If you change your job and your new position is with a different employer or skilled worker sponsor, you will need to apply to update your Skilled Worker visa. According to the Home Office UKVI Guidance on Skilled Worker visas, an update to your visa is required under the following circumstances:

• You switch employers and take on a new role with a different sponsor.
• Your job role changes to a different occupation code, and you are not participating in a graduate training programme.
• You leave a position listed on the shortage occupation list to take on a job that is not included on the list.

Free Immigration Advice for Updating Your Skilled Worker Visa

Our experienced team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers complimentary online immigration advice tailored to updating your Skilled Worker visa. Whether you need a quick answer to your query or detailed guidance, you can either ask our specialists online for free advice or book a consultation with one of our expert immigration solicitors to discuss the specifics of your Skilled Worker visa update.

Do I Need a New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to Update My Skilled Worker Visa?

To update your Skilled Worker visa, your employer or sponsor is required to issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If your potential employer does not possess a sponsor licence, Aden & Co Solicitors, experts in sponsor licence applications, can offer expedited services to assist your employer in obtaining a skilled worker sponsor licence. This service ensures that a decision is made within 10 working days, enabling your visa update to proceed smoothly.

What Are the Requirements for Updating a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

The application process for updating a Skilled Worker visa is governed by the criteria outlined in the Appendix Skilled Workers, Appendix Skilled Occupations, and the Appendix Immigration Salary List. As a Points-Based System (PBS) visa, applicants must accumulate points from various categories including the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), job skill level, English proficiency, salary, PhD qualifications, a job listed on the Immigration Salary List, and applying as a new entrant.

A total of 70 points are necessary for eligibility to update a Skilled Worker visa: 50 points are non-tradeable and mandatory, while the remaining 20 points are tradeable.

Eligibility Criteria for Updating a Skilled Worker Visa / Tier 2 General Visa:

• You must already be in the UK with leave to remain as either a Tier 2 General migrant or a Skilled Worker.
• You must meet one of the following conditions:
  • You are changing employers, or
  • You are changing to a different occupation code and are not part of a graduate training programme, or
  • You are leaving a shortage occupation job for a role that is not on the shortage occupation list.

• You must score 50 points from mandatory non-tradeable criteria.
• You must also earn at least 20 points from tradeable criteria.
• If you have not lived lawfully in the UK for the past 12 months, you must meet the financial requirement by demonstrating a minimum balance of £1,270 in your account over the last 28 days, or your Skilled Worker sponsor must confirm your maintenance in the CoS.
• You must satisfy the suitability criteria and not fall under the general grounds for refusal.

You must not be:

• In violation of immigration laws (except for cases where paragraph 39E applies, disregarding the period of overstaying).
• On immigration bail.

Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa UK: A Detailed Guide

In order to successfully apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must secure a total of 70 points. This includes 50 points from mandatory non-tradeable criteria and a minimum of 20 points from tradeable factors.

Mandatory Non-Tradeable Points for the Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa application process requires applicants to earn 50 points from non-tradeable criteria. These points are essential to meet the visa requirements and are detailed as follows:

Tradeable Points for Skilled Worker Visa UK: A Comprehensive Guide

The process for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK involves providing detailed information to meet the necessary criteria for tradeable points. Applicants must gather a total of 20 tradeable points, which can be acquired through several pathways, though applicants are restricted to earning points from only one of the available options. Each option has its own distinct requirements, and applicants must select the pathway that best aligns with their circumstances.

To successfully qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must secure the required 20 tradeable points from one of the approved options listed below.

Eligibility for Tradeable Points:

• Options A to E: Applicants can claim points from these options, provided they meet the set criteria. These options form the core pathways to gaining tradeable points.
• Options F to J: Points from these options are available under specific conditions:
  • Applicants must be sponsored for a job in the Health and Care sector with an ASHE salary.
  • If the application is submitted before 4 April 2030, and the applicant has been granted permission under the Skilled Worker rules in place before 4 April 2024, continuous permission as a Skilled Worker must have been maintained.
• Option K: Applicants can only claim points from this option if they are sponsored for a role that is listed under an eligible SOC 2020 occupation code as specified in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

It is important to note that for applicants whose Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was assigned after 4 April 2024, the salary threshold is typically set at a minimum of £38,700 per year or the “going rate” for the job, whichever is higher. Each occupation code has a designated going rate, which must be adhered to.

Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa UK: Options A to E

When applying for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, an applicant can meet the salary requirements through various tradeable point options. The following outlines the specific criteria for each option:

Option A: Standard Salary Threshold

Under Option A, applicants can earn 20 tradeable points by meeting the criteria outlined in paragraph SW8.1 of Appendix Skilled Worker in the Immigration Rules. To qualify, the applicant’s salary must meet or exceed:

• £38,700 per year
• The going rate for the relevant occupation, as defined by the SOC 2020 occupation code, listed in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option B: PhD in a Relevant Subject

Applicants who hold a PhD in a subject relevant to their job can earn 20 tradeable points under Option B, as per paragraphs SW9.1 to SW9.4 of Appendix Skilled Worker. To be eligible, the applicant’s salary must meet the following conditions:

• £34,830 per year
• 90% of the going rate for the corresponding SOC 2020 occupation code, outlined in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option C:PhD in a STEM Subject

Those who possess a PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subject relevant to the job can qualify for 20 tradeable points under Option C, according to the requirements in paragraphs SW10.1 to SW10.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker. The salary must meet or exceed:

• £30,960 per year
• 80% of the going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, as specified in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option D: Job on the Immigration Salary List

Applicants who are sponsored for a role listed on the Immigration Salary List can score 20 tradeable points under Option D, as stipulated in paragraphs SW11.1 to SW11.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker. The salary conditions for this option include:

• £30,960 per year
• The going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, as stated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option E: New Entrant Option E

provides 20 tradeable points for applicants who are new entrants in their career, as outlined in paragraphs SW12.1 to SW12.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker. The salary requirements for this option are:

• £30,960 per year
• 70% of the going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, as listed in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants: Options F to J

To qualify for 20 points from options F to J under the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined by the Immigration Rules. These options apply to those who are either sponsored for a Health and Care ASHE salary job or fulfill other specific requirements based on their application date and prior immigration history.

Eligibility for 20 Points from Options F to J

An applicant can be awarded 20 points under Options F to J if:

1. They are sponsored for a Health and Care ASHE salary position; or
2. They applied before 4 April 2030, were granted Skilled Worker status under the rules prior to 4 April 2024, and have maintained continuous Skilled Worker status since then (with allowances for certain overstays under paragraph 39E).

The following explains how points can be earned from each of these options:

Option F: Meeting Salary Requirement

To earn 20 tradeable points under Option F as per SW8.1 of Appendix Skilled Worker, the applicant must meet the following salary criteria:

• A minimum annual salary of £29,000, and
• A salary that is at or above the going rate for the applicant’s occupation, as defined by the SOC 2020 occupation code in Table 2 or Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option G: PhD in a Relevant Subject

Applicants can earn 20 tradeable points under Option G if they hold a PhD in a subject that is directly relevant to the job. The salary must meet these requirements:

• At least £26,100 per year, and
• 90% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code, as outlined in Table 2 or Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option H: PhD in a STEM Subject

For applicants with a PhD in a STEM field directly related to the job, 20 points can be awarded under Option H. The applicant’s salary must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum of £23,200 per year, and
• 80% of the going rate for the occupation code listed in Table 2 or Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option I: Job on the Immigration Salary List

Applicants sponsored for a position listed on the Immigration Salary List can secure 20 tradeable points under Option I. Their salary must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of £23,200 per year, and
• The going rate for the specific occupation code in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option J: New Entrant

Applicants who are new entrants to their field at the start of their career can earn 20 tradeable points under Option J. The salary requirements for new entrants are:

• At least £23,200 per year, and
• 70% of the going rate for the applicant’s SOC 2020 occupation code, as outlined in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Option K (Job in a Listed Health or Education Occupation) 

Some health and education occupation codes are listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations. The going rates for these occupations are taken from national pay scales and no discounts to the going rates are available. If an applicant is being sponsored in an occupation code in Table 3, they can only score tradeable points based on option K.

The applicant applying for a skilled worker visa UK can score 20 tradeable points under Option K in accordance with requirements of SW13.1 to 13.3 of Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules if the applicant is being sponsored for a job in a listed health or education occupation and their salary equals or exceeds both:

• £23,200 per year; and
• the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code as set out in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules.

