Check your Skilled Worker visa application before you apply

What is being checked

The job offer and the employer’s papers, the pay, the language level, your qualifications, any money you must hold, police and health papers, and your past visas.

Why applications fail

Pay below the lowest figure the route sets, missing papers from the employer, or papers that do not match each other.

What our software does

The free check reads your answers against these conditions and shows where they usually fall short. It does not say whether you qualify. Paid work checks are not open yet.

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 1.2(d) and SW 5.1

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship

The applicant must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they are planning to do

What the decision maker looks at: Whether you have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer that names you, the job and the pay, was issued no more than 3 months before you applied, starts no more than 3 months after you applied, and was never used in an application that was granted or refused.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is a record the employer makes for you. It has a reference number you put on your form. It holds the job title, the occupation code and the pay, and the rest of the application is measured against it. If it is too old, was withdrawn, or was used before in a refused application, it does not count.

Where this comes from 3 official sources

SW 5.1. The applicant must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job they are planning to do; which to be valid must:
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 5.1
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
(c) include a start date, stated by the sponsor, which is no more than 3 months after the date of application; and (d) not have been used in a previous application which was either granted or refused (but can have been used in a previous application which was rejected as invalid, made void or withdrawn); and
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 5.1(c) and (d)
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.
Skilled Worker visa: Your job, If you already have a job offer
checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

The Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your employer
A copy of the certificate, so you can check your name, job title, occupation code, pay and start date
Your written job offer or contract, matching the certificate
A valid passport that shows who you are and your nationality

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 5.2 to SW 5.6A and SW 14A.1

Licensed sponsor and a genuine job

The sponsor must be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor the job in question under the Skilled Worker route.

What the decision maker looks at: Whether the employer holds an A-rated sponsor licence for this route, has paid the Immigration Skills Charge, and offers a real job, not one made up mainly to get you a visa, and whether you really mean to do that job and can do it.

The employer must be on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors and rated A. The caseworker can also look at whether the job is real. If the job does not exist, is a sham, or is mostly for someone else's business, it is refused. The caseworker may ask you about the job and the employer, sometimes at an interview. Whether a licence or a job passes this test is a judgement, so a solicitor or a regulated adviser should look at it.

Where this comes from 4 official sources

SW 5.2. The sponsor must be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor the job in question under the Skilled Worker route. SW 5.3. The sponsor must be listed as A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 5.2 and SW 5.3
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
SW 5.5. The decision maker must not have reasonable grounds to believe the job the applicant is being sponsored to do: (a) does not exist; or (b) is a sham; or (c) has been created mainly so the applicant can apply for entry clearance or permission to stay.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 5.5
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
(a) genuinely intend, and be able, to undertake the role for which they are being sponsored; and
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 14A.1
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
knowledge of the role relevant experience of the skills needed to do the role knowledge of the sponsor in the UK explanation of how they were recruited
Skilled Worker caseworker guidance, for Home Office staff, 17. Genuineness requirement
Version 20.0 · dated 3 August 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

The employer's entry on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors, checked on the day you apply
Your contract or offer letter, with duties that match the certificate
A short account of how you found and got the job
Proof of the skills and experience the job needs, such as reference letters

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 6.1 to SW 6.3, and Appendix Skilled Occupations

Job at the appropriate skill level

The sponsor must choose an appropriate SOC 2020 occupation code

What the decision maker looks at: Whether the job's 4-digit occupation code is one the route lists, and whether that code truly fits the duties, or a code was picked because it is easier to meet.

Every job has a 4-digit occupation code. Since 22 July 2025 a new worker from abroad usually needs a code at degree level, called RQF level 6, unless the job is on a shortage list. The caseworker checks that the code fits the real duties and your skills. Care worker codes 6135 and 6136 cannot be used to come from abroad. Whether a code is the right one is a judgement, so a solicitor or a regulated adviser should look at it.

Where this comes from 4 official sources

SW 6.2. The sponsor must choose an appropriate SOC 2020 occupation code, and the decision maker must not have reasonable grounds to believe the sponsor has chosen a less appropriate SOC 2020 occupation code for any of the following reasons:
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 6.2
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
SW 6.1B. If the applicant is being sponsored in the SOC 2020 occupation code “6135 Care workers and home carers” or “6136 Senior care workers”, the application must be for permission to stay
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 6.1B
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
On 22 July 2025, the skill threshold increased to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6, with exceptions for certain shortage occupations and workers already in the route.
Skilled Worker caseworker guidance, for Home Office staff, Job at an appropriate skill level
Version 20.0 · dated 3 August 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
These SOC 2020 occupation codes are considered to be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 or above, and are eligible for the Skilled Worker route.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Occupations, Table 1
checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

The occupation code and job title on your Certificate of Sponsorship
A job description listing your real duties
Your qualifications and work history that fit the job
The line for your code in the Appendix Skilled Occupations tables

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.2 to SW 4.4, SW 8.1 to SW 14.4, and Appendix Skilled Occupations

Salary requirement

The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both: • £41,700 per year; and • the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.

