Work
Skilled Worker Visa
Work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible skilled job.
- 1,000+ applications handled, and none refused to date
- Fixed quote, agreed in writing
The Skilled Worker visa lets you come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job for an employer approved by the Home Office. Most new applicants now need a graduate-level job (RQF 6 or above) paid at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher, plus English at level B2. The visa can last up to 5 years at a time and can lead to settlement.
- Home Office fee from
- £628
- Typical decision
- Usually within 3 weeks
- Leads to settlement
- Yes, after 5 years
- Rules last checked
- September 2026
From our Trustpilot reviews
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Excellent service! I have used Mayfair Immigration Visa Services twice for my visa applications, and both times my visas were successfully approved. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the whole process. They clearly explained all the requirements and guided me step by step, which made the application much easier and less stressful. Their communication was always quick and helpful whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend Mayfair Visa Services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy visa assistance.
Shahidah M. · Trustpilot
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Mayfair Immigration Services provided outstanding support throughout my visa application process. In particular, my Case Owner, John, was truly exceptional. He offered clear, detailed guidance at every step and patiently listened to all my questions and concerns — no matter how many I had. His professionalism and reassurance made me feel fully supported during what could have otherwise been an extremely stressful experience.
Francine G. · Trustpilot
Why applications
get refused.
The Home Office doesn't refund fees for refused applications. These are among the most common reasons Skilled Worker Visa applications fail, and exactly what our former-judge review is designed to catch.
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Wrong occupation code
If the code on your CoS does not match the duties you will actually do, the application can be refused – a common problem when a job title sounds more senior than the role. The duties should be checked against the code description before the CoS is assigned.
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Salary below the threshold or going rate
Only guaranteed basic pay counts; overtime, bonuses and most allowances do not. Going rates are based on a 37.5-hour week and are pro-rated, so contracts with longer hours often fall short.
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English evidence not accepted
Tests must be on the approved SELT list and, for new applicants, at B2. A B1 certificate that was fine before 8 January 2026 will not work for a new application, and overseas degrees need an Ecctis confirmation.
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Maintenance funds not shown correctly
The £1,270 must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before you apply. A single day below the threshold can lead to refusal unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
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Certificate of sponsorship errors
An expired CoS, a wrong start date, mismatched personal details or applying more than 3 months before the job starts can all cause refusal. Many errors can be corrected by your sponsor before you apply.
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Missing TB or criminal record certificates
Applicants from listed countries need a TB certificate from an approved clinic, and health, education and care roles need criminal record certificates for countries you have lived in. These take time to obtain, so start early.
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Doubts about the job being genuine
The Home Office can refuse if it believes the job is not genuine, was created mainly to get you a visa, or that you lack the skills for it. A consistent CV, references and a clear job description help.
- Quoting an out-of-date salary thresholdYou must usually be paid the higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for your occupation code. Many AI tools still quote the lower figures that applied before 22 July 2025, and a job that met the old threshold can now be refused on salary alone.
- Skipping the going-rate mathsOnly guaranteed basic pay counts, not overtime, bonuses or most allowances. Going rates assume a 37.5-hour week and are pro-rated, with a floor of £17.13 an hour, so a contract for longer hours can fall short even when the annual salary looks fine. Chatbots compare the headline salary with the threshold and stop there.
- Assuming a mid-level job still qualifiesMost new roles must be at graduate level (RQF 6 or above). A medium-skilled job only qualifies if it's on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or you've been sponsored in one since before 22 July 2025, and the Temporary Shortage List only covers certificates issued before 31 December 2026. New dependants usually can't join you on a medium-skilled job.
- Trusting the job title, not the dutiesThe occupation code on your certificate of sponsorship must match the work you'll actually do. A job title that sounds more senior than the role is a classic reason for refusal. AI takes the title at face value; we check the duties against the code description before your employer assigns the certificate.
- Booking an English test at the wrong levelNew applicants have needed English at B2 since 8 January 2026. A B1 certificate that was fine before then won't work for a new application, the test must be on the approved list, and an overseas degree needs Ecctis confirmation. Following an out-of-date answer means paying for the wrong test.
- Missing the small print on money and timingUnless your sponsor certifies maintenance or you've been in the UK with permission for 12 months, you need £1,270 held for 28 days in a row, ending no more than 31 days before you apply. One day below that fails. You must also apply within 3 months of the certificate being assigned, and you can't switch in from a visitor visa. Chatbots rarely mention any of this.
Refused before? Or simply can't afford to be?
A former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete and Priority application we prepare before it's submitted.
