UK Skilled Worker Visa from Dubai (UAE)

The Skilled Worker Visa allows international workers to work in eligible occupations within the UK labour market. Citizens of the Emirates looking to come to the UK should consider this visa if they can prove to the Home Office that they have the skills and qualifications required and fulfil the eligibility criteria.

The UK continues to be an attractive country for skilled workers worldwide seeking to further their skills. Skilled migration and work migration, in general, have been recognised as being economically beneficial to the UK and have traditionally been the main reason among migrants for moving to the UK.

The Skilled Worker Visa, also known as the Work Sponsorship Visa UK, allows foreign-qualified employees to build their careers in the UK. Visa holders can apply for permanent residence in the UK and bring their family to join them via the Skilled Worker Dependent route, contributing to the development of the UK economy.

Page Contents

• UK Skilled Worker Visa Overview
• July 2025 Changes to Skilled Worker Visa
• Eligibility and Requirements for the UK Skilled Worker Visa
• Specific Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa for Emiratis
• Required Documents for the Skilled Worker Visa
• Application Process for the UK Skilled Worker Visa from the UAE
• How Long Can You Stay in the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa?
• Processing Time and Cost of the Skilled Worker Visa
• Can the Skilled Worker Visa be Refused?
• How Can Total Law Help?
• FAQs

On 22 July 2025, a number of changes were made to the Skilled Worker visa as part of the new Immigration White Paper plans for the UK. These include the following:

• Raising the minimum skill level from RQF level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) to RQF level 6 (graduate level)
• Raising the minimum salary thresholds:
  • Standard Skilled Worker visa: from £38,700 to £41,700
  • If you have a PhD relevant to the job: from £34,830 to £37,500
  • PhD STEM / Immigration Salary List or New Entrant route: from £30,960 to £33,400
  • Transitional arrangements for those granted on the route prior to 4 April 2024 – minimum general threshold for those extending or making change of employment applications increasing from £29,000 to £31,300
• A new Temporary Shortage List will be introduced with around 60 critical roles set at RQF level 3-5. Candidates on this route will not be able to bring dependents with them or benefit from visa fee discounts
  • Additionally, these roles will be time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only remain if the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) give their recommendation to do so
  • The Immigration Salary List will still remain in place but be phased out by December 2026

More changes are expected to come throughout the year, so keep checking back with Total Law to stay informed of latest developments.

The Skilled Worker Visa is a point-based visa that requires applicants to score 70 points. Applicants receive 50 points for holding an approved job offer with the required skill level and English language proficiency. If the applicant fulfils the minimum salary requirement, they will receive 20 points.

To qualify for this work visa, applicants must score 70 points, possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and have two years of appropriate work experience at one of the eligible jobs for the Skilled Worker Visa UK.

Applicants must provide proof that they meet the following UK visa requirements to qualify:

• Be sponsored by a UK-based employer approved by the Home Office
• The job must be genuine and has to be one of the eligible occupations
• The role must be at a required level and meet the skill level criteria
• Applicants must meet the minimum salary requirement (£41,700 per year) or the ‘going rate’ for the applicant’s occupation type
• Applicants must have adequate English language proficiency (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at level B1 or have a degree or other academic qualification taught in English)
• The financial requirement must be met and proven that the applicant can support themselves during their stay in the UK – you must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 days in a row within 31 days of applying for your visa to prove that you meet this requirement.

Emirati applicants must provide documents to support their application and prove their eligibility for a Skilled Worker Visa. The documents needed may include:

• Valid passport or other travel document
• Two recent colour passport photographs
• Visa application form
• Appointment letter confirmation
• Fee payment receipt
• Personal cover letter
• Certificate of sponsorship – an electronic record of your job
• The name of the employer and their sponsor licence number
• Applicant’s job title, occupation code and annual salary
• Proof of English language proficiency – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at level B1 or have a degree or other academic qualification taught in English
• A bank statement showing sufficient funds or a certificate of sponsorship confirming that your employer is going to support you
• Income tax returns for the last 3 years

You can only apply for this visa from within the UK if you already live in the UK with a visa that permits you to switch to the Skilled Worker Visa.

You must submit an online application with supporting documents and pay the application fee to apply. You will then be prompted to book an appointment at your nearest visa centre. Seven visa centres are available in the UAE: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Ajman, Radisson Damac, Radisson Red DSO, and Sharjah PAC.

Once granted the Skilled Worker Visa, you can stay in the UK and re-enter the country for a maximum of 5 years. If you continue meeting the eligibility criteria, you can extend your visa every five years before it expires.

After living in the UK for five years, you can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as a permanent settlement. The ILR allows you to live and work in the UK without restrictions.

Once your visa application is received, you will receive a decision in three weeks if you are outside the UK or eight weeks if you are applying inside the UK. Please note that the processing time may take longer if your supporting documents need to be verified, you must attend a visa interview, or you must undergo additional background checks.

Applicants who need a faster decision on their visa application can pay an additional fee and get a ‘Priority Service’ to receive their visa decision within 5 working days. If you need your decision by the end of the next working day, you can choose the ‘Super Priority Service’.

You’ll find out if you’re eligible for a faster decision when submitting your visa application.

If you choose the ‘Priority Service’ when you apply, you will need to pay £500 in addition to your application fee. If you’re eligible for the ‘Super Priority Service’, you must pay £1000 plus the application fee.

The cost of the Skilled Worker Visa depends on the duration of your stay in the UK and whether you’re applying from within or outside the UK. If you’re applying from outside the UK, it costs £819 per person for up to 3 years or £1,618 per person for more than three years.

If you’re within the UK and want to extend, switch or update your visa, it costs £943 per person for up to 3 years or £1,865 per person for more than three years.

Applicants whose job is on the Immigration Salary List will pay a lower application fee. If you stay in the UK for up to 3 years, the visa application will cost £628. If you stay in the UK for over three years, it will cost £1,235. The fees will be the same whether you apply from the UK or the UAE.

You must also pay the annual Healthcare Surcharge fee of £1035

Visa applications can be denied or refused if applicants do not meet the UK visa requirements or if there is evidence of false representation.

If your visa is refused, you can submit an appeal within the deadline outlined in your decision letter. If appealing the decision is not an option or is unsuccessful, applicants can re-apply for the Skilled Worker Visa, ensuring that the application is corrected to avoid further refusal.

When challenging the decision made by the Home Office, it is recommended to speak to an immigration lawyer, who can advise you on your next step and explain the different options available in your case.

If your application has been refused, call 0333 305 9375. Total Law advisers specialise in the UK immigration system and are here to guide you through the appeal process while keeping you informed about the progress of your case.