Master prompt
Skilled Worker visa strategy — Appendix Skilled Worker eligibility map
Maps Appendix Skilled Worker requirements against an Indian applicant + job offer; produces a 4-track ranked strategy (direct grant, ICT, GBM, alternative).
UKSkilled WorkerAppendix Skilled WorkerStrategyCoSIndia-specific
Map the Skilled Worker route for [CLIENT_NAME] against the [JOB_TITLE] offer at [EMPLOYER] (SOC code [SOC_CODE], salary GBP [SALARY_GBP], applicant [APPLICANT_LOCATION]).
The Skilled Worker route (Appendix Skilled Worker) is the primary UK work visa. Eligibility is rules-based — pass all checks or refusal is automatic.
§1 — APPENDIX SKILLED WORKER CORE REQUIREMENTS (150-180 words)
Validity requirements (SW 1):
▪ Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by an A-rated sponsor
▪ CoS used within 3 months of issue
▪ Application fee + IHS paid
▪ Biometrics enrolment
Eligibility (SW 4 onwards):
▪ Genuine vacancy + sponsor genuine — sponsor licence checks (SW 4.2)
▪ Job at RQF Level 3+ (the post-2020 change from RQF 6+ allowed many roles previously out of scope)
▪ Salary threshold from April 2024:
- General threshold: GBP 38,700/year minimum [VERIFY]
- Going rate for SOC code: applicant must be paid the higher of GBP 38,700 OR the published going rate for the SOC code (Annex E of Appendix Skilled Worker)
- "New entrant" discount: GBP 30,960 for under-26 / recent graduates / PhD-relevant / Immigration Salary List
▪ Tradeable points: education / Shortage / PhD-relevant role can each add tradeable points
▪ English language: B1 CEFR via SELT / degree-in-English / nationality
▪ Maintenance: GBP 1,270 held for 28 days OR sponsor certifies maintenance on CoS
§2 — SOC CODE + GOING RATE CHECK (120-150 words)
SOC 2020 (Standard Occupational Classification 2020) determines:
▪ Whether the role qualifies (must be on Annex E — most professional / managerial / skilled trades qualify)
▪ The going rate for the role (Annex E Table)
▪ Whether the role is on Immigration Salary List (Annex F)
For [SOC_CODE]:
▪ Confirm code matches the actual job duties (employer-assigned but UKVI can challenge if duties differ)
▪ Going rate for [SOC_CODE]: [look up Annex E or mark VERIFY]
▪ Higher of GBP 38,700 OR [SOC_CODE] going rate determines minimum salary
▪ Offered salary GBP [SALARY_GBP] meets / exceeds / falls short
If salary falls short:
▪ Negotiate higher salary
▪ Check Immigration Salary List (20% discount possible)
▪ Check New Entrant discount (under-26 / recent UK graduates)
▪ Check PhD discount (PhD in relevant subject = 10% off going rate, NOT off general threshold)
§3 — SPONSOR LICENCE VERIFICATION (100-120 words)
Verify [EMPLOYER]'s Sponsor Licence:
▪ Licence visible on UKVI Register of Worker and Temporary Worker Sponsors
▪ Licence type: Worker (skilled) — for Skilled Worker route
▪ Rating: A-rated (preferred) or B-rated (sponsor must remediate; CoS may be at risk)
▪ Licence start date + expiry
▪ Authorising Officer + Key Contact registered
If sponsor is B-rated:
▪ Sponsor has 3 months to remediate gaps OR licence will be downgraded
▪ Existing CoS valid but applicant should ensure remediation in progress
▪ Sponsor cannot assign new CoS until A-rated
If sponsor licence has lapsed / been revoked:
▪ Applicant cannot apply
▪ Existing visa holders have grace period (60-90 days) to switch sponsor or leave
§4 — ENGLISH + MAINTENANCE (80-100 words)
English (B1 CEFR):
▪ India is NOT on majority English-speaking list
▪ Acceptable: IELTS UKVI Academic 4.0 each skill / overall 4.0, OR degree taught in English (most Indian Bachelor's from major universities), OR nationality (not applicable for India)
▪ Most Indian applicants meet via prior UK Student visa OR prior degree from recognised Indian university (Delhi University, IITs, IIMs, etc.)
Maintenance:
▪ GBP 1,270 held 28 days (Appendix Finance)
▪ OR sponsor certifies on CoS (typically large employers; saves applicant the evidence burden)
▪ Joint accounts / parent funds NOT permitted for Skilled Worker (unlike Student)
§5 — FOUR-TRACK STRATEGY (200-250 words)
Track A — DIRECT SKILLED WORKER GRANT (primary path):
▪ Strong if: salary clearly meets threshold, A-rated sponsor, applicant has clean status
▪ Apply outside UK (Entry Clearance) at VFS India OR inside UK (Switching) if in-country
▪ Fee: GBP 719-1,500 depending on duration + location
▪ Processing: 3 weeks standard outside UK; 8 weeks inside UK
▪ Priority: 5 working days; Super Priority: next working day
Track B — IMMIGRATION SALARY LIST ROUTE (if SOC on list):
▪ 20% salary discount (GBP 30,960 floor)
▪ Reduced application fee in some cases
▪ Same path otherwise
▪ Applies to specific shortage occupations — care workers, certain healthcare, some teaching
Track C — GLOBAL BUSINESS MOBILITY (Senior or Specialist Worker) (if intra-company):
▪ For Indian employees of multinationals transferring to UK branch
▪ Minimum 12 months service with sponsor (60-day exception for highly-paid)
▪ Salary threshold typically higher (GBP 48,500 [VERIFY])
▪ NOT a path to settlement (cannot be used for 5-year ILR clock)
▪ Maximum 5 years (9 years for high earners)
Track D — ALTERNATIVE: GLOBAL TALENT / SCALE-UP / HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL:
▪ Global Talent: endorsement-based (Tech Nation, Royal Society, etc.); no sponsor; full work freedom
▪ Scale-up: sponsor-led for first 6 months; then full mobility
▪ HPI: graduates from top global universities; 2-year unsponsored work; no settlement
§6 — RECOMMENDED PRIMARY PATH (80-100 words)
Based on [APPLICANT_PROFILE] + [JOB_TITLE] + [SOC_CODE] + [SALARY_GBP]:
Primary recommendation: [Track A / B / C / D]
Justification:
▪ Salary [meets/exceeds] going rate
▪ Sponsor [is/is not] A-rated
▪ Applicant [does/does not] qualify for discount routes
▪ Settlement timeline: 5 years on Skilled Worker → ILR; 6 years → Citizenship
Parallel actions:
▪ Verify CoS within 3 months of issue
▪ Apply 3 months before intended start date (Entry Clearance)
▪ Family dependants ready to apply alongside (Skilled Worker Dependant generous)
§7 — INDIAN-SPECIFIC NOTES (60-80 words)
▪ TB test required (IOM-approved clinics in India) for 6+ month stays
▪ India PCC from passport office may be requested by employer (often for healthcare roles)
▪ Police certificate from EVERY country resided 12+ months in last 10 years (excluding UK)
▪ BRP collection within 10 days at UK Post Office (transitioning to eVisa 2025+)
▪ Indian degrees recognised under ENIC-UK equivalency
End with: "DRAFT — for OISC/IAA-registered adviser or solicitor review. Salary thresholds and Immigration Salary List update annually (April Statement of Changes). Confirm current rates before quoting clients. Sponsor Licence status must be re-verified on day of application — sponsors can be downgraded overnight."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt