UK Skilled Worker Visa

Overview

The UK Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General) is the main route for non-UK nationals to work in the United Kingdom. Post-Brexit, EU and non-EU nationals are treated equally under UK immigration law, and Israeli professionals now have the same access to the UK points-based system as any other non-EU national.

The UK tech ecosystem, centered in London, is Europe's largest. British employers actively recruit from Israel, and the Israeli-UK tech relationship is strong, making this a frequently used route for Israeli software engineers, data scientists, biotech researchers, and finance professionals.

Who qualifies

The Skilled Worker Visa uses a points-based system. You need 70 points, composed of mandatory and tradeable criteria:

Mandatory (50 points total):

• Job offer from a licensed UK sponsor: 20 points
• Job at RQF level 3 or above (A-level equivalent or higher): 20 points
• English language ability at B1 level or above: 10 points

Salary (20 points — tradeable):

• Salary of at least £26,200/year (general threshold) OR the "going rate" for the occupation code, whichever is higher: 20 points
• Reduced salary may qualify with other tradeable attributes (e.g., new graduate, shortage occupation)

Tradeable criteria (to reach 20 salary points via a lower salary):

• Job in a shortage occupation: can qualify with £20,960/year
• PhD relevant to the job: can qualify with lower salary
• New entrant to the labour market (under 26, recent graduate, or still studying): lower salary threshold

The Sponsor Licence requirement

The employer must hold a UK Sponsor Licence. Most large UK employers already have this; many startups do not. Obtaining a sponsor licence takes 8 weeks and costs £536 for small businesses. As a candidate, you can search for licensed sponsors on the official UK Sponsorship Register.

Steps

1. Get a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor in a qualifying occupation.
2. Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer — this is a reference number, not a physical document.
3. Apply online for the Skilled Worker Visa at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
4. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
5. Book biometrics appointment at a UK Visas and Immigration application centre (there is one in Tel Aviv).
6. Processing time: typically 3 weeks for standard service; 5 working days for priority service.
7. Receive your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK (you collect it from a Post Office or it is mailed to your UK address).
8. Register with a GP and set up your NHS access.

Costs

• Visa application fee (overseas, 3 years): £719 (main applicant)
• Visa application fee (overseas, over 3 years): £1,420
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year per person (covers NHS access — a significant benefit)
• Biometrics: £19.20
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: paid by employer (£239 or £479)

Total approximate cost for 3-year visa: ~£3,800–£5,000 for a single applicant including IHS

English language requirement

You must demonstrate English at B1 level or above. Accepted evidence:

• UK degree or equivalent from a majority English-speaking country (Israel does not qualify as majority English-speaking, but Israeli degrees from internationally recognized institutions with English-language programs are sometimes accepted — verify case by case)
• Approved English language test: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic (minimum B1 scores)
• Nationality from a majority English-speaking country

Path to permanent residency

• After 5 years of lawful residence on a Skilled Worker Visa, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• ILR requirements: 5 years continuous residence, pass the Life in the UK test, English B1+, not exceed 180 days absence per year
• After 1 year of ILR, apply for British citizenship
• British citizenship = visa-free access to 180+ countries and full UK rights