A skilled worker visa is a work permit for qualified professionals filling an eligible skilled role abroad. It usually requires a job offer, employer sponsorship, and proof that the role and applicant meet skill and salary thresholds.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
Purpose
Working abroad in a skilled role that meets the destination's eligibility criteria.
Who is it for?
Professionals with qualifications, experience and a sponsored job offer in an eligible occupation.
Typical application method
Sponsor-led application with evidence of skills, salary and the eligible role.
Can Krosz help?
Krosz can help you understand the general skilled worker route and documents. These permits are sponsor-driven; we are a private service and not a government authority.
Krosz does not publish fabricated processing times, fees, validity or stay durations. Country-specific figures appear only when pulled from Krosz's verified visa database.
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
Overview
A skilled worker visa is a category of work permit for roles that meet a defined skill level and often a minimum salary. It is designed for qualified professionals rather than casual or low-skill labour.
It is built around an eligible occupation list or points system in many countries. The applicant must usually have a confirmed offer, sponsorship, and qualifications matched to the role.
It is distinct from seasonal or temporary worker visas (short, lower-skill) and from a general work visa where skill thresholds may not apply.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
Activities
Skilled employment
Working in the sponsored skilled role.
Local salary
Earning a salary that meets the threshold.
Residence
Living in the country for the job duration.
Path to permanence
Many routes lead to longer residence over time.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category are shown. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid with sufficient validity and blank pages.
Photograph
Recent photo meeting the destination's rules.
Application form
Completed skilled worker application.
Sponsorship certificate
Certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer.
Qualifications
Degree, professional credentials and experience evidence.
Salary evidence
Contract showing the role meets the salary threshold.
Background & health checks
Police clearance and health checks where required.
Process
A category-specific application timeline. Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Meet the criteria
Confirm your occupation is eligible and you meet skill and salary points.
Get sponsorship
Obtain a sponsorship certificate from a licensed employer.
Prepare documents
Gather qualifications, contract, police clearance and identity documents.
Apply & pay
Submit the skilled worker visa application with the sponsorship certificate.
Points assessment
The authority assesses skill, salary, English and sponsorship.
Decision
Receive the visa tied to the sponsored skilled role.
Krosz tool
Tell us where you want to travel and your passport. We'll route you to the right Krosz visa page.
Destinations
Only destinations where Krosz has verified data for this purpose are shown. We never claim every country offers a visa with the same name.
Krosz does not currently process this visa category for specific destinations.
Contact the relevant embassy or authority for the country you plan to visit, or for guidance.
Comparison
| Point of comparison | Skilled Worker Visa | General Work Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Skill level | Must meet a defined skill threshold | May not require a specific skill threshold |
| Occupation | Eligible occupation list | Broader range of roles |
| Salary | Often a minimum salary requirement | Varies; may be lower |
| Path to permanence | Usually clearer route to permanent residence | Varies widely |
Be prepared
General, educational reasons relevant to this category. We never publish invented refusal rates.
Practical
FAQ
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-09-15.
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