UK Skilled Worker Visa

A work visa for jobs with a licensed UK sponsor at the required skill and salary level, with a route to settlement.

Overview

The Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK for an employer licensed by the Home Office. Job skill level, pay and English requirements apply and were tightened in 2025.

Key points

Needs a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer
The job must meet the skill level and salary rules
An English language requirement applies
Dependants may apply to join

Who can apply

  • Workers with an eligible job offer
  • Applicants who meet pay and skill rules
  • Applicants with the required English level

Eligibility details

  • You have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
  • The job is at the required skill level and meets the salary rules
  • You meet the English language requirement
  • You hold a Certificate of Sponsorship
  • You can show you can support yourself, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance

How OvalArc helps

  1. Free assessmentWe review your age, education, work history and language score.
  2. Route planYou receive options with costs and timelines in writing.
  3. DocumentsWe prepare and check every document before filing.
  4. Filing and follow-upWe submit, track and respond to the authority.

Costs and timelines

  • Government application and biometrics fees
  • Language test and credential or skills assessment fees
  • Medical exam, police certificates and translations
  • Our service fee, set out in your written agreement

Government fees and processing times change. Your adviser gives the current figures from the official source.

Documents we usually need

  • Valid passport
  • Education certificates and mark sheets
  • Work experience and reference letters
  • Language test result (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF or other)
  • Police clearance and medical when required
  • Proof of funds and civil documents

The exact list depends on your case.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Submitting documents that do not match each other
  • Missing deadlines in an invitation or request letter
  • Hiding past refusals or travel history
  • Relying on outdated rules from old web pages

Common questions

Can you guarantee approval?

No. Only the immigration authority decides. We improve the quality of your application and tell you the real odds.

How long does it take?

Processing times change. Your adviser gives the current official estimate during your consultation.

What if my application is refused?

We review the refusal reasons with you and explain your options, such as reapplying with stronger evidence or choosing another route.

Can my family come with me?

Often yes. Spouses and dependent children can usually be included or can follow, depending on the route.

Please note: OvalArc is a private advisory service and not a government agency. Decisions are made only by the relevant authorities and no outcome is guaranteed. Rules, fees and processing times change often, so please confirm on the official government website.

Not sure which route suits you?

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