What our clients say
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Excellent service
Excellent service! I have used Mayfair Immigration Visa Services twice for my visa applications, and both times my visas were successfully approved. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the whole process. They clearly explained all the requirements and guided me step by step, which made the application much easier and less stressful. Their communication was always quick and helpful whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend Mayfair Visa Services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy visa assistance.
Shahidah M. -
Mayfair Immigration Services provided outstanding support throughout my visa application process. In particular, my Case Owner, John, was truly exceptional. He offered clear, detailed guidance at every step and patiently listened to all my questions and concerns — no matter how many I had. His professionalism and reassurance made me feel fully supported during what could have otherwise been an extremely stressful experience.
Francine G. -
John was our case worker and he was amazing! Extremely helpful in answering all questions I had and helping us through every step. Very thorough with documents list and checking all documents were there.
Kelly -
Fantastic personal service
Fantastic personal service Attention to detail Professionalism Communication I have used them twice now with complicated visa applications and they were brilliant
Terry S. ✓ Verified -
Thank you!!
Thank you to John for his great communication, explained everything in full and ensured he was clear and concise at all times. Our visa was approved today! And I couldn’t have done it without the support from John/Mayfair Immigration!! Highly recommended!
Olivia A. -
Our experience with Mohsin at Mayfair Immigration was beyond anything we could have imagined my husbands 1st spousal visa was done with honesty efficiency and we were guided through very difficult paperwork, explanations were made clear so we could understand all that was required of us anything we needed to confirm with Mohsin we were contacted quickly ,we never felt that we couldn't contact Mohsin ,we will always recommend Mayfair Immigration to anyone who needs the help and support through difficult situations,Thanku for all your help and support
Graham W.Spouse / Partner -
Spouse Visa Extension
Just received my spouse visa extension with the help of Mayfair immigration and more specifically the assistance and support from Mr John. John has helped me completely through the whole process and made sure everything is in perfect order and answered my queries all the time. Thank you so much John.
Rohan U.Spouse / Partner -
John has supported me and my husband with spousal visa on point of entry and the 2 1/2 year renewal. Both times he has shown us patience and grace. Will definitely be using them in the 2 1/2 years which I look forward to. Thank you John!
DiamondSpouse / Partner -
John made applying for my wife’s spousal visa feel seamless, he was happy to take my calls and answer any questions I had and took all the stress out of the application process.
Josh S.Spouse / Partner -
If your looking for help with your UK immigration visa application
If your looking for help with your UK Immigration needs, i fully recommend Mayfair Immigration Solicitors. This is my wife's second round of Immigration application and we have used Mayfair both times. Excellent service and totally reliable. May I say a special Thank You to John he went above and beyond to help me and always took my calls, if not, rang back as soon as he was free. Kept me informed and up to date on progress and always available to help with any questions and the endless paperwork for this process. My heartfelt thanks to John and Mayfair, no need to look anywhere else if you are appliying for a UK Visa. Thanks 😀
David B.Spouse / Partner -
Best Immigration Solicitors.
I would like to sincerely thank Mayfair Solicitors, especially Mr. Mohsin Uddin, for handling every stage of my immigration journey with exceptional professionalism and genuine care. From my very first application – the Spouse Visa – Mohsin Uddin tailored every detail with precision, ensuring nothing was ever missed. I had previously dealt with another solicitor, but the difference in service was remarkable. Mohsin was never too busy to answer my calls, respond to my emails, or reassure me when I was anxious. His communication and commitment gave me confidence at every step. Because of the trust and faith I developed in him, I also instructed Mohsin to manage my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application. Thanks to his guidance and meticulous attention to detail, my ILR was approved within three months. Mohsin then advised me to apply for Naturalisation without delay due to upcoming rule changes and rising passport fees. I followed his advice, and with his continued support, I received my British Passport in November 2025 — something I once feared might never happen. I was extremely worried when I started this process years ago, but Mohsin’s expertise, encouragement, and clear direction gave me the confidence to submit everything required by the Home Office without hesitation. If anyone is struggling with immigration matters or needs trustworthy legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Mayfair Solicitors. I am living proof of what the right solicitor can achieve.
NoriaSpouse / Partner -
Excellent and top quality service by Mayfair and John
John and Mayfair team had previously supported us in our spouse visa application 2 years back with a fantastic service. Therefore, we engaged again with John and his team, who have been very helpful and super supportive in assisting our spouse visa extension case. So, this is our second engagement with Mayfair and they are brilliant. Highly professional and specialized in what they do. We appreciate John and his team were always reachable and had addressed any queries/issues we raised to them ensuring we are at peace, which we felt very important and fantastic about them. We will engage with them in 2.5 years of time from now for my wife's ILR. God bless you John and team for your support and service.
