This page covers everything: who qualifies for the visa itself, current salary thresholds, how long it lasts, the route to settlement, and exactly how UK lenders assess Skilled Worker visa holders for a mortgage.
Understanding the Skilled Worker visa
Who qualifies, the 2026 salary thresholds and the exceptions to them, how long the visa lasts, and what the earned-settlement reforms mean for the route to ILR.
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK for an employer approved by the Home Office as a licensed sponsor, in a role that meets minimum skill and salary requirements. It is the successor to the Tier 2 (General) visa and remains the most common route for foreign professionals moving to the UK for work.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you generally need:
- A confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by that employer for the specific role
- A job at the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above — broadly A-level equivalent)
- A salary that meets the relevant threshold
- English language ability at B1 level or above, rising to B2 for some cases from January 2026
- Enough personal savings to support yourself, unless your employer certifies maintenance
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How much do I need to earn?
As of the July 2025 Immigration Rules update, the general salary threshold is £41,700 per year, or the specific going rate for your occupation code — whichever is higher. There are important exceptions:
| £41,700 | General thresholdOr the specific going rate for your occupation code — whichever is higher. |
|---|---|
| £33,400 | New entrants · Immigration Salary ListNew entrants are under 26, recent graduates switching from a Student or Graduate visa, or those early in their career — for a maximum of 4 years on this discount. |
| £25,000 | Health & education rolesOften qualify from lower thresholds, frequently starting around this figure, following NHS Agenda for Change or equivalent public sector pay scales. |
The Immigration Salary List is scheduled to expire on 31 December 2026 — check gov.uk for the current position before relying on it.
From April 2026, rule SW 14.3B also requires salary to be paid at the correct level in every individual pay period, not just as an annual average. This matters if your pay includes variable elements.
How long does it last, and what’s the route to settlement?
The visa is usually granted for up to 5 years at a time, tied to your Certificate of Sponsorship, and can be extended as long as you continue to meet the criteria. Historically, Skilled Worker visa holders could apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 continuous years. The government is in the process of introducing “earned settlement” reforms that may extend the standard qualifying period for many sponsored work routes to 10 years, with reductions available for high earners or those meeting certain criteria. These changes were still under consultation and not fully in force as of mid-2026.
- Yr 0–4
Your mortgage window
You still have 12 or more months left on your visa, which is what most lenders want to see. This is the easiest point to apply.
- Yr 4–5
Renew first, or talk to us
Under 12 months remaining. Many high-street lenders decline here, but several specialist lenders on our panel will still consider you.
- Yr 5–10
Settlement timeline under reform
Traditionally ILR came at 5 years. The 2026 earned-settlement reforms may extend this to 10 for some routes — confirm the current position on gov.uk.
Key dates
- Yr 0Visa granted — usually up to 5 years, tied to your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Yr 5Traditionally the point of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can usually apply as dependants, provided you can show you can financially support them.
Getting a mortgage on a Skilled Worker visa
What lenders actually assess, how much you could borrow, the documents you will need, and the objections we hear most often from visa holders.
Can I get a mortgage on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. This is one of the visa categories UK lenders are most experienced with, since it is the largest single employer-sponsored route into the country. Most lenders want to see at least 12 months remaining on your visa at the point of application, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, and 3–6 months of UK payslips — though some specialist lenders will consider applications with less time remaining.
What will lenders look at?
- Length of time in your current role and with your current sponsor
- Time remaining on your visa
- Your salary relative to the property price and deposit
- UK bank statements and credit history — even a short one can work with the right lender
- Whether your income includes bonus, overtime or allowances, and how much of that a given lender will count
How much can I borrow?
Typically 4–4.5x your annual salary, in line with standard UK mortgage affordability rules. Some lenders on our panel will stretch to 5x for higher earners or those in shortage occupations. Use our eligibility calculator for an instant estimate.
Documents you’ll need
- Passport and current BRP or eVisa share code
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference
- 3–6 months of payslips
- 3–6 months of bank statements
- Proof of deposit
- Employer reference letter — some lenders request this
- Your UK credit report — check yours with checkmyfile(opens in a new tab)
Common challenges — and how we solve them
“My bank said no because of my visa status.”
High-street banks often apply blanket ILR-only policies. We work with lenders who assess visa holders individually.
“I’m worried my visa is tied to one employer.”
Some lenders view this as added stability — your role is Home Office-verified. We will match you with one that sees it that way.
“I don’t have 5 years left on my visa.”
Many lenders accept 12 months or more remaining. We will tell you honestly which ones before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Indefinite Leave to Remain to get a mortgage on a Skilled Worker visa?
No. UK lenders on our panel offer mortgages to Skilled Worker visa holders without ILR, assessing eligibility based on income, employment stability, and time remaining on the visa.
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
The general threshold is £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher, though new entrants and health/education roles can qualify at lower thresholds — check the specific figure for your occupation code on gov.uk.
Can I get a mortgage with only 12 months left on my Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, in many cases. Several lenders on our panel accept applications with 12 months or more remaining, particularly where there’s a clear expectation of visa renewal.
Does changing employer affect my mortgage application?
It can, since your Skilled Worker visa is tied to your sponsoring employer. Tell your adviser early if a job change is likely, so we can match you with a lender comfortable with that situation.
How long does it take to get Indefinite Leave to Remain on a Skilled Worker visa?
Traditionally 5 continuous years, though the government's “earned settlement” reforms may extend this to 10 years for some cases. This is under active policy change in 2026 — check gov.uk for the current position.
Still have a question? Read our full FAQs or ask us directly.
Further reading