What the decision maker looks at: Whether the pay on your Certificate of Sponsorship is at least £41,700 a year and at least the going rate for your occupation code, or meets one of the lower options the rules set, counting only basic pay for up to 48 hours a week.

The usual floor is £41,700 a year, or the going rate for your code if that is higher. This figure applies to certificates issued on or after 22 July 2025. Some people can be paid less, but never under £33,400 a year: new entrants, some PhD holders, and jobs on the Immigration Salary List. Each code has its own going rate in the official tables, worked out on a 37.5-hour week. Allowances and bonuses do not count. Whether your pay meets the going rate for your code is a judgement, so a solicitor or a regulated adviser should look at it.

Where this comes from 7 official sources

The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both: • £41,700 per year; and • the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4, option A
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
APP SW2. In row A of the table following SW 4.4, for “£38,700”, substitute “£41,700”.
Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 997, 1 July 2025, APP SW2 and Implementation
HC 997 · dated 1 July 2025 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
All other changes in this Statement shall take effect on 22 July 2025. In relation to those changes, (i) if an application has been made using a certificate of sponsorship issued by a sponsor to an applicant before 22 July 2025;
Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 997, 1 July 2025, Implementation
HC 997 · dated 1 July 2025 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
You’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.
Skilled Worker visa: Your job, Salary requirements
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
You can be paid between 70% and 90% of the standard going rate for your job if your salary is at least £33,400 per year and you meet one of the following criteria:
Skilled Worker visa: When you can be paid less, When you can be paid less
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
Going rates in Table 1 are per year and based on a 37.5-hour working week.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Occupations, Table 1
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
SW 14.3. If the applicant is being sponsored to work more than 48 hours a week, subject to SW 14.3A, only the salary for the first 48 hours a week will be considered towards the salary thresholds referred to in the table following SW 4.4.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 14.3
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

The salary and weekly hours on your Certificate of Sponsorship
Your contract showing basic pay and hours
The going rate for your code in Appendix Skilled Occupations
Proof for any lower option you claim, such as your age, your PhD and its Ecctis check, or the Immigration Salary List entry

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.1 and SW 7.1 to SW 7.3, and Appendix English Language

English language requirement

An applicant must show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all 4 components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to at least the level specified by SW 4.1.

What the decision maker looks at: Whether you show English at level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, by a way Appendix English Language accepts: a Secure English Language Test, a degree taught in English and checked by Ecctis, a UK degree or school qualification, or your nationality.

A new applicant needs English at level B2 in all four skills. You can show it with a test from a listed provider, called a SELT, or with a degree taught in English. A degree from outside the UK needs an Ecctis check first. Being a Nigerian, Ghanaian or Indian national does not cover it on its own.

Where this comes from 4 official sources

SW 7.1. An applicant must show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all 4 components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to at least the level specified by SW 4.1.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 7.1
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
English language skills at level B2 or, where the applicant’s most recent permission was as a Skilled Worker and which was granted subject to a requirement at level B1, level B1
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.1, mandatory points table
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
If your degree was taught in English and was not awarded by a UK institution, you’ll need to apply for an assessment from Ecctis.
Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English, If you have a degree from an institution outside the UK
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English, Passing an English test
checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

A Secure English Language Test result at level B2 or higher, from a listed provider
Or your degree certificate and the Ecctis reference that confirms it was taught in English
Or a UK degree, or a GCSE or A Level from a UK school

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 15.1 to SW 15.3, and Appendix Finance

Financial requirement

the applicant must have funds of at least £1,270

What the decision maker looks at: Whether you have held at least £1,270 for 28 days in a row, with the last day no more than 31 days before you apply, in your own name and a bank Appendix Finance accepts, or whether your A-rated sponsor has certified on the certificate that it will cover you.

You must show £1,270 of your own money, held for 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of the day you apply. An overdraft does not count. If your employer agrees to cover your first month, it says so on the Certificate of Sponsorship and you do not need the statements. Partners and children need their own money too.

Where this comes from 5 official sources

SW 15.2. If the applicant is applying for entry clearance, or has been in the UK for less than 12 months on the date of application, either: (a) the applicant must have funds of at least £1,270; or (b) the applicant’s A-rated sponsor must certify that they will, if necessary, maintain and accommodate the applicant up to the end of the first month of their employment, to an amount of at least £1,270.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 15.2
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
SW 15.3. If SW 15.2.(a) applies, the applicant must show that they have held the required funds for a 28-day period and as specified in Appendix Finance.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 15.3
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
FIN 7.1. The most recently dated piece of financial evidence must be dated within 31 days before the date of application.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Finance, FIN 7.1 and FIN 3.1
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.
Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs, Money to support yourself
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
If you’re applying from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for: up to 3 years - £819 per person more than 3 years - £1,618 per person
Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs, Application fees
checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

Bank statements or a bank letter covering 28 days in a row, ending no more than 31 days before you apply
Or the Certificate of Sponsorship showing the sponsor certifies maintenance
Money for each partner or child who applies with you

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 3.2 and SW 16.1 to SW 16.2

Tuberculosis certificate and criminal record certificate

A person applying for entry clearance as a Skilled Worker must, if Appendix Tuberculosis applies, provide a valid medical certificate confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that this tuberculosis is not present in them.

