UK visa terms explained
Every term this handbook uses, in plain words, with the rule it comes from.
A-rated sponsor
A licensed sponsor listed with an A rating on the register of licensed sponsors. A Skilled Worker's sponsor must be A-rated, unless the worker is continuing with the same sponsor as in their last permission.
Example: The register shows each sponsor's rating beside its name and the routes it is licensed for.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 5.3 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
SW 5.3. The sponsor must be listed as A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors, unless the applicant was last granted permission as a Skilled Worker and is applying to continue working for the same sponsor as in their last permission.
Used in: Lost your job, Figures in force.
Appendix (of the Immigration Rules)
A part of the Immigration Rules that sets out one route or topic, such as Appendix Skilled Worker or Appendix Student. Its paragraphs carry a short prefix, as in SW 4.4.
Example: Appendix Skilled Occupations lists a yearly going rate for each occupation code.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4 option A (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
Going rates in Table 1 are per year and based on a 37.5-hour working week. They must be pro-rated for other working patterns, based on the weekly working hours stated by the applicant’s sponsor.
Used in: Rules, Figures in force.
BN(O)
Short for British national (overseas). The BN(O) visa is the route for status holders, some of their adult children and their family members. It allows work and study, and can lead to settlement.
Example: A BN(O) visa is granted for 2 years and 6 months, or 5 years.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, British National (Overseas) visa: Overview (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
After you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently.
Used in: BN(O) or Graduate visa, Routes.
British national (overseas)
A form of British nationality with its own visa route, the BN(O) visa. An adult child of a status holder can, in some cases, apply for that visa separately from the parent.
Example: British nationals (overseas) are also listed among those who can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, British National (Overseas) visa: Overview (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
If you’re the child of a British national (overseas) aged 18 or older and born on or after 1 July 1979, you can apply separately from your parent.
Used in: BN(O) or Graduate visa, Youth Mobility Scheme.
Caseworker guidance
Guidance written for the Home Office staff who decide applications. It is not part of the Immigration Rules, so it describes what normally happens rather than setting a fixed rule.
Example: The 60 days normally allowed to find a new sponsor comes from caseworker guidance, not the rules.
Authority Caseworker guidance, Suitability section 5 (guidance, not the Immigration Rules) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
Where the reason for cancellation is not the fault of the applicant but is, for example, due to the actions of their sponsor, you should normally allow them 60 days to find a new sponsor.
Used in: Lost your job.
Certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
The reference a licensed sponsor gives a worker for one job, used to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. It lists the date the job is due to start.
Example: You must apply within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, Skilled Worker visa: Your job (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.
Used in: Lost your job, Skilled Worker costs, Switching before your course ends.
Commencement
The date a change in a Statement of Changes takes effect. One Statement can have several commencement dates for different parts, and the rules pages on GOV.UK are updated on that date.
Example: HC 997 was laid on 1 July 2025; its salary changes took effect on 22 July 2025.
Used in: Changes, Statements.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The reference a university or college assigns to a student for one course, used to apply for a Student visa. The course dates it records matter for working after study.
Example: One way to switch to Skilled Worker is to complete the course your CAS was assigned for.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 1.5A (Conditions A, B and C) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:
Used in: Switching before your course ends, After your course ends.
Dependant
A partner or child given permission to be in the UK because of another person's visa. That person is called the main applicant.
Example: Under HC 259, a child born in the UK during a parent's Graduate permission can apply as a dependant.
Used in: Graduate visa, HC 259.
eVisa
An online record of a person's immigration permission, including its conditions and the date it ends.
Example: Your eVisa shows the exact date your Student permission ends.
Used in: After your course ends.
Explanatory memorandum
A note published with each Statement of Changes that explains, in plainer words, what the changes do and when they take effect.
Example: The explanatory memorandum to HC 1333 gives 1 January 2027 as the start of the shorter Graduate visa.
Authority Appendix Graduate, GR 8.1, as amended by HC 1333 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
Used in: Statements.
General threshold
The salary most Skilled Workers must usually be paid: £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the job if that is higher. It has applied since 22 July 2025.
