Skilled Worker Visa Refusals – Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (2025 Guide)

Receiving a Skilled Worker Visa refusal can feel discouraging. You may have spent weeks gathering documents, paying fees, and preparing your application, only to receive bad news.

The truth is that many refusals happen because of simple mistakes that could have been avoided.
This guide explains the most common reasons for refusal in 2025, how to fix them, and how to make sure your next application succeeds.

At AHJ Immigration, we have helped many professionals rebuild their cases and get approved after a refusal.

Why Skilled Worker Visas Get Refused

The Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas professionals to work in the UK for an employer that holds a sponsor licence.
It is one of the most popular routes to settlement, but Home Office caseworkers are strict about compliance.

Even one missing document or mismatch can lead to a refusal.
Here are the top reasons applications are rejected in 2025.

1. Employer Does Not Have a Sponsor Licence

Only companies approved by the Home Office can sponsor Skilled Worker Visa applicants.
If your employer is not on the official Sponsor List, your application will be refused immediately.

Always verify your employer’s licence before accepting a job.
We check this as part of every consultation to save you time and risk.

2. Incorrect or Expired Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship that lists your job title, occupation code, and salary.

Refusals happen when:

• The CoS has expired (valid for 3 months only)
• The job title or salary does not match the details on your application
• The employer selected the wrong occupation code

Before applying, make sure all CoS details are correct and match your offer letter.

3. Salary Below the Minimum Threshold

In 2025, the minimum salary for most Skilled Worker jobs increased to £38,700 per year.

Lower salaries apply only for specific cases such as:

• Shortage Occupation roles
• Health and Care Worker roles
• New entrants (graduates)

If your salary falls below the required rate for your occupation code, your visa will be refused.
We verify your salary and occupation code before you apply.

4. Missing or Incorrect Documents

Every application must include the correct supporting documents.
Common issues include:

• Missing bank statements
• Unclear English test certificates
• Expired passports
• Unverified translations

The Home Office rejects incomplete applications, even if your job offer is genuine.
We make sure every document is included, formatted, and labelled properly.

5. Insufficient Proof of English

You must prove your English-language ability through one of the following:

• A Secure English Language Test (SELT) at level B1 or higher
• A degree taught in English
• Citizenship from an exempt country

If you upload an invalid or unverified certificate, the application will be refused.
Always use an approved provider listed on the GOV.UK website.

6. Financial Requirement Not Met

If your employer does not cover your first month’s costs, you must show at least £1,270 in personal savings.
Dependants require extra funds:

• Partner: £285
• First child: £315
• Each additional child: £200

Applications are refused if these funds are missing or the bank statements are too recent.

7. Applying Under the Wrong Occupation Code

Each job on the Skilled Occupation List has a specific code.
Using the wrong one may result in automatic refusal.

For example, “office manager” and “operations manager” are different codes with different salary rules.
We confirm the correct code before you apply to prevent confusion.

8. Applying Without a Proper Job Offer

You must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor before applying.
Speculative applications or offers from unregistered companies are not accepted.

Always ensure your job offer letter includes your position, salary, and sponsor ID.

What to Do If Your Application Is Refused

If your visa is refused, the Home Office will send you a refusal letter explaining why.

Your options are:

1. Reapply with the correct evidence
2. Request an Administrative Review if you believe the Home Office made an error
3. Seek professional advice before reapplying

We review your refusal letter line by line and rebuild your case for a successful outcome.

How to Avoid Refusal

• Double-check that your employer is licensed
• Confirm your occupation code and salary meet the new threshold
• Upload every required document clearly
• Take an approved English test
• Seek advice if unsure before applying

Preparation and attention to detail are the keys to success.

Costs in 2025

(Verified October 2025 Home Office data)

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

We know how stressful refusals can be.
Our role is to make sure your next application is correct and complete.

Our services include:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Review your refusal letter and next steps.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Full document and compliance review (deducted from final fees).
• Application preparation: We rebuild your case for approval.
• Communication: We handle all correspondence with the Home Office.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 for expert help today.

Skilled Worker Refusals FAQs

1. What should I do if my Skilled Worker Visa is refused?
Read your refusal letter carefully and seek advice before reapplying. You may be able to request an Administrative Review.

2. Can I appeal a Skilled Worker Visa refusal?
No direct appeal right exists, but you can request an Administrative Review if there was an error.

3. Can I reapply after a refusal?
Yes. Once you fix the issues in your application, you can reapply at any time.

4. Does a refusal affect my future applications?
It can, if the reason was serious. Most refusals for missing documents do not cause long-term issues.

5. How long does an Administrative Review take?
Usually between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case.

Rebuild Your Skilled Worker Application with Confidence

A refusal is not the end. With the right advice, your next application can be stronger and approved faster.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to book your free 30-minute consultation, or schedule a 1-hour paid session (£120) for a full review of your refusal letter and documents.