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🇬🇧 Moving to the UK: what you actually need to know

The UK Skilled Worker Visa replaced the old Tier 2 system and is now the primary route for most non-UK nationals moving to work in Britain. The 2024 salary threshold increase to £38,700 changed the landscape significantly: understanding the current rules matters more than reading pre-2024 guides.

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Quick facts

Main visa typesSkilled Worker, Global Talent, Graduate

Processing time3–8 weeks (Skilled Worker)

Monthly cost (mid-range)£2,500–4,500 in London

English accessibilityEnglish is the primary language

Difficulty3 / 5

Visa routes

Your main options for moving to the UK

Skilled Worker Visa

The primary work route for most non-UK nationals. Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor employer, a minimum salary of £38,700/year (or the "going rate" for the occupation, whichever is higher). Some shortage occupations qualify at a lower threshold of £30,960. Processing takes 3–8 weeks.

Global Talent Visa

For recognised leaders or emerging leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology. No job offer required. Requires endorsement from a designated body (e.g. Tech Nation for digital roles, Royal Society for academia). Grants 5-year leave with full work flexibility.

Graduate Visa

For international students who completed a UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a licensed institution. Gives 2 years to work or look for work in any sector (3 years for PhD graduates). No employer sponsorship required.

UK Ancestry Visa

For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent. Grants 5 years to live and work in the UK with no employer restrictions. Leading route to indefinite leave to remain.

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Cost of living

What it actually costs to live in the UK

London

£2,800–4,500/month

Rent for a 1-bed: £1,800–3,000. Transport: Oyster card £180–250/month. Food and essentials: £500–700.

Manchester / Birmingham

£1,800–2,800/month

Rent for a 1-bed: £900–1,500. Transport: £60–90/month. Significantly cheaper than London with similar employment opportunities in many sectors.

Edinburgh / Glasgow

£1,600–2,500/month

Rent for a 1-bed: £900–1,400. Scottish cities offer lower costs than comparable English cities with strong tech and finance sectors.

Key steps

What to do and in what order

Confirm your employer is a licensed sponsor

Before accepting a job offer, verify the employer appears on the UK Government's register of licensed sponsors. Without this, they cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and the visa application cannot proceed.

Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer assigns you a CoS reference number: a unique code you include in your visa application. It contains details of your role, salary, and start date.

Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

Apply online via the UK Visas and Immigration portal. You'll need your CoS reference, proof of English language, financial evidence (unless your employer certifies maintenance), and a valid passport. The application fee is £610 for up to 3 years, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year).

After arriving, register with a local GP (general practitioner). You are entitled to NHS healthcare. Your NHS number is issued once you register: needed for prescriptions and referrals.

Apply for a National Insurance Number

Your NI number is required for employment and tax purposes. Apply online after arriving. Processing takes 2–4 weeks: you can start work before receiving it.

Common mistake

The most common mistake is applying before confirming the employer is on the licensed sponsor register. The register is publicly searchable: check it before you resign from your current role. Employers are removed from the register if they fail compliance checks, and a suspended sponsor cannot issue CoS references.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about moving to the UK

What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold in 2026?

£38,700/year for most roles, or the specific "going rate" for your occupation code: whichever is higher. Shortage occupations (on the Immigration Salary List) qualify at a lower threshold of £30,960. Check the Home Office's occupation code tool for your specific role.

Can I move to the UK without a job offer?

The main routes require a job offer (Skilled Worker) or endorsement (Global Talent). Graduate Visa holders already in the UK do not need a job offer. There is no general job seeker visa for the UK.

What is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

A fee paid as part of your visa application that gives access to NHS healthcare during your stay. The current rate is £1,035/year. For a 3-year visa, that is £3,105 paid upfront at the time of application.

How long does a UK Skilled Worker Visa take?

3–8 weeks for applications made outside the UK (overseas applications). You can pay for priority processing (approximately £500) to get a decision within 5 working days where available.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

ILR is the UK's form of permanent residence: it allows you to live and work in the UK without visa restrictions. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for ILR. After 12 months of ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.

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