Can I Use Priority/Super Priority Service To Update a Skilled Worker Visa?

As specialist skilled worker visa solicitors based in London, we are registered with the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) and its commercial partners UKVCAS Sopra Steria to provide Priority/Super Priority Service for updating a skilled worker visa whereby a decision on your skilled worker visa application will be made within 24 hours if you submit your application through Super Priority Service or within 5 working days if you submit your application through Priority Service.

Our skilled worker visa solicitors can prepare and submit your application to update your skilled worker visa faster and get you a decision faster through Priority or Super Priority Service. This way, you will not have to wait for the decision on your Skilled Worker visa application for months (sometimes years).

How Can We Assist in Updating Your Skilled Worker Visa?

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our team of expert immigration lawyers is dedicated to providing professional legal support for updating your Skilled Worker Visa. We offer fixed-fee services, ensuring full representation throughout the entire application process until the UK Home Office (UKVI) reaches a decision on your visa update.

Our skilled immigration solicitors will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring all requirements are met and your application is meticulously prepared. Here’s how our services can assist you in updating your Skilled Worker Visa:

Expert Advice on Requirements: Our solicitors will provide clear guidance on the specific criteria you must meet to successfully update your Skilled Worker Visa, ensuring your application aligns with all necessary immigration rules.

Comprehensive Document Preparation: We will assist you by preparing a detailed list of the essential documents you need to submit with your application. This ensures that your submission is complete and meets all required standards.

Document Evaluation: Our experienced team will thoroughly review your documents to ensure they comply with the UK’s immigration rules, safeguarding the integrity of your application.

Accurate Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will handle the completion of the necessary application form for your Skilled Worker Visa update, ensuring every section is accurately filled out.

Expedited Application via Priority or Super Priority Service: If you wish to speed up the decision-making process, we can submit your application through the Priority or Super Priority Service, providing a quicker outcome.

Appointment Coordination for Biometrics: Following the online submission of your application, we will schedule an appointment for you to attend the application centre for biometric enrolment, ensuring the process moves forward smoothly.

Customised Cover Letter: A detailed cover letter will be drafted by our solicitors to accompany your application. This letter will outline the legal requirements and explain how your application satisfies each one, ensuring the Home Office has a clear understanding of your case.

Document Uploads: Prior to your biometrics appointment, our team will upload all supporting documents to the online portal to ensure they are reviewed along with your application.

Follow-Up and Case Management: Our solicitors will manage all follow-up activities and ensure that your application progresses efficiently, maintaining regular contact with the Home Office until a decision is made on your Skilled Worker Visa update.

How Much Does It Cost to Update a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

The cost of updating a Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK involves several fees, including those for our professional services and the Home Office UKVI fees. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with this process:

Aden & Co Solicitors Fixed Fees
At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer fixed fees for updating your Skilled Worker Visa application, ranging from £800 + VAT to £1,200 + VAT. Our comprehensive service covers every aspect of the application process, including:

• Guidance on required documents
• Document verification and checks
• Completing the visa application form
• Online submission of your application
• Scheduling and preparing for biometrics enrollment
• Drafting a supporting cover letter
• Uploading all necessary supporting documents
• Ongoing follow-up with the UK Home Office (UKVI) until a decision is made.

The exact fee will depend on the complexity of your case and the volume of work involved. To initiate the process, you will make an initial payment of 50% of the agreed fee, with the remaining balance due upon submission of your application.

Alternative Services
“If you are unable to commit to the full-service cost, we also offer a range of affordable one-time services Immigration Advice and Consultation: £100 (including VAT)Immigration Document Checking: £300 (including VAT).”

Home Office UKVI Fees
The UK Home Office charges different fees based on the length of your stay in the UK. These fees are as follows:

• For stays up to 3 years: £827 per person, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.
• For stays longer than 3 years: £1,636 per person, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.

Reduced Fees for Shortage Occupation List Jobs
If your occupation is listed on the UK’s shortage occupation list, you and your family may be eligible for discounted application fees:

• For stays up to 3 years: £551 per person, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.
• For stays exceeding 3 years: £1,084 per person, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.

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FAQs – Updating Skilled Worker Visa UK

Below are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the process of updating a Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK: