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Sponsored skilled workers

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This section contains information about the routes available to skilled workers who have a job offer.

If you are a Bulgarian or Romanian national, you may need a work permit.

If you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland (except Turkey - see below), you must:

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

You should read the eligibility requirements for your category in full before applying.

If you are a Turkish citizen and you are already in the United Kingdom 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 five different categories of skilled worker. These categories were introduced on 27 November 2008, and are listed below.

Schemes that closed on 26 November 2008

The categories listed below closed on 26 November 2008.

If you are currently in the United Kingdom in the overseas qualified nurses and midwives category, you can apply to extend your stay under the old category.

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