Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors — Entry Clearance, Switching and New Applications
One wrong occupation code, one miscalculated salary line, or one serious sponsor issue can put the whole application at risk — even where the role is genuine and the employer is real. The Skilled Worker visa is not a formality that follows a job offer. It is a points-based application where the caseworker checks every number you submit.
KQ Solicitors prepares Skilled Worker visa applications for applicants who have a genuine UK job offer and need the application prepared correctly before submission. This page is for first Skilled Worker applications, entry clearance, and switching from inside the UK. If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa and need to extend with the same employer or change employer from inside the UK, see our Skilled Worker visa extension service.
Quick answer: The Skilled Worker visa allows you to live and work in the UK for a licensed sponsor in an eligible skilled role, with a route to settlement after five years. Your application must score the required points for sponsorship, occupation, English language, salary, and any non-points requirements such as maintenance or TB testing where relevant.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s main sponsored work route. It replaced Tier 2 (General) and allows overseas nationals to work in the UK for a Home Office-licensed employer in an eligible skilled role.
The visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of continuous qualifying residence, but settlement is not automatic. At ILR stage, the Home Office checks your current salary, sponsor confirmation, compliance history, and absence record across the qualifying period.
Anti-cannibalisation note: This service page gives the commercial overview for new applications and switching. The detailed 70-point walkthrough, full salary tables, dependant rules, and settlement planning should sit in the knowledge hub guide, not on this service page.
Who Can Apply Through KQ Solicitors?
We handle applicant-side Skilled Worker visa matters where the applicant has a UK job offer from a licensed sponsor or is switching into the route from inside the UK.
| Application type | What this page covers | Where extension cases go |
|---|---|---|
| Entry clearance | First Skilled Worker application from outside the UK before travel. | Not applicable. |
| In-country switching | Switching from an eligible route, such as Student or Graduate, into Skilled Worker. | Not applicable. |
| New sponsored role | Application based on a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor. | If you already hold Skilled Worker permission and are changing employer, use the extension page. |
| Extension / change of employer | Only a short route note here. | Skilled Worker visa extension service. |
If your employment has ended: Your sponsor must report the change to the Home Office. The Home Office may shorten your permission, often to 60 days or until your visa expiry date if sooner. This page is not a redundancy protocol page. Take advice immediately if your job has ended.
We Can Help If...
- Your salary is close to the required threshold or the going rate for your occupation may be higher.
- Your employer has issued a Certificate of Sponsorship and you want the occupation code checked before applying.
- You are switching from a Student or Graduate visa and need to confirm eligibility before submission.
- You are a new entrant and need to confirm whether the reduced threshold is still available to you.
- You have a previous refusal, overstay, criminal matter, or other suitability issue.
- Your sponsor’s licence rating or compliance position is unclear.
- You want the full application professionally prepared and uploaded so the evidence tells one clear story.
Need the numbers checked before UKVI checks them?
We review salary, occupation code, sponsor position, maintenance, English language, and suitability before the application is submitted.
Key Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
The Home Office assesses the application in stages: validity, suitability, then eligibility. A failure at any stage can end the application before the next issue is considered.
| Requirement | What UKVI checks | KQ Solicitors focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship | Valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor. | We check the sponsor, CoS status, dates, and role details. |
| Occupation code | Role must be eligible and match the actual job. | We check the SOC 2020 code against the duties and applicant background. |
| Salary | Salary must meet the general threshold or going rate, whichever is higher, unless a valid lower option applies. | We check the salary using the figures the caseworker will count. |
| English language | Current new applications generally require B2 across all four skills unless exempt. | We confirm the correct test or exemption before you book anything. |
| Maintenance | Applicant must normally show £1,270 unless sponsor certifies maintenance or an exemption applies. | We check the 28-day evidence period or sponsor certification. |
| Suitability | Criminality, immigration breaches, deception, and false representations. | We advise on disclosure before the application is submitted. |
Caseworker insight: A salary above the general threshold is not enough if the going rate for the specific occupation code is higher. The general threshold is the floor, not the ceiling.
Salary and tradeable points
Your salary must normally meet the standard threshold and the going rate for your occupation code. Lower salary options may be available in limited circumstances, such as new entrant, PhD, or Immigration Salary List roles, but these options are route-specific and not automatic.
Applicants often compare their salary only with the headline figure and ignore the going rate. If the going rate is higher than the headline figure, the going rate usually decides the case.
English language
For new Skilled Worker applications under the current rules, the English requirement is normally B2 across reading, writing, speaking, and listening unless an exemption applies. Existing Skilled Worker holders extending under earlier rules may need separate advice on transitional protection, but that belongs on the extension page.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees and Costs in 2026
These figures are for new applications and switching. Extension and change-of-employer costs are covered on the Skilled Worker visa extension service.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| KQ Solicitors fixed fee — new application | From £1,250 |
| Home Office fee — up to 3 years, outside UK | £819 |
| Home Office fee — over 3 years, outside UK | £1,618 |
| Home Office fee — up to 3 years, inside UK switch | £943 |
| Home Office fee — over 3 years, inside UK switch | £1,865 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Usually £1,035 per year for adults |
| Priority service where available | Additional fee applies; availability varies |
Estimated total — single applicant, 5-year visa from outside the UK, excluding English test, TB test, translations, dependants, and optional priority: from £8,043 including KQ fee (£1,250 + £1,618 + £5,175 IHS).
