Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker ILR and Global Business Mobilit
What Is the Skilled Worker Route?
uThe Skilled Worker visa allows non-UK nationals to live and work in the UK in an eligible skilled job with an approved employer.
uIt replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020..
uGranted for up to 5 years at a time.
uSpouses/partners and children can apply as dependents.
uCan lead to Settlement after 5 years.
uAlways require a legal sponsor (employer) who has to have a Sponsor Licence.
u2 step application, one for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) then for the leave to enter or remain.
Certificate of Sponsorship
What Is a CoS?
uA Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a licensed UK sponsor (employer) to a foreign worker.
uIt contains essential information about the job and confirms that the employer is officially sponsoring the worker under UK immigration rules.
uIt’s not a physical certificate — pdf document issued online and it’s a reference number used during the visa application process.
Key Features of a CoS
uUnique reference number issued via the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
uSponsored migrant must start working latest 28 within days of Work Start Date shown on the CoS
uContains: Sponsor details (license number, name), worker’s personal details, job title and SOC code, salary and working hours, start date and end date of employment, work location(s), whether maintenance is certified (i.e., if the sponsor is covering the worker’s initial costs).
Types of CoS
Sponsor/Representative Responsibilities
uEnsure the job is genuine, skilled, and meets salary thresholds.
uAssign the CoS accurately (wrong SOC or salary may lead to visa refusal).
uReport changes (e.g., if the worker doesn’t start).
uKeep records of CoS assignments for UKVI compliance checks.
uCoS must match the job and role exactly.
uVisa application (and employment contract) must use the same salary, job title, and employer as stated on the CoS.
uCoS must be assigned within 3 months of work start date.
uVisa application can only be submitted once a CoS has been assigned.
Skilled Worker Eligibility Criteria
uThe employer must hold a valid sponsor licence.
uThe job must be genuine and eligible under the Skilled Worker list and correspond to a SOC code Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes – GOV.UK
uCoS must have been allocated and all relevant fees been paid to UKVI.
uRelevant costs include:
uImmigration Skills Charge (must be borne by the employer)
uCoS allocation fee
uVisa Application fee
uImmigration Health Surcharge
Skilled Worker Eligibility Criteria – Minimum Salary Thresholds
uThere are two minimum Salary Thresholds:
uGeneral salary threshold: £38,700/year or £15.88/hour (as of 2024 rules).
uThe Going Rate for the individual specific role.
Whichever is higher must be met by the salary.
uLower thresholds may apply for:
uHealth and care jobs
uNew entrants (e.g. recent graduates)
uRoles on the Immigration Salary List (This replaced the Immigration Shortage List)
Skilled Worker Eligibility Criteria – English Language Proficiency
uMust demonstrate English skills at B1 CEFR level or higher. (4 component exam to be passed, must be provided by an UKVI approved exam provider)
uCan be proven by:
uEnglish test (e.g. IELTS)
uUK degree or equivalent (UK Ecctis Statements if not UK degree)
uPassport from a majority English-speaking country
Skilled Worker Eligibility Criteria – Financial Requirement & Evidential Requirements
uMust show the ability to support oneself (usually £1,270 in savings), unless:
uThe employer certifies maintenance on the CoS, or
uThe applicant has been in the UK for 12+ months.
uTypical Documents required for Skilled Worker route:
uPassport ID
uProof of English language proficiency
uAssigned CoS
uProof of funds (if migrant not certified by employer or not in UK for 12+ months)
uClear TB certificate (if applicable)
Skilled Worker ILR
uIndefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows a non-UK national to live and work in the UK permanently, without restrictions.
uIt’s also known as permanent settlement or permanent residence.
uA successful ILR application removes time limit and sponsorship conditions from a Skilled Worker leave to enter or remain.
uCan apply after 5 years in the UK on this route.
uVisas issued under the Skilled Worker route can be combined with the following leaves under the 5-year Skilled Worker ILR route: Tier 2 General, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Tier 2 Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, Representative of an Overseas Business, Tier 1 (Graduate Enterpreneour), Scale up routes.
Eligibility for ILR Under the Skilled Worker Route
uComplete 5 continuous years in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa (or combination of eligible routes).
uApplicant still be employed by a licensed sponsor and current role must meet the required skill level and the Minimum Salary Threshold and must fall within the same SOC code as per last CoS.
uMust not have spent more than 180 days abroad in any 12-month period during the qualifying period. (And meet requirements as per Appendix Continuous Residence)
uPass the Life in the UK test.
uMust not fall under the General Grounds for Refusal of Immigration rules.
Typical supporting documents
uPassports’ ID to cover the qualifying period
uProof of immigration status in the UK (BRPs and/or eVisa)
uSponsor’s letter confirming details of ongoing employment.
uProof of current salary (most recent payslip and bank statement showing salary transaction).
uLife in the UK test pass confirmation.
uList of absences from the UK to cover the qualifying period.
Global Business Mobility Route
uThe Global Business Mobility (GBM) route is a set of sponsored UK work visa categories launched in April 2022 to replaced and streamlined older business mobility routes, such as the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route.
uIt allows overseas businesses to temporarily assign workers to the UK for specific business purposes without offering permanent settlement.
GBM Route: Subcategories
General Requirements (All GBM Subcategories
uJob offer from an overseas company linked to the UK entity.
uMust be sponsored by a licensed UK sponsor.
uMust meet skill and salary thresholds (varies by route).
uTemporary route – typically no more than 12–24 months.
uNo direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
uMust be assigned a CoS.
uCosts of application apply as per Skilled Worker route.
uFinancial requirement applies (unless maintenance certified by employer)
uCan bring dependants (partner and children).
Must not fall under General Grounds for Refusal.
Length of Stay (Typical Maximums)
uSenior/Specialist Worker: up to 5 years in 6 years (or 9 years for high earners).
uGraduate Trainee: up to 1 year.
uUK Expansion Worker: up to 2 years.
uService Supplier: up to 6–12 months.
Secondment Worker: up to 2 years
