Skilled Worker & Work Visas
Coming to the UK to work, changing employer, or extending a visa you already hold.
What this covers
- Skilled Worker visa applications
- Health and Care Worker visas
- Change of employer and extensions
- Global Talent and other work routes
- Switching from another visa category
What the Skilled Worker route needs
A Skilled Worker application turns on three things being right at the same time: a licensed sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship for a job at or above the going rate for its occupation code, and English at the required level. Most refusals we see are not close calls on merit — they are a salary that falls under the going rate once working hours are counted properly, or a CoS assigned against the wrong occupation code.
Changing employer
A new employer means a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new application. You may usually begin the new role once the application is submitted, but the timing matters and getting it wrong can break your continuous leave — which is what an ILR application is counted from later.
Extensions and switching
Extending in the same role is usually the most straightforward application on this route, provided the salary still meets the current going rate, which is revised periodically. Switching into Skilled Worker from another visa is possible from most categories, but not all, and not from visitor.
This page is general information about a route, not advice on your case. Immigration Rules change frequently — take advice on your own circumstances before acting.