codes and salary thresholds
Guidance on supporting documentation
Application preparation and submission
Guidance on biometrics and next steps
Dependant advice, where applicable

We act independently of employers and do not provide sponsorship. Our role is to help applicants understand their options, assess suitability realistically, and prepare applications that meet current Home Office expectations.

Book a consultation

Can I switch into a Skilled Worker Route?

You may be able to switch into the Skilled Worker route from within the UK if you already hold valid leave and meet the route requirements.

Switching is commonly permitted from routes such as:

Student
Graduate
Youth Mobility Scheme
Some existing work visas

Switching is not permitted from certain routes, including Visitor, Short-term Student and some temporary or concessionary visas.

Eligibility depends on your current immigration status, the timing of the application, and whether you continue to comply with your existing visa conditions up to the point of decision.

We carry out a switching and suitability check before proceeding, to confirm that switching is permitted, the role is eligible, and the Skilled Worker route is appropriate in your circumstances.