Cael Fisa i Weithio yn y DU
Sut i wneud cais am fisa gweithiwr medrus.
Trosolwg
Since the end of free movement on 1 January 2021, most non-British and non-Irish nationals need a visa to work in the UK. The most common route is the Skilled Worker visa (which replaced the Tier 2 visa). You need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence and is willing to sponsor you. The points-based immigration system requires you to meet mandatory and tradeable points thresholds.
Pwy all ddefnyddio'r broses hon
- You have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence
- Your job is at the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above — equivalent to A-level)
- You meet the minimum salary threshold (generally £38,700 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher — with some exceptions for shortage occupations and new entrants)
- You can speak English to at least CEFR B1 level
- You have enough personal savings to support yourself (£1,270 unless employer certifies maintenance)
Proses gam wrth gam
Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
You need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — an electronic record, not a physical document. Check the register of licensed sponsors on GOV.UK.
- Not all employers have sponsor licences — check the public register
- The employer pays a sponsorship fee and the Immigration Skills Charge
Check You Meet the Requirements
You must score enough points: 50 mandatory points (job offer from approved sponsor, job at appropriate skill level, English language ability) plus 20 tradeable points (salary level). The general salary threshold is £38,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher, but lower thresholds apply for shortage occupations, new entrants (under 26), and certain PhD-level jobs.
- Use the GOV.UK points calculator to check eligibility
- Shortage occupation roles have lower salary thresholds
Apply Online and Pay Fees
Apply online on GOV.UK. You will need your CoS reference number, passport, proof of English language ability, and proof of personal savings (unless the employer certifies maintenance). Pay the application fee (from £625) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).
- You can apply up to 3 months before your job start date
- The IHS gives you access to NHS treatment
Provide Biometrics
Attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics). If applying from outside the UK, this is done at a visa application centre. If applying from inside the UK, you may be able to use the UKVI app to scan your biometric residence permit or passport.
- Book your biometrics appointment promptly — slots can fill up
- Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions
Receive Decision
Standard processing time is 3 weeks (from outside the UK) or 8 weeks (from inside the UK). If approved, you receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport allowing entry, and then a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival. The visa is usually granted for up to 5 years and can be extended.
- You can work for your sponsor as soon as your visa starts
- After 5 years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement)
Costau
Rhybuddion pwysig
Working in the UK without a valid visa is a criminal offence. Employers who knowingly employ illegal workers face unlimited fines.
Your visa is tied to your sponsor — if you change employer, you must apply for a new visa with the new employer's sponsorship.
The salary thresholds and immigration rules change frequently. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.