Do I need a job offer before I apply?

Yes. The Skilled Worker Visa is tied to a specific job with an employer that holds a sponsor licence. You need the offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship before you can apply. That is why most of the effort goes into landing the sponsored role, which is exactly what eMigr8 helps with.

How much do I need to be paid?

For new applications you generally need the higher of the general threshold, £41,700 a year, or the going rate for your specific job, plus an hourly floor of £17.13. Many tech roles have going rates well above the floor. New entrants and people with a relevant PhD can qualify on a lower salary in some cases.

Which tech jobs qualify after the 2025 changes?

The job must be skilled to RQF level 6, which is graduate or degree level. Most tech engineering, data, AI, and cyber security roles still qualify. Sub degree IT support and technician roles were largely removed from eligibility in July 2025 for new applicants.

Can my family come with me?

Yes, for graduate level roles. A partner and children under 18 can join as dependants. Partners can work in almost any job, and children can study. People sponsored in lower skilled roles through the temporary shortage list generally cannot bring dependants, but that does not affect graduate level tech jobs.

What if I do not have a sponsor yet?

That is the normal starting point. eMigr8 helps you position your profile, target licensed and sponsorship friendly employers, and prepare for interviews so you can land an offer. If running your own business appeals, the self sponsorship route is another way in.

How do I find a UK employer that will sponsor a tech role?

Start with the Home Office register of licensed sponsors, which lists every employer that can sponsor a worker. Focus on companies that hire your skills and have sponsored before, apply through their own careers page rather than only job boards, and ask a contact or the hiring manager for a referral on LinkedIn. Larger tech employers usually have the legal support and budget to sponsor, so they are often a better bet than small startups.

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK?

Often yes. If you are already in the UK on an eligible visa, you can usually switch without leaving, using an undefined Certificate of Sponsorship from the yearly allocation your employer holds, which can be quicker than applying from abroad. You still need to meet the salary, skill, and English rules, and some visas cannot switch in country, so check your current one first.

Does eMigr8 give legal or immigration advice?

No. We give coaching, profile review, and guidance to help you find a sponsored role and prepare. We do not give legal advice or immigration consultation. For legal questions we can connect you with professionals in our network.

UK Skilled Worker Visa for tech

Q: How long until I can settle?

As of 2026 you can apply for settlement after 5 years of continuous residence on the route, if you still meet the requirements. The government has proposed moving the standard period to 10 years under its earned settlement plans, but that is a proposal, not law, and the detail is still being decided. Check the current rules before you plan around a date.

The Skilled Worker Visa is the UK's main work visa. You need a job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence, for a graduate level role at RQF level 6, paid the higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for the job. Most tech engineering, data, and cyber roles qualify.

Landing a sponsored role

The visa is straightforward once you have a sponsored offer. The work is landing it: positioning your profile, targeting licensed and sponsorship friendly employers, preparing for interviews, and securing a Certificate of Sponsorship. To find a sponsor, use the Home Office register of licensed sponsors, apply through the employer's own careers page, and ask for a referral. Larger tech employers are more likely to sponsor than small startups.

Costs and family

You pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge; the employer pays the sponsor costs and Immigration Skills Charge. A partner and children under 18 can join, partners can work, and children can study.

Settlement

You can apply for settlement after 5 years of continuous residence. The government has proposed moving the standard period to 10 years under its earned settlement plans, but that is a proposal, not law, as of 2026.

How eMigr8 helps

We help you position your profile, target sponsor friendly employers, and prepare for interviews to land a sponsored role. eMigr8 provides coaching and guidance, not legal advice or immigration consultation.