Example: Before 22 July 2025, the general threshold was £38,700.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4 option A, as amended by HC 997 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.
Used in: Rules, Figures in force, Lost your job.
Going rate
The yearly pay listed for each occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations. A Skilled Worker's salary must meet both the going rate for the job and the threshold that applies.
Example: Going rates are pro-rated when a job's weekly hours differ from the standard working week.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4 option A (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
Going rates in Table 1 are per year and based on a 37.5-hour working week. They must be pro-rated for other working patterns, based on the weekly working hours stated by the applicant’s sponsor.
Used in: Rules, Lost your job, Figures in force.
Graduate visa (PSW)
Often called PSW, after an earlier post-study work visa. A route for students who have completed an eligible UK course, applied for from inside the UK before the Student visa expires.
Example: It lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months from 1 January 2027.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, Graduate visa: Overview (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
Used in: Graduate visa, After your course ends, Graduate visa costs.
High Potential Individual (HPI)
A visa for people awarded a degree in the last 5 years by an eligible university outside the UK. UK universities are not eligible, and no job offer is needed.
Example: An HPI visa lasts 2 years, and the route is capped at 8,000 applications a year.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, High Potential Individual (HPI) visa: Eligibility (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
UK universities are not eligible. If you’re already in the UK on a student visa you may be able to apply for a Graduate visa.
Used in: High Potential Individual, HPI university list.
Immigration Health Surcharge
A charge for UK healthcare paid as part of most visa applications, set as a yearly rate for each year of permission.
Example: The standard rate is £1,035 a year; students and Youth Mobility applicants pay £776 a year.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application: How much you have to pay (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
£1,035 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,105 for a 3-year visa
Used in: Graduate visa costs, Skilled Worker costs, Costs.
Immigration Rules
The rules that set who can get each UK visa and on what conditions. They are amended by Statements of Changes laid before Parliament.
Example: The general threshold sits in Appendix Skilled Worker, paragraph SW 4.4, of the Immigration Rules.
Used in: Rules, Changes, Statements.
Immigration Salary List
A list of occupations with their own Skilled Worker salary rule. For a job on it, the pay must be at least £33,400 a year and the full going rate.
Example: Application fees are lower for a job on the list, starting at £628 per person.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4 option D, as amended by HC 997 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You must be paid at least £33,400 per year if you are being sponsored for a job on the immigration salary list.
Used in: Skilled Worker costs, Figures in force.
Immigration Skills Charge
A charge a sponsor pays when it sponsors a worker. The employer must pay it; asking the worker to pay it, or any costs of the employer's application, can cost the employer its licence.
Example: It starts at £480 for a small or charitable sponsor and £1,320 for a medium or large one.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, UK visa sponsorship for employers: Immigration skills charge (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You must pay the immigration skills charge yourself. Your licence may be revoked if you ask the sponsored worker to pay the fee or any costs linked to your application.
Used in: Immigration Skills Charge, Skilled Worker costs, Costs.
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
Permission to stay in the UK permanently, also called settlement. On the Skilled Worker route, you may be able to apply after 5 years.
Example: A 10-year baseline for most routes has been proposed; it is a proposal, not a rule.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, Skilled Worker visa: Overview (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’).
Used in: Routes, BN(O) or Graduate visa.
Laid (before Parliament)
A Statement of Changes is laid when it is formally presented to Parliament. It does not change the rules until its commencement date.
Example: HC 584 was laid on 3 September 2026; its changes take effect on later dates.
Used in: Changes, Statements.
Licensed sponsor
An organisation the Home Office has licensed to sponsor people on certain visa routes. Sponsors of workers are listed, with their routes and rating, on the register of licensed sponsors.
Example: A new Skilled Worker's sponsor must be listed as A-rated on the register.
There is a plain guide to what sponsorship means in practice.
Authority UK Visas and Immigration, Register of licensed sponsors: workers (gov.uk publication) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
This document lists Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors. It includes information about the category of workers they’re licensed to sponsor and their sponsorship rating.
Used in: Lost your job, Figures in force.
