GovWire

The Skilled Worker visa was introduced in December 2020, replacing the Tier 2 (General) visa to make the process smoother, faster, and more attractive for skilled people to live and work in the UK.

To be eligible, individuals must be employed by a licensed sponsor at or above RQF3 level (or equivalent) and speak English to an acceptable standard.

To understand how the route is working, the Home Office commissioned IFF Research to conduct early insights research with successful Skilled Worker applicants and licensed sponsors. This consisted of a telephone survey completed by 50 Skilled Worker visa holders and 50 employer sponsors.

The research is part of wider evaluation by the Home Office on all points-based immigration routes. For findings from research with Graduate route permission holders, see Graduate route: early insights evaluation.