Question 1

What is the salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker visa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

From April 2024, the general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa is £38,700 per year. For shortage occupations on the Immigration Salary List, a 20% discount may apply, reducing the threshold. New entrant rates (for recent graduates or those under 26) are set at £30,960.

Question 2

Can I bring my family to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your spouse or partner and dependent children under 18 can apply as your dependants on a Skilled Worker visa. They can live, work (in most roles), and study in the UK for the same duration as your visa. However, from 2024 dependant rules have been tightened for students — check the latest GOV.UK guidance.

Question 3

How long does a UK Skilled Worker visa take to process?

Accepted Answer

Standard processing inside the UK takes up to 8 weeks. Online applications made overseas typically take 3 weeks (standard) or 5 business days (priority service, additional fee). Processing times can vary — check the live UKVI processing times page before applying.

Question 4

What English language test is accepted for a UK visa?

Accepted Answer

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accepts the IELTS for UKVI, Trinity SELT, PTE Academic UKVI, and LanguageCert International ESOL SELT. The required level varies by visa category: B1 for settlement (Speaking and Listening), and typically B2 for skilled work and study.

Question 5

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and how much is it?

Accepted Answer

The IHS is a fee that gives you access to NHS healthcare during your stay. From January 2024 it is £1,035 per year per adult. Students and those on the Youth Mobility scheme pay £776 per year. It is paid upfront for the full length of your visa, so a 3-year Skilled Worker visa costs £3,105 in IHS alone.

Question 6

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the UK Skilled Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number assigned by your UK employer (who must be on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors). It contains details of the job role, salary, and start date. You must have a valid CoS to apply for a Skilled Worker visa — you cannot self-sponsor.

Question 7

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if you are currently on a permitted route such as a Student visa, Graduate visa, or Skilled Worker visa with a different employer. Visitor visa holders generally cannot switch in-country.

Question 8

What is the Graduate visa and how does it differ from a Skilled Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The Graduate visa is a 2-year (3-year for PhD graduates) open work visa that allows you to work in any job, at any salary, after finishing a UK degree. It is unsponsored — no employer needs to be a licensed sponsor. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, it cannot lead directly to indefinite leave to remain (ILR); you must switch to a sponsored visa first.

Question 9

How many hours can a UK Student visa holder work?

Accepted Answer

Students on a Student visa studying at a higher education provider can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During official vacation periods (including before and after the course), full-time work is permitted. Working over 20 hours during term time is a breach of visa conditions.

Question 10

What is the UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and how do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

ILR is permanent residency in the UK. On most work visas including the Skilled Worker visa, you become eligible after 5 years of continuous lawful residence. You must pass the Life in the UK test, meet the English language requirement, and not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during those 5 years.

Question 11

Do I need a TB test for a UK visa?

Accepted Answer

If you are applying for a UK visa that lasts more than 6 months and you are from a country on the TB testing list (which includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and others), you must take a tuberculosis (TB) test at an approved clinic before applying. The test certificate is valid for 6 months.

Question 12

What documents do I need for a UK Family visa (spouse/partner)?

Accepted Answer

Key documents include: a valid passport, evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate or evidence of cohabitation for 2+ years), proof of your sponsor's UK immigration status, proof of sponsor's income (£29,000 minimum as of April 2024), English language evidence (A1 CEFR minimum), and proof of adequate accommodation. A full list is available on GOV.UK.

Question 13

Is the UK Shortage Occupation List still available in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) from April 2024. The ISL no longer affords a 20% salary discount except for specified roles. The MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) reviews the list periodically — always check the latest GOV.UK version before applying.

Question 14

Can I work for a different employer on my UK Skilled Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

No — your Skilled Worker visa is tied to the specific job and employer named on your Certificate of Sponsorship. If you change employers, you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with the new sponsor before starting the new job. There is no grace period.

Question 15

What financial requirements do I need to show for a UK visa?

Accepted Answer

For most visa categories, you must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before your application date (unless your employer certifies maintenance on the CoS). For Student visas, the requirement is £1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London, covering up to 9 months of your course.

UK Visa Guide 2026

Main Visa Routes

Skilled Worker Visa

Student Visa

Family Visa

TB Certificate

Biometrics (VFS / TLS)

UK Visa — Top Questions Answered