New entrant
A Skilled Worker applicant who meets one of the new-entrant conditions, such as being on a Graduate visa. A new entrant can be paid at least £33,400 a year and 70% of the going rate.
Example: Time on new-entrant rates is capped at 4 years in total, including time on a Graduate visa.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4 option E, as amended by HC 997 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You can be paid 70% of your job’s standard going rate if your salary will be at least £33,400 per year and one of the following applies:
Used in: Rules, Figures in force.
Occupation code (SOC 2020)
The code that classifies a job in the Standard Occupational Classification. It decides the job's going rate and whether the job is eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.
Example: Each occupation code has its own yearly going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4 option A (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
Going rates in Table 1 are per year and based on a 37.5-hour working week. They must be pro-rated for other working patterns, based on the weekly working hours stated by the applicant’s sponsor.
Used in: Rules, Figures in force.
Permission to stay
The Immigration Rules' term for permission granted on an application made inside the UK, for example to switch or extend. Permission applied for from outside the UK is entry clearance.
Example: The HPI yearly cap counts applications for both entry clearance and permission to stay.
Authority Appendix High Potential Individual, HPI 1.6A, as amended by HC 1333 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
HPI 1.6A The number of applications (for both entry clearance and permission to stay) must not have exceeded 8,000, the annual total allocation of places for the route (where the annual period begins on 1 November and ends on 31 October of each year).
Used in: Switching before your course ends, High Potential Individual.
Points-based system
The name for the UK's set of work and study routes in which an applicant must meet listed requirements, such as a sponsor, a salary and an English level.
Example: Tier 2 and Tier 4 were the earlier names of its main work and study categories.
Used in: Routes.
Register of licensed sponsors
The Home Office's published list of organisations licensed to sponsor workers, with the routes each may sponsor for and its rating. It is published on GOV.UK as a CSV file.
Example: The register is updated most working days, and each file's name carries its date.
Authority UK Visas and Immigration, Register of licensed sponsors: workers (gov.uk publication) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
This document lists Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors. It includes information about the category of workers they’re licensed to sponsor and their sponsorship rating.
Used in: Figures in force, Lost your job, Sources and method.
Regulated immigration adviser
A solicitor, or an adviser regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority, who can give advice on a person's own case. This handbook gives general information, not advice.
Example: A regulated adviser can check the facts of your case that a handbook cannot see.
Used in: Editorial standards, Terms.
RQF level 6
A level on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Occupation codes listed as skilled to RQF level 6 or above are eligible for the Skilled Worker route.
Example: Since 22 July 2025, most new Skilled Worker applicants need a job at this level or above.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 6.1 as substituted by HC 997 (APP SW7) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
If your occupation code is listed as a ‘higher skilled’ job, you can apply for this visa.
Used in: Rules, Switching before your course ends, HC 997.
Scale-up
A work route for people with a job offer from a UK business approved as a Scale-up sponsor. Its English requirement changed with Skilled Worker and HPI.
Example: HC 1333 raised the English level for Scale-up, Skilled Worker and HPI from B1 to B2.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.1, as amended by HC 1333 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Used in: English requirement, HC 1333.
Section 3C leave
Permission that continues by law, on the same conditions, while an application made before the current permission expired is decided. It takes its name from section 3C of the Immigration Act.
Example: A Student who applies to switch before the Student visa expires keeps the Student conditions while the application is decided.
Used in: Switching before your course ends, After your course ends.
Settlement
Permission to live in the UK permanently, also called indefinite leave to remain. Each route sets its own qualifying period and conditions.
Example: Skilled Worker settlement applications made from 26 March 2027 need English at B2 in speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 22A.1, as amended by HC 1691 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
SW 22A.1. Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.
Used in: Routes, BN(O) or Graduate visa, English requirement.
Skilled Worker
The main sponsored work visa. It needs a job offer from a licensed sponsor at an eligible skill level, usually paid at least the general threshold or the going rate, whichever is higher.
Example: New applications need English at B2, the level in force since 8 January 2026.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 4.4 option A, as amended by HC 997 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.
Used in: Rules, Skilled Worker costs, Routes.
Statement of Changes
A document laid before Parliament that amends the Immigration Rules. Each has an HC number and one or more commencement dates.
