How to Get a UK Work Visa in 2025

The United Kingdom remains a top destination for skilled professionals, offering world-class career opportunities and a high standard of living. The UK’s points-based immigration system, introduced post-Brexit, provides a clear, structured pathway for eligible workers. Securing a UK Work Visa in 2025 requires meeting specific criteria and navigating a primarily online application process.

This guide provides a complete breakdown of the most common visa route—the Skilled Worker Visa—including eligibility, required documents, and a definitive step-by-step guide to the online application.

Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for individuals who have a job offer from an approved UK employer. The system is points-based, and you must score a total of 70 points to be eligible.

Key Eligibility Criteria: The 70-Point Requirement

You must meet all of the following mandatory criteria and then gain additional points from either salary or a combination of other factors.

Criteria	Points	Description
Mandatory Criteria
Job Offer from an Approved Sponsor	20	You must have a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office (with a Sponsor License).
Job at Appropriate Skill Level	20	The job must be at RQF level 3 or above (A-level equivalent). Your sponsor will confirm this.
English Language Proficiency	10	You must speak English at a B1 level (intermediate), proven by an approved test or a qualifying degree.
Tradeable Points Criteria
Salary of £38,700 or more	20	OR You can mix points from the options below if your salary is between £30,960 and £38,699.
Salary between £30,960 – £38,699 (or at least £23,200 if under 26/ in training)	0	PLUS You need 20 points from the options below.
Job in a Shortage Occupation	20	The job is on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List.
PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job	20	You hold a relevant PhD.
PhD in a non-STEM subject relevant to the job	10	You hold a relevant PhD.
New Entrant to the Labour Market	20	For those under 26, recent graduates, or in professional training.

For 2025, the general salary threshold has been raised to £38,700 per year for most applicants. Some exceptions and transitional arrangements may apply.

Required Documents

You will need to provide the following in digital format for your online application:

A valid passport or other travel document.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer.
Proof of your knowledge of the English language.
The name of your job and your annual salary.
Your job’s occupation code.
Your sponsor’s license number (found on your CoS).
Proof of sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK (usually £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days).
Proof of relationship with any dependents (partner/children) applying with you.
A criminal record certificate (if you work in specific sectors like education or healthcare).

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

The entire process is managed online through the UK Government’s official website. The following table outlines the definitive steps.

Process	Details
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)	Your UK employer must be a licensed sponsor. Once they offer you the job, they will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a unique reference number with your job details.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents	Gather all the required documents listed above. Ensure they are scanned and ready for upload.
Step 3: Start the Online Application	Go to the official UK Government Skilled Worker Visa application page. Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and fill out the online application form. You will need your CoS number.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees	Pay the required fees online: • Application fee: Varies from £827 to £1,500+ depending on your circumstances and visa length. • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is typically £1,035 per year. This grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Step 5: Book Biometrics Appointment	After submitting the online form and paying, you will be directed to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country of residence to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Step 6: Attend Biometrics Appointment	Attend your appointment and submit your passport and any required physical documents. You may also be required to attend a brief interview.
Step 7: Await Decision & Receive Visa	Standard processing times are typically 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. You will receive a decision via email, and your passport will be returned with a vignette (sticker) that allows you to travel to the UK.
Step 8: Collect Your BRP in the UK	Once you arrive in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated Post Office within 10 days. This is your official visa and proof of your right to work and live in the UK.

Other UK Work Visa Routes for 2025

While the Skilled Worker visa is the most common, other routes include:

Health and Care Worker Visa: For qualified doctors, nurses, and adult social care professionals. It offers a lower application fee and fast-track processing.
Global Business Mobility Visa: For employees of international companies who are being transferred to a UK branch.
Scale-up Visa: For individuals with a job offer from a qualifying UK scale-up company in a skilled role.

Important Final Advice

Your Employer is Your Sponsor: Your visa is tied to your sponsoring employer. Changing employers requires a new visa application.
Use Official Government Website: Only use GOV.UK for your application and information. Beware of fraudulent third-party sites.
Check Your CoS Details: Ensure all information on your Certificate of Sponsorship is 100% accurate before submitting your application.
Apply from Outside the UK: You must generally apply for your first Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK.
Dependents: You can bring your partner and children as dependents if you meet the financial requirement.

Conclusion

Securing a UK Work Visa in 2025 is a transparent, points-based process that rewards those with the right skills and a job offer from an approved sponsor. By meticulously preparing your documents, understanding the points system, and carefully following the online application steps, you can successfully navigate the process. This visa is your key to unlocking a new chapter of professional growth and life in the United Kingdom. Start by targeting your job search with licensed sponsors, and you’ll be well on your way.

How to Get UK Work Visa in 2025 – Complete Guide & Online Application Process