UK Skilled Worker route

The Skilled Worker route encompasses the majority of UK jobs eligible for overseas recruitment, providing a simple and flexible process for accessing the global talent pool. Under the Skilled Worker route, anyone hired from outside the UK will need to demonstrate that:

• they have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor (you)
• the job offer is at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A Level and equivalent)
• they speak English to the required standard

In addition, the job must meet a minimum salary threshold or applicants can ‘trade’ characteristics, such as their qualifications. A total of 70 points is needed to be able to apply to work in the UK:

All jobs have a corresponding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. Each SOC code has a designated skill level. This determines whether the job meets the requirements of the Skilled Worker route.

An occupation on the Shortage Occupation List results in lower application fees and reduced salary requirements, for skilled workers filling jobs that are in shortage. This does not, however, exempt jobs from the wider mandatory requirements of the Skilled Worker Route, including the skills threshold and the English language requirement.