What the decision maker looks at: Whether you included a valid TB test certificate, which Nigeria, Ghana and India all need, and, if your occupation code is on the SW 16.1 list, a criminal record certificate from each country you lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 18.

If you have lived in a listed country, such as Nigeria, Ghana or India, you need a TB test at a clinic the Home Office accepts. The certificate lasts 6 months from the x-ray. Some health and care jobs, such as doctors, care managers and care workers, also need a police certificate from each country you lived in for a year or more. Both take time to get, so start early.

Where this comes from 6 official sources

SW 3.2. A person applying for entry clearance as a Skilled Worker must, if Appendix Tuberculosis applies, provide a valid medical certificate confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that this tuberculosis is not present in them.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 3.2
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
If your test shows that you do not have TB, you’ll be given a certificate which is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray.
Tuberculosis tests for visa applicants, How you'll be tested
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
Nigeria
Tuberculosis tests: countries where you need a TB test to enter the UK, Countries and where to find clinics
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
You’ll need to provide a criminal record certificate if you’re applying from outside the UK and you work in:
Skilled Worker visa: Documents you must provide, Criminal record certificate
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
SW 16.1. If the applicant is applying for entry clearance and is being sponsored for a job in any of the SOC 2020 occupation codes listed below, they must provide a criminal record certificate from the relevant authority in any country in which they have been present for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the 10 years before the date of application, and while aged 18 or over:
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 16.1
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
SW 16.2. The requirement in SW 16.1. does not apply if the applicant provides a satisfactory explanation why it is not reasonably practicable for them to obtain a criminal record certificate from any or all of the relevant authorities.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 16.2
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

A TB test certificate from a clinic the Home Office accepts, less than 6 months old
A criminal record certificate from each country where you lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, if your job is on the list
If you cannot get a certificate, a written reason why it is not possible

Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 2.1, and Part Suitability, SUI 9.1 and SUI 10.1

False representations, false documents or non-disclosure

The applicant must not fall for refusal under Part Suitability.

What the decision maker looks at: Whether anything you sent was untrue or not genuine, such as a job letter, a bank statement or an English test, or whether you left out a fact that matters, such as an earlier refusal, and whether that was deception.

Skilled Workers face the same Part Suitability rules as everyone. Lying on purpose must lead to a refusal (SUI 9.1), and the re-entry table in Part Suitability sets 10 years for deception in an application. A false paper you did not know about can still lead to a refusal (SUI 10.1). A past refusal for any country must be told on the form. Any finding here needs a solicitor or a regulated adviser.

Where this comes from 5 official sources

SW 2.1. The applicant must not fall for refusal under Part Suitability.
Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 2.1
Updated with reference to Statement of Changes HC 584 · dated 8 October 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026
SUI 9.1. An application for entry clearance or permission must be refused where the decision maker is satisfied that the applicant used deception by:
Immigration Rules, Part Suitability, SUI 9.1
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
(f) 10 years Used deception in an application
Immigration Rules, Part Suitability, Re-entry periods, row (f)
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
(a) made false representations or provided false documents or false information in relation to the application (whether or not relevant to the application, and whether or not to the applicant’s knowledge); or
Immigration Rules, Part Suitability, SUI 10.1
checked against the page on 4 November 2026
If you believe the applicant is complicit in being sponsored for a vacancy which is not genuine, you may consider inviting them to attend an interview.
Skilled Worker caseworker guidance, for Home Office staff, 8.6 Genuine vacancy
Version 20.0 · dated 3 August 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

The Skilled Worker visa lets you come to the UK to do one named job for one employer. The rules are in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules, and Part Suitability applies too. The worker applies, but the employer must first hold a sponsor licence from the Home Office and give the worker a Certificate of Sponsorship. A UK Visas and Immigration caseworker decides, using the Skilled Worker caseworker guidance. The steps, in order: the employer offers the job and picks the occupation code. The employer assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship. You get your English evidence, a TB test certificate if you live in a listed country such as Nigeria, Ghana or India, and a criminal record certificate if your job needs one. You hold the money for 28 days unless the employer covers it. You apply online within 3 months of getting the certificate, pay the fee and the health surcharge, and prove your identity. The official fee from outside the UK is £819 for up to 3 years or £1,618 for more than 3 years, plus a health surcharge of usually £1,035 for each year. The paragraph numbers printed on a refusal notice govern. Go over these findings with a solicitor or a regulated immigration adviser before you apply.

Check your Skilled Worker visa application before you apply

What is being checked

Why applications fail

What our software does

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship

Licensed sponsor and a genuine job

Job at the appropriate skill level

Salary requirement

English language requirement

Financial requirement

Tuberculosis certificate and criminal record certificate

False representations, false documents or non-disclosure

Where does your work visa application stand?

Have your documents read against these conditions