Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Worker Visas often arrive at the exact moment you’re trying to make big life choices—accepting a job offer, moving your family, or planning the next step in your career. If 2025 has left you with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. The rules feel technical, the language can be dense, and the stakes are high. This guide is here to steady the ground beneath your feet: warm, plain-spoken, and focused on what actually matters to you right now.
Think of this as a conversation rather than a lecture. We’ll keep the jargon to a minimum, explain what the terms really mean in practice, and point out the places where people commonly get tripped up. If you’ve been Googling common UK visa questions late at night, we’ve got you—this is your calm, reliable companion piece.
We’ll tackle the queries that come up again and again when the Skilled Worker route is on the table—how to read an offer with confidence, what to consider before relocating loved ones, and how to plan a path that works over the longer term. Along the way, we’ll highlight the small details that make a big difference, and offer clear signposts so you know what to do next.
Above all, this is a guide for real life. Whether you’re an applicant mapping out your move, an employer trying to support a new hire, or a partner weighing up the family picture, you’ll find straight answers, steady guidance, and a tone that respects your time. Take a breath—let’s get you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
What Are the Latest Eligibility Requirements?
- Degree-level skill requirement (RQF 6+)
Since 22 July 2025, only jobs at RQF level 6 or above are generally eligible for Skilled Worker visas. This effectively eliminates many medium-skilled occupations under RQF 3–5 unless they appear on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List.
Transitional provisions: existing RQF 3–5 holders may extend or switch until 22 July 2028. - Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) & licensed sponsor
As ever, you must have a valid job offer through a Home Office-licensed sponsor, with a CoS issued within the past 3 months. - English language proficiency – now B2
The minimum English requirement has risen from CEFR level B1 to B2 (Independent User) for Skilled Worker applicants.
Additionally, all adult dependants must now meet A1 (Basic User)—a new requirement introduced in 2025.
What Are the Updated Salary Thresholds?
- Standard salary threshold increased
The general minimum salary requirement for new Skilled Worker applicants has risen—reported guides note a change from around £38,700 to approximately £41,700. - Immigration Salary List for lower-paying roles
Some roles on the Immigration Salary List qualify for a lower threshold—around 80% of the standard rate - Use of 2024 ASHE data
These salary updates align with 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) figures, ensuring migrants aren’t undercutting domestic salaries.
What English Language Proof Is Needed?
- Primary applicant: must prove B2 English proficiency (CEFR).
- Adult dependants: must now meet A1 – a new requirement as of 2025.
This upgrade marks a clear shift from earlier policy and is critical to prepare for.
Can I Bring Dependants?
- Who qualifies? partners and children generally qualify—if requirements are met.
- New restrictions apply from 22 July 2025
Dependants of those in medium-skilled roles (below RQF 6) face new limitations. Since 22 July, those applying for such roles cannot bring family unless exceptions apply. - Care sector restrictions
Overseas care worker dependants are now particularly restricted.
Can I Switch Routes or Extend?
- Switching & extensions under transitional rules
If you already hold—or were sponsored under—an RQF 3–5 role (with CoS before 4 Apr 2024), you may continue to extend or switch within the route until 22 July 2028. - Transition to other routes
The route still permits switching to alternatives like the Global Talent or Health and Care categories, if eligible.
What About Settlement (ILR)?
- Currently: Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence, subject to salary and employment criteria.
- White Paper proposes 10-year path
The 2025 Immigration White Paper proposes extending this qualifying period from 5 to 10 years, with the potential for an “earned settlement” faster track for high contributors. However, no implementation date has been confirmed. A consultation was due in late 2025, with debate anticipated in September 2025.
Addressing Common Misunderstandings (Pre-2025 Rules)
| Misunderstanding | Clarification |
| RQF 3–5 roles still eligible? | No—this changed from 22 July 2025. Only RQF 6+ roles, or listed exceptions, apply. |
| English at B1 is enough | No—applicants now need B2. Dependants also need A1. |
| Dependants always allowed | Not under new rules—medium-skilled roles may not bring dependants now. |
| ILR is still after 5 years | That remains current—but a 10-year standard is proposed. |
| Salary thresholds static | No—they’ve been uprated using ASHE data, raising general minimums and altering going rates. |
Quick FAQ Wrap-Up
Q: Who can apply under the Skilled Worker visa in 2025?
A: Applicants with a CoS for a job at RQF 6 or above, meeting a £41,700-ish salary, B2 English, and sponsor requirements.
Q: Can medium-skilled or care roles still qualify?
A: Only if listed on the Temporary Shortage List or via Immigration Salary List—and possibly without dependants. Transitional provisions exist for existing visa holders until July 2028.
Q: What support exists if English standards are tough?
A: Language preparation is vital. Consider tuition for the B2 test and encourage adult dependants to aim for A1.
Q: When can I apply for settlement (ILR)?
A: Still at 5 years today—but likely moving toward 10 years for new applicants, pending consultations.
Final Thoughts
The Skilled Worker visa route in 2025 feels more like a carefully designed gateway than a simple application form. It is sharper, more selective, and more exacting than before—yet it still offers a clear and steady path for those who plan well and prepare with care. With higher skill levels now at the core, new salary bands to navigate, and stronger English requirements in place, the system is no longer about rushing through—it’s about building a journey with intent. Settlement remains within reach for those who think long-term, even as future timelines may evolve. The best approach is to stay informed, anticipate changes, and take each step with confidence. And if you’re seeking guidance, insight, or reassurance, make Skilled Worker Mag your go-to companion—we’re here to help you navigate every twist and turn of the Skilled Worker route.
