Updated October 2026
The UK Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK for an approved employer that sponsors you. To qualify, you need a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a certificate of sponsorship, a job on the eligible occupations list, a salary of at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for the job (whichever is higher), and English at level B2. This guide covers each requirement, the real costs for an applicant from Angola or elsewhere in Africa, and how to find sponsoring employers.
Who the Skilled Worker visa is for
This is the UK’s main long-term work visa. It suits professionals with a concrete job offer: engineers, IT specialists, accountants, healthcare workers, researchers and similar roles. You cannot apply without a job offer, and you cannot “look for work” on this visa.
The key requirements, according to GOV.UK:
- your employer must be a Home Office-approved sponsor;
- you need a certificate of sponsorship (CoS), an electronic record with your job details, issued by the employer;
- your job must be on the list of eligible occupations;
- you must meet the minimum salary for the job;
- you must prove your English.
Salary requirements
For most jobs, you must be paid the higher of:
- £41,700 per year (the general threshold), or
- the going rate for your occupation code, published in the going rates table.
Some applicants can be paid less. GOV.UK lists a lower threshold of £33,400 per year for people who qualify for reduced salary rules outside healthcare and education (for example, through tradeable points such as being a new entrant or holding a relevant PhD). Healthcare and education roles follow national pay scales instead. Check the exact rules for your occupation code before accepting an offer.
Note: the rules changed in July 2025, when the UK raised the skill level for new Skilled Worker applications and moved many medium-skilled jobs off the eligible list unless they appear on the Immigration Salary List. Check that your specific job title and occupation code are still eligible on GOV.UK on the day you apply.
English language: level B2
New applicants must prove English at CEFR level B2. People who got their Skilled Worker visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it only need B1. You can prove your English with:
- a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider;
- a degree taught in English, from a UK university or from another university with an Ecctis equivalence statement;
- certain UK school qualifications.
Angola is not on the list of English-speaking countries that are exempt, so most Angolan applicants will need a test or an English-taught degree. Compare the main tests in our IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo guide, but remember that only approved SELTs count for UK visas.
What it costs
| Cost | Amount (per person) |
|---|---|
| Application fee, applying from outside the UK, up to 3 years | £819 |
| Application fee, applying from outside the UK, more than 3 years | £1,618 |
| Reduced fee for Immigration Salary List jobs (up to 3 years / more than 3 years) | £628 / £1,235 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year of the visa |
| Savings to show (unless the employer certifies maintenance) | £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days |
Example: a 5-year visa for one person applying from Luanda costs £1,618 plus 5 × £1,035 surcharge = £6,793, before the English test, TB test and translation costs. Partners and children pay their own fees and surcharge. Some employers reimburse part of this; ask during negotiation (see our salary negotiation guide).
TB test for applicants from Angola
Angola is on the UK’s list of countries where you need a tuberculosis test from an approved clinic if you are coming for more than six months. Book it early, because the certificate is part of your application.
Step-by-step application
- Get the job offer from a licensed sponsor. Check the employer on the official Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- Receive your certificate of sponsorship reference number from the employer.
- Book your English test (if needed) and the TB test.
- Apply online on GOV.UK, up to 3 months before your start date, and pay the fee and surcharge.
- Prove your identity at a visa application centre, where you give fingerprints and a photo.
- Wait for a decision: usually within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. Faster priority services may be available for an extra fee.
Documents usually needed
- valid passport;
- certificate of sponsorship reference;
- proof of English;
- TB test certificate;
- bank statements showing savings, unless your employer certifies maintenance;
- criminal record certificate for some jobs (for example, in education, health and social care);
- certified translations of any document not in English or Welsh.
How to find UK employers that sponsor
- Use the Register of Licensed Sponsors, a public list on GOV.UK, to check companies before you apply.
- Search with the right words: “visa sponsorship”, “Skilled Worker sponsorship” or “Certificate of Sponsorship available” on job boards and LinkedIn.
- Target sectors that hire internationally: engineering, technology, energy, universities and the NHS for clinical roles.
- Adapt your CV to UK style: no photo, no date of birth, two pages, results first. Follow our ATS-friendly resume guide.
Be wary of anyone who charges you for a “guaranteed” certificate of sponsorship. Selling a CoS is illegal for UK sponsors, and these offers are often scams. Read more in our guide to visa sponsorship jobs.
Family, length of stay and settlement
- Your partner and children can apply as dependants, if eligible. Each pays the fee and the surcharge.
- The visa can last up to 5 years and can be extended while you remain eligible.
- After a qualifying period you may be able to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain). The UK has been consulting on longer settlement routes, so check the current rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a job offer?
No. You need a confirmed job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor.
What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
For most roles, the higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for the occupation. Some applicants qualify for lower thresholds, such as £33,400.
What level of English do I need?
CEFR B2 for new applicants. People extending a visa they got before 8 January 2026 need B1.
How long does a decision take?
Usually within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK.
Do applicants from Angola need a TB test?
Yes. Angola is on the UK list of countries where a TB test is required for stays of more than six months.
Sources: GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa; GOV.UK, Your job and salary; GOV.UK, How much it costs; GOV.UK, Knowledge of English; GOV.UK, Countries where you need a TB test.
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