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 · Updated 2026-09-15
Find requirements by country
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Destination
Passport
Purpose
Working abroad in a skilled role that meets the destination's eligibility criteria.
Who it’s for
Professionals with qualifications, experience and a sponsored job offer in an eligible occupation.
How you apply
Sponsor-led application with evidence of skills, salary and the eligible role.
How Krosz helps
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.
Destinations
Researched from official immigration sources. Each country has its own detailed guide.
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (permanent residence)
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) and Residence Permit for Skilled Workers (§18a/§18b AufenthG)
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
S Pass
General Employment Permit
Highly Skilled Professional (points-based system)
Red-White-Red Card – Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
Positive List for Skilled Work
Figures come from each country's official immigration source, linked on every guide. Always confirm before applying.
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, destination and circumstances — always confirm for your exact case.
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. 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
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.
Need help with your Skilled Worker Visa?
Tell us where you're going — a Krosz visa expert will walk you through it.
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
Practical
FAQ
About the Skilled Worker Visa, answered by Krosz visa experts.
A work permit for qualified professionals filling an eligible skilled role that meets skill and salary criteria, usually with employer sponsorship.
Each country defines eligible occupations and skill levels, often via an occupation list or points system. Confirm your role qualifies before applying.
Many skilled routes set a minimum salary. The exact figure varies by country and role — check the current threshold.
Many skilled worker routes require an English test. Check the required level for your destination.
Most skilled routes allow dependants, subject to conditions. Confirm with the specific programme.
A skilled worker visa requires the role to meet a skill threshold and often a salary minimum; a general work visa may cover broader roles without those gates.
Many skilled routes offer a path to permanent residence after a qualifying period, but it is not automatic.
Usually you need a new sponsorship or amendment. Check the rules before switching employers.
Share your trip and a Krosz visa expert will explain the skilled worker visa process for your destination. No documents or payment needed at this stage.
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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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