To get a UK work visa, most skilled international applicants need a confirmed job offer from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English at B2 CEFR level, and a qualifying salary of at least £41,700/year or the occupation’s going rate—whichever is higher. Applications are submitted online and typically decided within three weeks from outside the UK.

Getting a UK work visa involves several distinct steps: confirming your eligibility, securing a sponsored job offer, gathering the required documents, and completing an online application. The process can take several weeks to several months depending on how long it takes to find an employer and how prepared your documentation is before you apply.

This guide covers the main UK work visa route for skilled workers—what it requires, how the application works, what it costs, and how long it takes. If you are applying from Pakistan or another country outside the UK, the process is the same visa route; there is no separate Pakistani work visa category.

FMA Consultants has supported international applicants through UK visa processes since 2019. This article is intended to give you an accurate, practical overview so you can assess your situation clearly before taking the next step.

At a Glance

Factor	Detail
Main route	Skilled Worker visa (replaced Tier 2 General)
Minimum salary	£41,700/year or occupation going rate (higher applies); floor of £33,400 in some cases
English requirement	B2 CEFR for new applicants
Sponsorship required	Yes — from a Home Office-licensed employer
Application fee	£819–£1,865 (standard Skilled Worker, varies by length)
Health Surcharge	£1,035/year
Maintenance funds	£1,270 (unless exempt)
Decision time	Usually 3 weeks from outside UK (after documents and identity verified)
Can lead to settlement?	Yes — after meeting ILR qualifying requirements

What Is a UK Work Visa?

A UK work visa is permission granted by the UK Home Office for a non-UK national to live and work in the United Kingdom for a specific employer, in a specific role, for a defined period.

The visa that applies depends on several factors: the type of work, the employer’s eligibility, the occupation code, the salary offered, whether the employer holds a sponsor licence, the applicant’s English language ability, and personal circumstances. The most widely used route for skilled employment is the Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the former Tier 2 (General) visa. The Tier 2 route is closed; applicants should not use that terminology when researching current requirements.

What Is the Main UK Work Visa for Skilled Workers?

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for people who have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.

To qualify, according to GOV.UK, an applicant must:

• Have a job offer in an eligible occupation listed under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system
• Work for a Home Office-licensed sponsor
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by that employer
• Meet the salary threshold: £41,700/year or the going rate for the occupation—whichever is higher. A reduced salary floor of £33,400 may apply in specific circumstances (for example, for certain shortage occupations or applicants with a PhD relevant to the role)
• Demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 CEFR level (exemptions apply for certain nationalities and professionals)
• Meet the financial requirement (unless the sponsor is exempt from this requirement)

UK Work Visa Requirements: What You Need to Qualify

Understanding each requirement before you begin the job search saves significant time later. Here is what GOV.UK sets out for the Skilled Worker route.

1. An Eligible Job

Your role must appear on the list of eligible occupations maintained by the Home Office. Each occupation has a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code and an associated going rate. You can check whether your occupation qualifies on GOV.UK.

2. An Approved Employer

Your employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence. Not all UK employers have one. When you receive a job offer, confirm that the employer appears on the GOV.UK register of licensed sponsors before proceeding.

3. Certificate of Sponsorship

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record—not a physical document—assigned to you by your employer. It contains a unique reference number, your job title, salary, start date, and occupation code. You will need this reference number to complete your online visa application.

4. Salary

Your salary must meet the standard threshold of £41,700/year or the going rate for your occupation code—whichever is higher. Reduced provisions may apply in limited circumstances, but the minimum floor is £33,400 in eligible cases. Salary thresholds are subject to change; confirm current figures on GOV.UK before applying.

5. English Language

New applicants must demonstrate English at B2 CEFR level. Acceptable evidence includes approved English tests (such as IELTS UKVI), a degree taught in English, or a passport from an exempt country. Certain exemptions apply for specific nationalities and occupations. According to GOV.UK, the B1 standard applied to some extensions prior to 8 January 2026—but new applicants are subject to the B2 requirement.

6. Financial Requirement

Unless your sponsor is an approved employer for maintenance purposes, you must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account (held for 28 consecutive days). GOV.UK specifies the exact conditions and exemptions.

How to Get a UK Work Visa From Pakistan

Applicants from Pakistan follow the same Skilled Worker visa process as applicants from any other country. There is no separate Pakistan-specific work visa route. The steps below apply to international applicants generally, though they reflect the practical sequence most commonly followed by applicants outside the UK.

1. Check your eligibility — confirm your occupation is on the eligible list and that you meet the salary and English requirements
2. Update your CV for UK employers and research the job market in your field
3. Search for sponsored roles — use the GOV.UK register of licensed sponsors alongside job boards to find employers who can legally hire international applicants
4. Apply for roles and attend interviews — be transparent about your right-to-work requirements
5. Receive a formal job offer from a licensed sponsor
6. Confirm sponsorship — the employer provides you with a CoS reference number
7. Gather English language evidence — IELTS UKVI results or other accepted proof
8. Collect all required documents (see section below)
9. Submit your online application via GOV.UK and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
10. Complete identity verification — using the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) ID Check app or attending a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics
11. Wait for the Home Office decision — usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK once your identity and documents are submitted
12. Comply with visa conditions on arrival — including working only for your named sponsor in the role stated on your CoS

FMA Consultants can support you through eligibility assessment, document preparation, and application navigation. Explore our UK work visa services or speak with a consultant about your specific situation.

