Skilled work — Europe

🇬🇧United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Last verified · 31 May 2026

Mainstream UK work route for graduate-level roles with a Home Office-licensed sponsor.

Duration

Up to 5 years, renewable; ILR at 10

Threshold

Sponsored job ≥ £41,700/yr (since 22 July 2025) or going rate, whichever higher

Application fee

£769–£1,519 + £1,035/yr Immigration Health Surcharge

Path to PR

Settlement (ILR) qualifying period extended from 5 to 10 years under the 2025 reforms, with possible 'earned settlement' acceleration; citizenship typically 12 months after ILR.

Tax treatment

Standard UK PAYE; no special expat regime since 2025.

Family

Partner and minor children join on dependent visas with full work rights.

Required documents

·Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer
·English proficiency (B2 CEFR, from 8 January 2026)
·Bank statements showing maintenance funds (£1,270)
·TB test (certain countries)

Things to know

·Salary thresholds rose in April 2024 and again to £41,700 in July 2025.
·Health & care worker route retains lower thresholds.

Apostille & legalization

Apostille route

Apostille only — both United States and United Kingdom are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.

Apostille / legalisation

None of the listed documents are civil-status, criminal-record, medical or academic records, so an apostille is generally not required for this visa. Bank statements, employment contracts and application forms are accepted as-is (translated when needed).

Bank statements, employment contracts, photos, passport copies and the application form itself do not need an apostille.

Obtain originals or certified copies of each civil/criminal record (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance, diploma, etc.).
Have each document apostilled by the competent authority in United States (U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications).
Translate the apostilled document into the official language of United Kingdom — the apostille itself is also translated.
Submit the apostilled + translated bundle directly to the United Kingdom immigration authority or consulate; no further consular stamp is required.

Translation: Most documents must be translated into the local language by a certified translator. Agency translations are usually accepted.

Issuing authority in United States: U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications

Documents older than 3–6 months are often rejected. Plan to obtain fresh originals shortly before your visa application.

Official immigration portal

Last verified 31 May 2026 — reconfirm on the official portal before applying.