Example: HC 997, laid on 1 July 2025, raised the general threshold to £41,700.
Used in: Changes, Statements.
Student visa (formerly Tier 4)
The route for studying in the UK. A full-time degree-level student at a university with a track record of compliance can work up to 20 hours a week in term time.
Example: After a course of 12 months or longer, the visa usually runs 4 months beyond the course end.
Authority Appendix Student, ST 26.1 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
20 hours per week during term-time (full- time employment permitted outside of term-time)
Used in: After your course ends, Switching before your course ends.
Switching
Applying for a different visa from inside the UK, for example from Student or Graduate to Skilled Worker. Each route sets who may switch into it and when.
Example: A Student can switch to Skilled Worker after completing the course, or if one of the other conditions applies.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 1.5A (Conditions A, B and C) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:
Used in: Switching before your course ends, After your course ends, Rules.
Temporary Shortage List
A list of medium-skilled occupations that can still qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, although they are below RQF level 6.
Example: Jobs listed as medium skilled qualify only through this list, the Immigration Salary List or a few other exceptions.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 6.1 as substituted by HC 997 (APP SW7) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
If your occupation code is listed as a ‘higher skilled’ job, you can apply for this visa.
Used in: Rules, Figures in force.
Tier 2 visa (former name)
The earlier name of the sponsored work category in the points-based system. Some Skilled Worker rules still count time spent as a Tier 2 Migrant.
Example: Time on new-entrant rates is capped at 4 years across Skilled Worker, Graduate and Tier 2 permission combined.
Authority Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 12.3 (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
SW 12.3. Granting the application must not mean the applicant’s combined permission as a Skilled Worker, Graduate and/or Tier 2 Migrant would be more than 4 years in total, whether or not the permission is for a continuous period.
Used in: Rules, Figures in force.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
The part of the Home Office that handles visa applications and publishes the register of licensed sponsors.
Example: UKVI publishes the register as a CSV file whose name carries its date.
Authority UK Visas and Immigration, Register of licensed sponsors: workers (gov.uk publication) (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
This document lists Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors. It includes information about the category of workers they’re licensed to sponsor and their sponsorship rating.
Used in: Figures in force, Sources and method.
Youth Mobility Scheme
A visa for young people from listed countries and territories to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
Example: Applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan must be selected in the scheme's ballot before they can apply.
Authority GOV.UK guidance, Youth Mobility Scheme visa: Overview (gov.uk).
The passage relied on
You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
Used in: Youth Mobility Scheme, Routes.
Sources
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Hong Kong British National Overseas (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
(a) a period of 5 years, where the applicant has applied for a period of 5 years; or
(b) a period of 30 months (plus, where the applicant has extant permission on the Hong Kong BN(O) route, the remaining period of that permission, up to a maximum of 28 days) where the applicant has applied for a period of 30 months.
- British National (Overseas) visa: Overview (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
If you’re the child of a British national (overseas) aged 18 or older and born on or after 1 July 1979, you can apply separately from your parent.
After you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently.
- Graduate visa: Overview (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
- Statement of Changes HC 1333 (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
2 years if the applicant has successfully completed a course at UK bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level, or another relevant qualification that meets the requirement of ST8.1/2/3 of the Rules, and the application is made before 1 January 2027.
APP SW3. In the table in SW4.1, for “level B1”, substitute “level B2 or, where the applicant’s most recent permission was as a Skilled Worker and which was granted subject to a requirement at level B1, level B1”.
The following paragraphs shall take effect on 8 January 2026. In relation to those changes, if an application for entry clearance, for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, for permission to enter or for permission to stay, or an application for administrative review has been made before 8 January 2026, such applications will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules in force on 7 January 2026:
- Statement of Changes HC 1333: explanatory memorandum (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
5.26 The change to 18 months will apply to applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, with PhD graduates continuing to receive three years of leave.
There will also be a cap placed on the route of 8,000 applications per year.
5.22 The English language requirement for the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes is increased from B1 Level to B2 Level (as defined under the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages (CEFR)).
