09/09/2026
The UK Skilled Worker visa allows eligible overseas workers to take up employment with an employer approved by the UK Home Office.
The Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment in Pakistan has issued guidance for citizens seeking employment in the UK through skilled worker visa.
Applicants must have a confirmed job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before applying.
The following guidance reflects UK government rules and guidance up to August 2026. Immigration rules, fees, and salary thresholds can change, so applicants should check the latest requirements before submitting an application.
Eligibility:
Applicants generally need to have a confirmed job offer from an employer approved by the UK Home Office, a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer, have a four-digit occupation code that is eligible for the Skilled Worker route, meet the required minimum salary and the going rate for the occupation, demonstrate the required level of English, and meet the financial, documentary, and other visa requirements.
Applicants normally need to submit their visa application within three months of the Cos being issued.
Occupation codes:
According to the guidelines, having a suitable job title alone does not guarantee eligibility.
The actual duties of the job must be aligned to the correct occupation code. Higher-skilled occupations are generally eligible, while some medium-skilled occupations may only qualify if they are included on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or are covered by applicable transitional arrangements.
Jobs that appear similar can have different occupation codes and different eligibility requirements.
For example, some skilled construction occupations may qualify, while a general construction laborer role may not.
It was also cautioned that using an incorrect occupation code or creating a false job description can result in a visa refusal and enforcement action against the sponsor. It may also create problems for future applications.
Salary requirements:
In general, the salary must meet the higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for the relevant occupation code.