Documents Required for a UK Work Visa

According to GOV.UK, a standard Skilled Worker application will typically require:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (from your employer)
• Proof of English language ability (test results, degree certificate, or exempt nationality)
• Job title and annual salary (as stated in your CoS)
• Occupation code (confirmed by your employer)
• Employer name and sponsor licence number
• Financial evidence (bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 days, unless exempt)
• TB test results from an approved clinic (required for applicants from certain countries, including Pakistan)
• Relationship documents for any dependants (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
• Criminal record certificate (required for certain roles, such as those involving children)

Always confirm the complete and current list of required documents on GOV.UK before submitting your application.

How to Apply for a UK Work Visa: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Use the GOV.UK eligibility tool to confirm your occupation code, salary, and English requirements qualify before spending time on the application.

Step 2: Get a Sponsored Job

Secure a formal job offer from a Home Office-licensed employer. Without a CoS, you cannot proceed with a Skilled Worker visa application.

Step 3: Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer issues the CoS electronically and provides you with the reference number. Review it carefully to confirm the job title, salary, and start date are accurate.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents as listed on GOV.UK. Allow extra time for TB test appointments, English test results, and certified translations where needed.

Step 5: Apply Online

Complete the online application at GOV.UK and pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge at the time of submission.

Step 6: Prove Your Identity

Depending on your location, you will either verify your identity using the UKVI ID Check app or attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics in person.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

According to GOV.UK, visa decisions for applicants outside the UK are usually made within 3 weeks of completing identity verification and document submission. This is a typical timeframe, not a guaranteed one.

How Much Does a UK Work Visa Cost?

The following fees are sourced from GOV.UK and are subject to change. Always verify current figures before applying.

• Application fee: £819–£1,865 (standard Skilled Worker visa; varies by visa length and applicant type)
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (paid upfront for the full visa duration)
• Maintenance funds: £1,270 (must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor is exempt)

Dependants applying at the same time will incur additional application fees and health surcharge costs. Use the GOV.UK fee calculator to estimate your total costs accurately.

How Long Does a UK Work Visa Take?

The total time from starting your job search to receiving a visa decision can vary significantly. Employer sponsorship confirmation, document gathering, and test appointments all add to the overall timeline.

Once your online application is submitted and your identity and documents are verified, GOV.UK states that most applications from outside the UK are decided within 3 weeks. This is not a fixed or guaranteed processing time—complex cases or incomplete applications may take longer.

Planning ahead reduces delays. FMA Consultants can help you identify documentation gaps early in the process.

Can Your Family Join You on a UK Work Visa?

Eligible partners and children may apply as dependants on a Skilled Worker visa. According to GOV.UK, dependants can generally work, study, and access public services in the UK. Eligibility depends on your specific visa route and individual circumstances.

Each dependant must submit a separate application and pay the associated fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. Required documents typically include proof of the relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate) and your visa approval.

Can a UK Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?

The Skilled Worker route can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—the UK’s form of permanent residence—after the applicant meets the qualifying residence period and other conditions set by the Home Office.

Settlement under the Skilled Worker route is not automatic. You must apply separately, meet continuous residence requirements, and satisfy the financial and language criteria in place at the time of your ILR application. According to GOV.UK, the standard qualifying period is five years of continuous residence in an eligible immigration category.

Take the Right First Step

The UK work visa process has clear requirements, but navigating employer sponsorship, salary thresholds, documentation, and application timelines involves practical complexity. Errors at any stage can cause delays or refusals.

FMA Consultants has supported international applicants—including those applying from Pakistan—through eligibility assessments, document preparation, and application navigation since 2019. We do not place applicants in jobs, and we do not guarantee visa outcomes. What we can do is help you understand where you stand and what your application needs before you submit it.

Contact FMA Consultants for a professional eligibility assessment and find out whether your situation is ready to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a UK work visa?
To get a UK work visa under the Skilled Worker route, you need a job offer from a Home Office-licensed employer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English at B2 CEFR level, and a qualifying salary of at least £41,700/year or the occupation going rate—whichever is higher. Applications are submitted online via GOV.UK. Source: GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa.

Can I get a UK work visa without a job offer?
No. The Skilled Worker visa—the main UK work visa route—requires a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer. You cannot apply for this visa without first securing a sponsored job offer. Some other visa routes do not require a job offer, but these are separate categories with their own eligibility criteria.

How can I get a UK work visa from Pakistan?
Applicants from Pakistan follow the same Skilled Worker visa process as all other international applicants. There is no separate Pakistani route. You will also need to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test at an approved clinic, as Pakistan is on the list of countries where this is required. Source: GOV.UK — TB testing for a UK visa.

What salary is required for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
The standard minimum is £41,700/year or the going rate for your occupation code—whichever is higher. A reduced floor of £33,400 may apply in specific qualifying circumstances. Salary thresholds are subject to change; verify the current figures on GOV.UK before applying. Source: GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa salary requirements.

Do I need IELTS for a UK work visa?
You need to demonstrate English at B2 CEFR level, but IELTS UKVI is not the only accepted method. A degree taught in English or a passport from an exempt country may also satisfy the requirement. Check the full list of accepted evidence on GOV.UK. Source: GOV.UK — English language requirements.

How long does a UK work visa take?
According to GOV.UK, applications submitted from outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks of completing identity verification and document submission. This is a typical timeframe, not a guarantee. Complex cases or incomplete documentation can extend this period.

How much does a UK work visa cost?
The Skilled Worker visa application fee ranges from £819 to £1,865 depending on the length of the visa. The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year and is paid upfront. You may also need to demonstrate maintenance funds of £1,270. All fees are set by the Home Office and may change—verify current amounts on GOV.UK before applying. Source: GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa fees.

Can my family join me on a UK work visa?
Eligible partners and children may apply as dependants on a Skilled Worker visa. Each dependant submits a separate application and pays their own fees and health surcharge. Eligibility and specific documentation requirements depend on individual circumstances.