What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General) allows Kenyan professionals to work in the UK for a licensed sponsor. This is the main route for skilled employment in the UK.
Unlike the Business Visitor Visa, this allows you to:
- Work full-time for your sponsoring employer
- Stay for up to 5 years (extendable)
- Bring your spouse/partner and children
- Apply for permanent residence (ILR) after 5 years
If you're a nurse, doctor, or care worker, you may qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa instead, which has lower fees and IHS exemption.
Basic Requirements
To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must:
- Have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- Meet the salary threshold – currently £38,700/year (or the "going rate" for your occupation, whichever is higher)
- Have an eligible occupation at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent skills)
- Prove English language ability
Have a job offer from a UK company? We can help you understand if you qualify and prepare your application documents. Book a consultation →
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK employer must issue a CoS before you can apply. The CoS contains:
- Your job title and SOC code
- Salary details
- Start date
- Working hours
- Your employer's sponsor licence number
Key Point: You cannot get a Skilled Worker Visa without a CoS. The job offer must come first.
Salary Requirements
The minimum salary is £38,700 per year or the "going rate" for your specific occupation, whichever is higher.
Lower Thresholds Apply If:
- Your job is on the Shortage Occupation List
- You're a new entrant (under 26, recent graduate, or in professional training)
- You have a PhD relevant to the job
- You're applying for a Health and Care Worker role (separate visa category)
English Language Requirement
You must prove English at CEFR Level B1. Options:
- Pass an approved test: IELTS for UKVI (minimum 4.0 in each skill)
- Degree taught in English: If you studied in English at a recognized institution
- National of majority English-speaking country: Kenya does not qualify
Kenya-Specific Requirements
TB Test
Required at IOM Nairobi (International Organization for Migration). Book early!
- Cost: ~KES 8,000
- Valid for 6 months
Police Certificate
Get your Certificate of Good Conduct from DCI via eCitizen if your job involves:
- Working with children or vulnerable adults
- Healthcare roles
- Legal or financial services
Not sure if you meet the salary threshold? Our consultants can assess your eligibility and advise on your options. Get expert advice →
Financial Requirements
You must show you can support yourself until your first salary:
- Personal savings: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days
- Or: Sponsor can confirm they will cover this (on the CoS)
Common Occupations for Kenyans
Popular skilled worker roles for Kenyan applicants include:
- IT: Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical engineers
- Finance: Accountants, auditors, financial analysts
- Education: Secondary school teachers (in shortage subjects)
- Construction: Quantity surveyors, project managers
Bringing Family
You can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18. They can:
- Work in the UK without restrictions
- Study in the UK
- Access public services
Each family member needs their own visa application and pays IHS. For more details, see our Spouse/Partner Visa guide.
Path to Settlement
After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – permanent residence in the UK. Requirements include:
- Continuous residence for 5 years
- Meeting salary thresholds
- Passing the Life in the UK test
- Meeting English language requirements