UK Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker & Health and Care Worker visas — sponsorship-based routes (not an EU route)
The United Kingdom is outside the EU and operates its own points-based immigration system. The Skilled Worker visa is the principal route for non-UK workers and requires a licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship for an eligible occupation that meets salary thresholds. Healthcare professionals and care workers may use the dedicated Health and Care Worker visa, which carries reduced fees and faster processing. English-language ability must be proven through IELTS or another Home Office–approved test. Only employers holding a valid sponsor licence can hire from abroad, so confirmed sponsorship is the foundation of every UK placement.
Step-by-Step Process
Sponsor Licence & Certificate
The UK employer must hold a valid sponsor licence. Once a worker is matched, the employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for an eligible occupation at or above the required salary threshold.
English & Document Preparation
The candidate passes an approved English-language test (IELTS for UKVI or equivalent) and prepares the CoS reference, proof of qualification, valid passport, and any required maintenance funds.
Online Visa Application
The candidate applies online for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa, pays the visa fee and (where applicable) the Immigration Health Surcharge, and attends a biometric appointment at a visa application centre.
Decision, Arrival & Right to Work
Standard decisions are commonly issued within a few weeks. On arrival the worker collects their biometric residence document or activates their eVisa and confirms right to work with the employer before starting.
Documentation Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak English to get a UK visa?
Yes. The Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas require proof of English at the prescribed level, normally through IELTS for UKVI or another Home Office–approved test, unless an exemption applies.
Can any UK employer hire me from abroad?
No. Only employers holding a valid Home Office sponsor licence can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. We match workers only with licensed sponsors, so sponsorship is confirmed before any application begins.
What is the Health and Care Worker visa?
It is a dedicated route for eligible healthcare and adult social care roles, offering reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, alongside typically faster processing.
Are salary thresholds and rules stable?
No. UK salary thresholds, eligible occupations, and visa rules are revised regularly by the Home Office. This page is general guidance only — we confirm current thresholds and eligibility for each role before proceeding.
Legal disclaimer: Immigration law changes frequently. The information on this page is general guidance and reflects the best available understanding at the time of writing. All placements via WorkersFromAsia are reviewed for current visa route eligibility before the job is published. Contact us if you have specific questions about a candidate's eligibility.