UK Skilled Worker Roadmap

The road, phase by phase

1. 1
   1
   1

   Phase 1: Mapping Eligible Sponsored Occupations

   2–4 weeks

   You match your experience to eligible UK occupation codes, check the current salary thresholds and going rates, and filter the Home Office register of licensed sponsors for employers in your field. You finish with a UK-format CV and a target list of real sponsoring employers whose roles you qualify for.

   You're done when you can show

   A spreadsheet of 30+ licensed sponsors with matching occupation codes and salary levels.

   Resources

   • DocScotland's Migration Service: Skilled Worker visa migrationservice.scotland.org
   • DocUKCISA: Skilled Worker route ukcisa.org.uk
2. 2
   2
   2

   Phase 2: Applying to Licensed Sponsors

   2–6 months

   You send tailored applications, network with recruiters who place international hires, and work through interview rounds, raising sponsorship early in each process. This phase ends when an employer commits in writing to hire and sponsor you.

   You're done when you can show

   A signed job offer letter stating the employer will sponsor your Skilled Worker visa.

   Resources

   • DocNHS Employers: Skilled Worker route nhsemployers.org
3. 3
   3
   3

   Phase 3: Assembling and Submitting Visa Application

   1–3 months

   While your employer assigns your Certificate of Sponsorship, you pass an approved English test at the required level, get a TB test if your country requires one, and gather passport, funds and qualification evidence. You then submit the online application, pay the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and complete identity verification.

   You're done when you can show

   The UKVI decision email granting your Skilled Worker visa.

   Resources

   • DocUniversity of Cambridge: Skilled Worker English language requirement hr.admin.cam.ac.uk
4. 4
   4
   4

   Phase 4: Relocating and Starting Work

   1–2 months

   You move to the UK, link your eVisa to your UKVI account, get your National Insurance number, open a bank account, find housing and pass your employer's right-to-work check. You end this phase working in your sponsored role and being paid through UK payroll.

   You're done when you can show

   Your first UK payslip from the sponsoring employer.

   Resources

   • DocCitizens Advice: Getting an eVisa citizensadvice.org.uk
   • DocCitizens Advice: Proving your right to work citizensadvice.org.uk
   • DocUKCISA: eVisas ukcisa.org.uk
   • DocScotland's Migration Service: Employers' right to work checks migrationservice.scotland.org
5. 5
   5
   5

   Phase 5: Maintaining Status Toward Settlement

   5+ years

   You keep working in a qualifying sponsored role at or above the required salary, report changes through your employer, stay within absence limits, and extend or switch sponsors correctly if needed. Once you meet the qualifying residence period and pass the Life in the UK test, you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

   You're done when you can show

   Your Indefinite Leave to Remain grant letter or eVisa status showing settlement.

   Resources

   • DocCitizens Advice: Applying for British citizenship citizensadvice.org.uk