UK Skilled Worker Visa: Job Search Guide

The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and is the primary route for skilled workers from outside the UK to work in Britain. Understanding how the Skilled Worker system works is essential for international job seekers — both in identifying which employers can sponsor you and in presenting your application in the most compelling way.

Skilled Worker visa — the basics

• Eligible roles: The role must be on the eligible occupations list (published by the Home Office). Most professional, technical, and managerial roles above RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) are eligible.
• Salary threshold: From April 2024, the general salary threshold is £38,700 per year (or the going rate for the specific occupation, whichever is higher). Some shortage occupations and specific circumstances have different thresholds — check the current Home Office guidance for your specific role.
• Sponsor: Your employer must hold a current Home Office Skilled Worker sponsor licence. You can check whether an employer is a licensed sponsor on the government's list of licensed sponsors (gov.uk).
• Points-based: The Skilled Worker route uses a points-based system. You need 70 points: job offer (20), eligible role (20), salary (20), and English language (10) are the mandatory components.

How to find UK Skilled Worker visa-sponsoring employers

• Check the sponsor register: gov.uk publishes a publicly searchable list of all UK Skilled Worker sponsor licence holders. Before applying to any employer, verify they are on the list — if they are not, they cannot sponsor you regardless of what they may say.
• Filter job boards: On Indeed UK, use the "visa sponsorship" filter. Reed, LinkedIn, and others also allow sponsorship filtering. These filters are not perfect — always verify directly with the employer.
• Target large employers: FTSE 100 companies, NHS Trusts, universities, and major professional services firms almost universally hold sponsor licences. Small businesses are less likely to have one.
• State your need clearly: In your cover letter, state directly: "I would require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to take up this position." This saves everyone's time and signals that you understand the process.

Presenting your CV as an international candidate

• Include your work authorisation status clearly: "Requires Skilled Worker visa sponsorship" or "Currently on Graduate visa (valid until [date])" or "Settled status holder — no sponsorship required"
• Contextualise overseas qualifications — note UK equivalences if known (e.g. "MBBS — assessed as equivalent to UK MB ChB")
• Use British English spelling throughout
• If you have any UK work experience, internships, or UK-based qualifications, lead with these — they reduce perceived risk for sponsors

Sources: Home Office Skilled Worker visa guidance (gov.uk, 2026); Register of licensed Skilled Worker sponsors (gov.uk, 2026); Migration Advisory Committee Shortage Occupation List review (2024–2026); UKVI salary threshold guidance (2026)