📖 Reading time: 10 minutes  |  🗓️ Last reviewed: 2026  |  ✍️ ExpatWiki Editorial Team ⚡ Key Takeaways The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 You need a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor before you can apply Minimum salary threshold is £38,700 per year for most roles from April 2024 The points-based system awards 70 points — 50 mandatory + 20 tradeable After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) T he UK Skilled Worker visa is the primary route through which most professional expats move to Britain — and it has been substantially reformed since Brexit replaced EU free movement with a points-based system that applies equally to everyone, regardless of nationality. I have spoken to dozens of expats who navigated this visa in recent years and the consistent feedback is the same: it is more manageable than its reputation suggests, the salary threshold increase ...