UK Skilled Worker Visa: COS Points & Salary Thresholds Guide

The UK Skilled Worker visa — successor to the Tier 2 General route — is the primary pathway for overseas professionals joining UK-licensed sponsors. Following the April 2024 salary threshold increases (the largest in the scheme's history), understanding the points-based scoring system is now more critical than ever for both employers and applicants.

1. Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

Your UK employer must be a licensed sponsor and must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) before you can apply. The COS contains a unique reference number you enter in your visa application. It is valid for 3 months from the date of assignment.

A defined COS (for out-of-country applicants) is assigned once your employer's sponsor license is active and the role is confirmed. The COS must specify your job title, SOC occupation code, gross salary, and start date.

COS Verification with Visakix:

Visakix validates your COS reference number against UKVI records, confirms the occupation code is eligible, and checks your salary meets the current threshold for your SOC code — before you pay the £1,235 application fee.

2. Updated 2024/2026 Salary Thresholds

As of April 2024, the general minimum salary threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700 per year. The "going rate" for your specific SOC occupation code must also be met — whichever is higher. Some shortage occupation roles had their 20% discount removed, meaning they now require the full £38,700 minimum.

For new entrants (recent graduates, under-26, switching from certain student visas), a reduced threshold of £30,960 applies. The table published on GOV.UK Appendix Skilled Occupations is updated quarterly — always verify before submitting your COS.

3. Eligible Occupation Codes

Only jobs assigned an RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) level 3 or above occupation code — as listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations — qualify. Common eligible sectors include IT and software engineering, healthcare and nursing, finance, engineering, and architecture.

If your job title doesn't appear on the list, consult the SOC 2020 coding tool. Many roles map to codes that are eligible but under different official titles. An incorrect SOC code on the COS is one of the most common grounds for refusal.

4. Priority Processing

Standard out-of-country processing takes approximately 15 working days. UK Visas and Immigration offers a Priority Service (£500 supplement, 5 working days) and Super Priority Service (£800 supplement, next working day) for many nationalities applying from approved countries.

Priority services are available on a first-come, first-served basis and frequently sell out within hours of release. Visakix monitors UKVI slot availability and can alert agencies the moment priority appointments open.