Skilled Worker Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
The route-wide questions we're asked most often — process, rights and conditions, common problems, and what comes after. For topic-specific detail (salary, dependants, settlement, and so on) each answer links to the dedicated page. Use the search box to jump straight to your question.
In brief
- These are the route-wide questions asked most often — process, rights and conditions, common problems, and what comes next.
- For topic-specific detail (salary, dependants, settlement), each answer links to the dedicated page.
- Answers are general information, not advice on your case.
- Use the search box to jump straight to your question.
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa
Which Skilled Worker visa is right for me? +
Most applicants use the standard Skilled Worker Visa. If your role is an eligible health or adult-social-care occupation with an approved sponsor, the Health and Care Worker Visa may be better — lower fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge. The right route depends on your occupation and employer.
Do I need a job offer before I apply? +
Yes. You need a confirmed job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship before you can apply. Check the basics with our eligibility guide.
Can I apply from outside the UK? +
Yes. You can apply for entry clearance from overseas, or — if you're already in the UK on an eligible visa — you may be able to switch in-country. See the application process.
How long does the whole process take? +
It varies. After you provide your biometrics, standard decisions are often made within a few weeks, and priority services can be quicker. Processing times change, so confirm the current times for your route on GOV.UK. Our application-process page walks through the stages.
Can I travel while my application is pending? +
Be careful. If you've applied to switch or extend inside the UK, leaving the Common Travel Area before a decision can be treated as withdrawing your application. If you've applied for entry clearance from overseas, don't travel to the UK until your visa is issued. Get advice before making travel plans around a pending application.
Your rights & conditions
Can I have two jobs? +
Possibly. You may be able to do limited supplementary employment alongside your sponsored job in certain circumstances, or a second role may need its own sponsorship. See second jobs & supplementary employment.
Can I become self-employed? +
Generally no — a Skilled Worker must work for their sponsor in the sponsored role. There are only limited exceptions. See your conditions of stay.
Can I study while on a Skilled Worker visa? +
Yes, you can usually study alongside your work — though some courses require ATAS clearance. Check your conditions of stay.
Can I claim benefits? +
No. Skilled Worker permission normally carries a "no recourse to public funds" condition, so you generally can't claim most benefits. See your conditions of stay.
Can I buy property? +
Yes. There's no immigration restriction on buying or owning property in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. (Separate tax, mortgage and stamp-duty rules may apply — that's not an immigration matter.)
Changes & problems
What happens if my employer loses its sponsor licence? +
Your permission can be curtailed (shortened), and you'd typically be given a limited period to find a new sponsor and apply, or to arrange to leave. Act quickly and get advice — see what happens when your employment ends.
Can I change employer? +
Yes, but it's not simply an employment matter — you'll usually need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a further immigration application. See changing employer.
What if I'm made redundant or my job ends? +
Similar to a licence loss: your permission may be curtailed and you'll have a limited window to find a new sponsor or leave. Don't wait — see when your employment ends.
Can I extend my Skilled Worker visa? +
Yes, provided you still meet the requirements and apply before your current permission expires. See extending your visa.
After your Skilled Worker visa
Can I apply for settlement (ILR)? +
Yes — usually after 5 years of continuous qualifying residence, if you meet the settlement requirements. See Skilled Worker ILR & settlement.
Can I apply for British citizenship after ILR? +
Usually yes — after you've held ILR for the required qualifying period (commonly 12 months) and meet the naturalisation requirements. It's a separate assessment from ILR. See British citizenship.
Can my family join me? +
Yes — eligible partners and children can usually come as your dependants, subject to the rules (some care-worker roles have specific restrictions). See Skilled Worker dependants.
Didn't find your answer? These are the route-wide questions — for salary, English, occupation codes, dependants, extension and settlement, see the dedicated pages, or ask an adviser.
Explore the Skilled Worker guides
Our fees
Fixed fees. Figures are "From" because your exact fee depends on your circumstances — confirmed in writing before we start. These are our professional fees only; Home Office fees and any Immigration Health Surcharge are separate.
Disclaimer. The information on this page provides general information about UK immigration law and does not constitute legal advice on any individual immigration application. Immigration requirements, processing times and figures depend on your circumstances and may change. You should seek professional advice before making an application or relying on the information provided.
Source basis: the UK Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker and the related work-route Appendices, together with the Home Office caseworker guidance published on GOV.UK. Immigration Rules and guidance change; confirm the current version on GOV.UK before applying.
Still have a question?
Every Skilled Worker case is a little different. If your question isn't answered here, an IAA-regulated adviser can give you a clear, honest view of your options.