Leonard J.Spouse / Partner
Who it's for
You can apply if you have everything in group 1, plus one option from group 2 and one from group 3, and you meet the salary, English and other requirements further down.
- A confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
- A certificate of sponsorship for the role, used within 3 months of being assigned
- Graduate level (RQF 6 or above)
- A medium-skilled job on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List
- A medium-skilled job you've been sponsored in since before 22 July 2025
- Outside the UK
- Inside the UK, switching from an eligible visa such as a Student or Graduate visa (not as a visitor)
- Inside the UK, extending or updating your Skilled Worker visa
Eligibility requirements
You'll need to meet every one of these. Each has its own evidence rules, and that's where applications most often go wrong.
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01
Job offer from a licensed sponsor
You need a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office and a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) for the role. You must apply within 3 months of the CoS being assigned. source
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02
Job at the right skill level
Your job's 4-digit occupation code must be listed as 'higher skilled' (RQF 6 or above). A 'medium skilled' job only qualifies if it is on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or you have been sponsored in such a job since before 22 July 2025. source
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03
Minimum salary
You must usually be paid the higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for your occupation code, pro rata to your weekly hours. Only guaranteed basic pay counts, and the job must also meet minimum wage and working time rules. source
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04
Lower salary options
You can be paid less, but never under £33,400, if you are a new entrant (for example under 26 or a recent graduate), hold a relevant STEM PhD, or your job is on the Immigration Salary List. A relevant non-STEM PhD allows 90% of the going rate with a £37,500 minimum. source
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05
English at level B2
New applicants must prove English at CEFR level B2 unless exempt. If your Skilled Worker permission was granted at B1 before 8 January 2026, B1 still applies when you extend or update. source
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06
Money to support yourself
You usually need £1,270 held for 28 days in a row, unless you have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS. source
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07
Applying from the right place
You cannot switch into this visa from inside the UK if you are here as a visitor, short-term student, seasonal worker, domestic worker in a private household, or on immigration bail. You must apply from abroad instead. source
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08
Nationality restriction ('visa brake')
Since 26 March 2026, applications from outside the UK by Afghan nationals as a main Skilled Worker applicant are refused under the Immigration Rules. source
Financial requirement
You pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge up front, and usually need to show you can support yourself when you arrive. source
- Personal savings of at least £1,270, held for 28 days in a row, with day 28 no more than 31 days before you apply
- You do not need to show savings if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, or your employer confirms on your CoS that it will cover your costs for the first month (up to £1,270)
- Dependants need £285 for a partner, £315 for one child and £200 for each additional child
- Each family member pays their own application fee and healthcare surcharge
English language
You need English at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You can prove it with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, a GCSE or A level in English (or Scottish equivalent) from a UK school you started before 18, a degree taught in English and awarded by a UK institution, or an overseas degree taught in English that Ecctis confirms is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica are exempt. If you had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it, you need B1 and do not have to prove it again. source
Documents checklist
Tick documents off as you gather them: your progress is saved in this browser. Before anything is submitted, we check every one against the exact requirement it has to prove.
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Secure a sponsored job offer
Check your employer holds a sponsor licence and that the role's occupation code, skill level and salary meet the current rules.
- 2
Get your certificate of sponsorship
Your employer assigns a CoS. You must apply within 3 months of it being assigned, and no more than 3 months before your job start date.
- 3
Prepare your evidence
Gather your English evidence, bank statements, TB and criminal record certificates where needed, and certified translations.
- 4
Apply online and pay
Complete the online form, pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge for each applicant, and choose a faster service if it is offered.
- 5
Prove your identity
Use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or attend a visa application centre (outside the UK) or UKVCAS appointment (inside the UK).
- 6
Receive your decision
Your decision email explains how to access proof of your status. If you applied inside the UK, do not travel abroad until you have a decision or your application will be withdrawn.
Processing times
Costs
| Home Office fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee – outside the UK, CoS up to 3 years (per person) source | £819 |
| Application fee – outside the UK, CoS over 3 years (per person) source | £1,618 |
| Application fee – inside the UK (extend, switch or update), up to 3 years (per person) source | £943 |
| Application fee – inside the UK (extend, switch or update), over 3 years (per person) source | £1,865 |
| Application fee – Immigration Salary List job, up to 3 years (per person) source | £628 |
| Application fee – Immigration Salary List job, over 3 years (per person) source | £1,235 |
| Priority service (optional) (per person) source | £500 |
| Super priority service (optional) (per person) source | £1,000 |
| Administrative review of a refusal source | £80 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year of visa) source | £1,035 |
Home Office fees only, paid directly to the Home Office. Our own fee is a fixed quote, agreed in writing after your free consultation.