The employer normally deals with sponsor licence costs, Certificate of Sponsorship assignment, and Immigration Skills Charge separately. These are not included in the applicant’s personal costs.
Fees can change. Always verify the current GOV.UK fee schedule before submitting or paying any application fee.
What Our Skilled Worker Visa Service Includes
- Initial eligibility assessment — we review the job offer, sponsor, salary, occupation code, and immigration history.
- Salary and occupation code verification — we check the general threshold, going rate, 48-hour cap, and role match.
- Tailored document checklist — specific to entry clearance or switching, not a generic list.
- Evidence review and gap identification — we check every document for consistency before submission.
- Application preparation and cover letter — we complete the form, draft representations where needed, and organise the evidence.
- Submission support — we submit the application and advise on the biometric appointment.
- Post-decision support — we explain the outcome and next steps, including eVisa access and future ILR timing.
Our Application Process
- Initial consultation and eligibility check. We verify sponsor rating, occupation code, salary, and suitability issues before fees are paid.
- Personalised document checklist. You receive a checklist tailored to entry clearance or switching.
- Evidence review. We check the CoS, salary evidence, English language, maintenance, and identity documents.
- Application preparation. We complete the online form and prepare the evidence bundle.
- Submission and biometric guidance. We submit and advise on UKVCAS or visa application centre steps.
- Decision and next steps. We explain the result and advise on work start, eVisa status, and ILR planning.
How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Take to Process?
| Application location | Typical standard processing |
|---|---|
| Outside the UK | Usually around 3 weeks from biometrics. |
| Inside the UK | Usually around 8 weeks from biometrics or application steps being completed. |
| Priority services | May be available, but availability and service terms vary. |
Do not leave the UK while an in-country application is pending. Leaving the UK while a switching application is pending can cause the application to be treated as withdrawn. Take advice before making travel plans.
Common Skilled Worker Visa Mistakes That Lead to Refusal
| Mistake | Why it causes problems | How we help |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong occupation code | The SOC code must match both the job description and the actual role. | We verify the code before submission. |
| Salary below going rate | Meeting the headline figure is not enough if the occupation going rate is higher. | We check both thresholds. |
| Non-guaranteed pay included | Bonuses, commission, tips, and unguaranteed overtime do not count in the same way. | We calculate what the caseworker can count. |
| Wrong English evidence | Submitting the wrong level or wrong provider can lead to refusal. | We confirm the correct evidence before testing. |
| Maintenance evidence wrong | Bank dates and balances must meet the Immigration Rules unless maintenance is certified. | We check dates and certification. |
| Suitability issue not disclosed | Undisclosed overstaying, criminality, or deception can become a separate refusal reason. | We review immigration history before submission. |
When Should You Speak to a Solicitor?
If your sponsor is A-rated, salary clearly exceeds both the headline figure and going rate, the occupation code is straightforward, and you have no suitability issues, you may be able to prepare the application yourself.
But if the salary is close to the line, the occupation code is unclear, you are relying on a lower salary option, or your history includes anything the caseworker may question, legal advice before submission is cheaper than a refusal and a fresh application.
When This Service May Not Be Right for You
This page covers the applicant side of the Skilled Worker visa — new entry clearance and switching applications. It may not be the right fit if:
- You already hold a Skilled Worker visa and need to extend or change employer from inside the UK — see our Skilled Worker visa extension service.
- You are an employer looking for sponsor licence, CoS review, or compliance support — see our sponsor licence service.
- You do not yet have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
- You are ready for ILR after five years — see our ILR and settlement service.
- You have a complex human rights case, deportation order, or ongoing Home Office investigation.
What Happens After the Visa Is Granted?
Getting the visa is the start, not the finish. The Skilled Worker route is a compliance route. Your salary, sponsor, job role, work location, absences, and immigration status must remain consistent with the rules throughout the qualifying period.
Settlement reminder: The visa can lead to ILR after five years, but ILR is a separate application. Keep records of absences, salary, sponsor confirmation, and job changes from day one.
Ready to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa rewards preparation and punishes guesswork. If you want the salary, CoS, and documents checked before the Home Office checks them, KQ Solicitors can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
KQ Solicitors charges a fixed fee from £1,250 for new Skilled Worker visa applications, including entry clearance and switching applications. Extension and change-of-employer applications are handled on our separate Skilled Worker visa extension service page.
The standard threshold is currently £41,700, but your salary must also meet the going rate for your specific occupation code, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds may apply in limited route-specific situations such as new entrant, PhD, or Immigration Salary List roles.
In many cases, yes. You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor, an eligible occupation code, the correct salary, English language evidence or exemption, and any required supporting documents.
Yes. A Skilled Worker visa application requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor. Without a valid CoS, the application cannot succeed.
For new applications under the current rules, you normally need English at B2 across reading, writing, speaking, and listening unless an exemption applies.
Standard processing is usually around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK. Priority services may be available depending on location and capacity.
Yes, it can lead to ILR after five years of continuous qualifying residence, but ILR is a separate application. You must meet the settlement requirements at the time you apply, including salary, sponsor confirmation, absences, and suitability.
No. If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa and need to extend with the same employer or change employer from inside the UK, use our separate Skilled Worker visa extension service page.