United Kingdom Visa & Immigration

Who can apply as a highly skilled worker?

You do not need a job offer to apply under the highly skilled worker category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds).

You can apply under the highly skilled worker category now if you are:

In the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the highly skilled worker category;

Already in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled worker and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category;

Already in the United Kingdom under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want to extend your permission to stay and are eligible to switch into the highly skilled worker category; 

Applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the highly skilled worker category.