Paid up front by each applicant for the full length of the visa – for example £3,105 for a 3-year visa. Applicants under 18 pay £776 a year.
Fixed-fee representation
Every Skilled Worker case is different, so we agree one fixed fee for the work you need, in writing, before we start. No hourly billing and never paid all up front. Home Office fees are paid separately.
One fixed fee for your whole case
Skilled Worker cases vary a lot: whether you or your employer is paying, whether your family is coming with you, and whether you're applying from inside or outside the UK. After a short free call we'll quote one fixed fee for the work you need.
- Job code, salary and going-rate check before your certificate of sponsorship is assigned
- Your application and any dependant applications prepared and submitted
- Liaison with your employer's HR team or sponsor licence holder
Employers sponsoring several workers can ask about a fixed price per hire.
Duration & settlement
Up to 5 years at a time, in line with your certificate of sponsorship, and you can extend as many times as you like while you still qualify.
After 5 continuous years you can usually apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided your employer still sponsors you at the required salary. The government has consulted on 'earned settlement' reforms, but the 5-year rule still applies; from 26 March 2027 settlement applicants will also need B2 English in speaking and listening.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my partner and children?
Yes, if your job is 'higher skilled' (RQF 6 or above). If your job is 'medium skilled' – for example on the Temporary Shortage List – new dependants usually cannot join you unless you have been sponsored in such a job since before 22 July 2025.
Can I change employer?
Yes, but you must apply to update your visa with a new certificate of sponsorship before starting the new job. You can keep working for your current employer, including your notice period, while the application is considered, as long as you apply before your visa expires.
Can I take a second job?
You can work up to 20 hours a week in another eligible job or your own business alongside your sponsored role, and overtime in your sponsored job is unlimited. More than 20 hours a week in another job means applying to update your visa with a second CoS.
Who pays the certificate of sponsorship fee and Immigration Skills Charge?
Your employer. Sponsors are not allowed to recover the sponsor licence fee, CoS fee or Immigration Skills Charge from you, and a sponsor that does so risks losing its licence.
Can I switch from a visitor visa?
No. If you are in the UK as a visitor you must leave and apply from abroad. Graduate visa holders can usually switch, and Student visa holders can switch if they have completed their course, their job starts after the course ends, or they have studied full time for a PhD for at least 24 months.
Is the Temporary Shortage List ending?
Under the current rules, a Temporary Shortage List job only qualifies if the CoS is issued before 31 December 2026. The Migration Advisory Committee has reported on the list's future, so check the latest position before relying on it.
What if my application is refused?
You can ask for an administrative review (£80) if you think a caseworker made an error – within 14 days if you are in the UK or 28 days if you are outside. Sometimes a corrected fresh application is faster; a specialist can advise which is better for you.
How we help with your Skilled Worker application
- 01
Check the job's occupation code, skill level and going rate against the Immigration Rules before your CoS is assigned
- 02
Work out the correct salary threshold for your situation, including new-entrant, PhD, Immigration Salary List and transitional rates
- 03
Review your English, maintenance, TB and criminal record evidence so nothing is missing or out of date
- 04
Prepare and submit applications for you and your family, linked so they are decided together
- 05
Manage changes of employer, second jobs and extensions without gaps in your permission
- 06
Challenge refusals through administrative review or a stronger fresh application
Talk it through with a specialist.
No obligation, and a clear quote before any work starts. Every Complete and Priority application we prepare is reviewed by a former UK immigration judge before it's submitted.
or call 0203 468 4741Why not just ask a chatbot?
- ✕Out-of-date thresholds, fees and English levels
- ✕Confident answers that are simply wrong
- ✕No view of your actual evidence
- ✕No accountability when it goes wrong
- ✕Your sensitive data pasted into a public tool
- ✓Current rules, checked against official guidance and the Immigration Rules
- ✓Every document reviewed against the evidence requirements
- ✓One named solicitor who is accountable for your case
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa
- Skilled Worker visa: your job
- Skilled Worker visa: when you can be paid less
- Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of English
- Skilled Worker visa: how much it costs
- Skilled Worker visa: documents you'll need
- Skilled Worker visa: your partner and children
- Skilled Worker visa: taking on additional work
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations
- Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026
- Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application
- Visa processing times: applications outside the UK
- Visa processing times: applications inside the UK
- Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application
- Workers and Temporary Workers guidance for sponsors part 1: apply for a licence
- Immigration Rules Appendix Administrative Review
- Explanatory memorandum to HC 1691 (5 March 2026)
- Earned settlement consultation