If you have secured a job offer from a licensed employer and are applying from outside the country, you will need to apply for entry clearance. In simple terms, this means requesting permission to enter and work under the Skilled Worker visa route.
This guide explains the full process for 2026, including eligibility requirements, points criteria, required documents, fees, and what to expect after a decision is made. It is designed to support both first-time applicants and those assisting sponsored workers.
Entry clearance refers to applying for a visa from outside the country. For Skilled Worker applicants, this means obtaining permission to enter and begin employment with an approved sponsor.
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa on 1 December 2020. It operates under a points-based system and requires a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor before applying.
The visa is linked to a specific role and employer, meaning both the applicant and sponsor must meet ongoing obligations once approval is granted.
Applicants must meet a combination of mandatory and tradeable requirements to reach the total of 70 points.
You must also be applying from outside the country. If you are already inside, a different process applies.
These requirements must all be met:
You must gain 20 additional points from the following options:
These options provide flexibility depending on salary level, qualifications, or job type.
The points-based system requires a total of 70 points:
Applications are assessed using the information in your CoS and supporting documents. This is not a competitive system—meeting the required points means you qualify.
Mandatory requirements cannot be substituted. If these are not met, the application will not succeed regardless of other factors.
For Certificates of Sponsorship issued on or after 22 July 2025, the following salary thresholds apply:
In addition to these figures, the salary must meet the “going rate” for the specific occupation. The higher figure between the threshold and the going rate will apply.
If the CoS was issued before 22 July 2025, earlier salary rules may still apply.
Preparing documents is a key part of the process. Common requirements include:
Core Documents
Additional Documents (if applicable)
Financial Requirement
This requirement may be waived if the sponsor confirms maintenance.
The employer must assign a CoS using their system. This includes job details, salary, and occupation code.
CoS assignment fee: £525
Confirm that:
Complete the online form including:
Accuracy is essential to avoid delays.
Dependants must also pay this separately.
Processing time is typically around three weeks, though faster options may be available.
Most applications are processed within three weeks.
Priority services may reduce this to around five working days, depending on availability.
Processing times may vary, so applying early is recommended.
Application fees depend on visa duration and role:
Additional costs:
Legal fees may vary, with full services typically starting from £800, depending on complexity.
You can bring:
Unmarried partners must show 2 years of cohabitation.
Dependants can usually work and study.
After approval:
After arrival:
After completing 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Common issues include:
Careful preparation and document checks can significantly reduce the risk of refusal.
If your application is refused, you may be able to request an Administrative Review, where the decision is reassessed.
