Skilled workers

This section contains information about the routes available to skilled workers who have been offered jobs in the UK.

If you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the European nationals section describes your right to work in the UK.

If you are a national of a country outside the EEA or Switzerland (except Turkey - see below), you will need to apply under Tier 2 of the points-based system. You must:

• have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and a valid certificate of sponsorship; and
• pass a points-based assessment.

Before you apply, you should read the eligibility requirements for your category in full.

If you are a Turkish citizen and you are already in the UK with a visa that gives you the right to work, you may have certain rights under the European Community Association Agreement with Turkey. For more information, see the Citizens of Turkey section.

Categories of skilled worker

There are 4 categories of skilled worker under the points-based system:

Closed categories

The categories listed below closed on 26 November 2008.

If you are currently in the UK in the 'Overseas qualified nurses and midwives' category, and you have spent less than 18 months in the UK in this category, you can apply to extend your stay up to the maximum period of 18 months allowed in this category.

If you are currently here in one of the other categories listed below and you want to extend your stay, you can apply under the transitional arrangements.