Pillar guide · Last updated September 3, 2026 · Reviewed against UK Home Office Skilled Worker rules current September 2026.
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for Indian professionals into the UK workforce. This pillar covers eligibility, salary thresholds (raised significantly in 2024-2025), sponsor employer list, cost breakdown, timeline from job offer to arrival, ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) pathway after 5 years, family sponsorship, and the specific differences from the H-1B most Indians are more familiar with.
Skilled Worker Basics
- Duration: up to 5 years initial, renewable, leads to ILR after 5 years.
- Employer-sponsored: requires a UK employer with a valid Sponsor Licence.
- No lottery. Unlike H-1B, there is no annual cap or lottery — apply anytime the criteria are met.
- Points-based: 70 points required (eligibility + salary + English language).
Salary Thresholds (2024-2026)
| Threshold (annual) | |
|---|---|
| General minimum (any occupation) | £38,700 |
| Shortage occupation list (immigration salary list) | £30,960 |
| New entrant (under 26, or PhD, or graduate visa switcher) | £30,960 |
| PhD relevant to job | £34,830 |
| PhD in STEM relevant to job | £30,960 |
| Health and care workers (not currently accepting new applications) | — |
Additionally, each occupation code has its own "going rate" — the applicable salary is the HIGHER of the general/shortage threshold OR the occupation-specific going rate.
Eligibility Requirements
- Valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor at an eligible skill level (RQF Level 3 or above — reduced from Level 6 in 2020).
- Salary meets the applicable threshold.
- English language proficiency (B1 CEFR minimum) — proven via SELT test or degree taught in English.
- £1,270 in personal savings for 28 days at application time (unless sponsor certifies).
- Criminal record certificate for certain occupations (education, healthcare).
- TB certificate for Indian applicants (required for UK immigration from India).
Application Process — Step by Step
- Get a job offer + Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Prove English proficiency — IELTS Life Skills B1, PTE Academic, or degree taught in English.
- Prepare financial evidence — £1,270 savings evidence, salary certificate.
- Book biometric appointment at a UK VAC in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Pune, Ahmedabad).
- Submit online application + fees. Visa fee (varies by duration), Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year), sponsor fee (borne by sponsor).
- Attend biometric appointment.
- Decision within 3 weeks for standard, 5 days for priority (£500 extra), 24 hours for super-priority (£1,000 extra).
- Collect BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) within 10 days of UK arrival.
Realistic Cost Breakdown
| Line | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (3-year Skilled Worker) | £719 (from outside UK) |
| Visa fee (5-year Skilled Worker) | £1,420 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (annual, per person) | £1,035/year |
| Priority processing (optional) | £500 |
| Super priority (optional, 24h) | £1,000 |
| English test (IELTS/PTE) | £150-£200 |
| TB test (India-based centres) | ₹4,500 (~£45) |
| BRP fee | £19.20 |
Total single applicant, 5-year visa, IHS included: £6,700 – £7,200. For family of 4: £22,000+. The employer pays the CoS fee (£239) + Immigration Skills Charge (£1,000/year for large employers, £364/year for small).
Family — Dependants + PBS Rules
- Spouse/partner can accompany + work (no restriction).
- Children under 18 can accompany + attend UK schools (state school free).
- Each dependant pays the same IHS (£1,035/year).
- From April 2024: Skilled Worker dependants can only be brought if the primary applicant is on the "Shortage Occupation List" or is a Global Talent / Innovator visa. This is a significant new restriction affecting many Indian applicants.
ILR Pathway (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
After 5 continuous years on Skilled Worker (or combined qualifying visas), apply for ILR. Requirements:
- Continuous residence (no more than 180 days outside UK in any 12-month period).
- English language + Life in the UK test passed.
- Sponsor still supports (or self-sufficient sponsor route).
- £2,885 ILR application fee.
ILR leads to British citizenship after 1 additional year of ordinary residence.
Common Denial Reasons
- Sponsor's Sponsor Licence rated B or revoked at application time.
- CoS marked invalid or contains errors.
- Salary calculation error — most common denial for salaries near the threshold.
- Insufficient English documentation.
- Criminal record disclosure incomplete.
UK Skilled Worker vs H-1B — Key Differences
| Aspect | UK Skilled Worker | H-1B (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cap | None | 85K/year with lottery |
| Duration | Up to 5 years | 3 yrs, extendable to 6+ |
| Sponsor | Any licensed UK employer | US employer |
| Family work rights | Yes (unrestricted) | H-4 with EAD limitations |
| PR pathway | 5 years to ILR | Green Card: 15+ years for Indians via EB-2 |
| Salary floor | £38,700 general | Prevailing wage per LCA |
| Portability | Requires new CoS from new sponsor | H-1B portability on receipt |
The UK Skilled Worker is significantly better than H-1B on: PR pathway (5 years vs 15+), family work rights, no annual cap. Worse on: base salary levels (UK tech salaries ~40-60% of comparable US roles), portability (new sponsor required), and post-Brexit acceptance rate variability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current UK sponsor licence holders that hire Indians? Top UK tech: Google UK, Meta UK, Amazon UK, Microsoft UK, DeepMind, Revolut, Monzo, Wise, Deliveroo, Snyk. Also fintech: Barclays, HSBC, Goldman Sachs. Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, PwC, EY.
Can I bring my family? Yes if you're on the Shortage Occupation List; new restriction from April 2024 for others.
Is there a Graduate visa route? Yes — Indian graduates from UK universities get 2-year post-study work rights (3 years for PhD). Can then switch to Skilled Worker.
Does the UK have anything like a Green Card lottery? No random lottery. Merit-based via Skilled Worker + ILR after 5 years.
Can I switch to Skilled Worker from another UK visa? Yes from Graduate, Student, Innovator, Global Talent — subject to eligibility.
Companion Reading
- H-1B Complete Guide for Indians 2026
- US Green Card for Indians 2026 — Pillar #5
- NRI Taxation India 2026
- Live UK tech job listings
Official Sources
- UK Home Office Skilled Worker: gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
- UK Immigration Skills Charge: gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/pay-the-charge
- Sponsor licence register: gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
UK immigration rules change frequently. Verify current rules on gov.uk before applying. This is informational content, not legal advice. Consult a UK OISC-regulated immigration adviser or solicitor. Reviewed and updated monthly.