- Immigration Rules: Appendix High Potential Individual (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
HPI 1.6A The number of applications (for both entry clearance and permission to stay) must not have exceeded 8,000, the annual total allocation of places for the route (where the annual period begins on 1 November and ends on 31 October of each year).
- High Potential Individual visa: Overview (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
An HPI visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.
- High Potential Individual visa: Eligibility (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You must have been awarded your qualification in the last 5 years.
UK universities are not eligible. If you’re already in the UK on a student visa you may be able to apply for a Graduate visa.
- Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application: How much you have to pay (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
£1,035 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,105 for a 3-year visa
£776 per year for students, their dependants, and those on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £1,552 for a 2-year visa
- UK visa sponsorship for employers: Immigration skills charge (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You must pay the immigration skills charge yourself. Your licence may be revoked if you ask the sponsored worker to pay the fee or any costs linked to your application.
First 12 months £480 £1,320
- Register of licensed sponsors: workers (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
This document lists Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors. It includes information about the category of workers they’re licensed to sponsor and their sponsorship rating.
- Earned settlement: statement and consultation (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
This means, however, that with the exception of the above categories, those routes (for example, the Skilled Worker route) that currently lead to settlement after 5 years continuous stay will cease to do so and will default to a qualifying period of 10 years, except where an earned reduction on the basis of contribution or integration applies.
- Suitability, section 5: cancellation (caseworker guidance) (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
Where the reason for cancellation is not the fault of the applicant but is, for example, due to the actions of their sponsor, you should normally allow them 60 days to find a new sponsor.
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Student (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
20 hours per week during term-time (full- time employment permitted outside of term-time)
A course of 12 months or longer 1 Month 4 Months
- Skilled Worker visa: Your job (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.
If your occupation code is listed as a ‘higher skilled’ job, you can apply for this visa.
You’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.
Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.
- Skilled Worker visa: Overview (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’).
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Occupations (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
These SOC 2020 occupation codes are considered to be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 or above, and are eligible for the Skilled Worker route.
Going rates in Table 1 are per year and based on a 37.5-hour working week. They must be pro-rated for other working patterns, based on the weekly working hours stated by the applicant’s sponsor.
- Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
- Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
£628 if you’re staying for up to 3 years
- Government: Publications (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
Skilled Worker, a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less [footnote 2], main applicant and dependants £590 £628 £38
- Statement of Changes HC 997 (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
APP SW2. In row A of the table following SW 4.4, for “£38,700”, substitute “£41,700”.
APP SW4. In rows C, D and E of the table following SW 4.4, for each instance of “£30,960”, substitute “£33,400”.
- Statement of Changes HC 590 (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
The following paragraphs shall take effect on 4 April 2024.
- Skilled Worker visa: When you can be paid less (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You must be paid at least £33,400 per year if you are being sponsored for a job on the immigration salary list.
You can be paid 70% of your job’s standard going rate if your salary will be at least £33,400 per year and one of the following applies:
Your total stay in the UK cannot be more than 4 years if you apply for one of these reasons. This includes any time you’ve already spent in the UK on a Graduate visa.
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Worker (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both: £33,400 per year and 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
SW 12.3. Granting the application must not mean the applicant’s combined permission as a Skilled Worker, Graduate and/or Tier 2 Migrant would be more than 4 years in total, whether or not the permission is for a continuous period.
SW 22A.1. Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.
SW 5.3. The sponsor must be listed as A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors, unless the applicant was last granted permission as a Skilled Worker and is applying to continue working for the same sponsor as in their last permission.
(a) Condition A: the applicant must have completed the course of study for which the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies was assigned (or a course to which ST 27.3 of Appendix Student applies); or
- Statement of Changes HC 1691: explanatory memorandum (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
5.62 These changes will come into force on 26 March 2027.
- Skilled Worker visa: Switch to this visa (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements:
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa: Overview (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
If you’re from Australia, Canada or New Zealand, you’ll be able to extend your visa by one year after the 2-year period ends.
How each figure is checked: Sources and method.
This is general information about the rules, not legal advice. For advice on your own situation, use a solicitor or an adviser regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (gov.uk).