Why Skilled Worker Visa Applications Get Refused and How to Prevent It

Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa is an important step for professionals seeking to live and work in the United Kingdom. Yet, every year, thousands of Skilled Worker Visa applications are refused often for reasons that could easily have been avoided.

This blog looks through some of the most common reasons Skilled Worker Visa applications are refused, why they are rejected and ways you can prevent this from happening to you.

The Job is not on the Eligible Occupations List (or the wrong SOC Code is used)

Why This Leads to Refusal

Each Skilled Worker Visa application must correspond to an eligible occupation code (SOC Code) listed by the Home Office. Employers sometimes assign the wrong code, or the job description does not accurately match the duties required for that code.

If the Home Office concludes that the job does not genuinely correspond to the occupation code used, the application will be refused.

How to Prevent It

• Check the latest eligible occupations list published on the UK Governments website

• Match job duties, not just the job title, to the relevant occupation code

• Confirm that the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) correctly lists the SOC code and provides an accurate job description

Salary Below the Required Threshold

Why This Leads to Refusal

This is one of the most common reasons Skilled Worker Visa applications are refused. As of 2025, the minimum salary for most roles under this route is £38,700 per year or the going rate for the relevant occupation, whichever is higher.

Applications are often rejected because:

• The salary on the CoS is incorrect or incomplete

• The amount has been calculated incorrectly for part-time or variable-hours work

• Applicants have confused gross and net pay

How to Prevent It:

• Verify your salary against the current threshold for your occupation before applying

• Ensure the salary on your CoS matches your employment contract or offer letter

• If you are renewing or changing employers, confirm that the new role still meets the minimum requirement

Certain roles such as those on the Shortage Occupation List or under the Health and Care Visa, may have reduced salary thresholds. Always check the current list before applying.

Incomplete or Incorrect Supporting Documents

Why This Leads to Refusal

Even well-qualified applicants are often refused because of missing or incorrect documentation. Common issues include:

• Bank statements which do not cover the required 28 days

• Expired English language test certificates

• Missing or invalid tuberculosis (TB) test results for out-of-country applicants

Home Office caseworkers are required to refuse any application if any mandatory evidence is missing.

How to Prevent It:

• Use the document checklist generated by your online application and ensure every required item is uploaded

• Provide clear proof of relationship for dependants (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc)

• Make sure all documents are legible, complete and either in English or accompanied by a certified translation

Consistency is crucial. Double-check that names, dates and job details match across all documents to avoid unnecessary suspicion.

Issues with the Employer's Sponsor Licence

Why This Leads to Refusal

Another common reason Skilled Worker Visa applications are refused has nothing to do with the applicant personally but if the sponsoring employer's licence has expired, been suspended, or revoked, the application cannot legally be approved.

Refusals also occur when a Certificate of Sponsorship is incorrectly assigned. For example, with the wrong start date or unclear job description.

How to Prevent It:

• Confirm your employer's sponsor licence status on the official register of licenced sponsors

• Ensure your CoS reference number is valid and active when you apply

• If your employer has only recently obtained a licence, it is wise to seek professional guidance before the CoS is issued

If a refusal occurs due to a suspended sponsor licence, the employer, not the applicant, must resolve the issue. You may need a new CoS before re-applying.

The Home Office Doubts the Genuineness of the Role

Why This Leads to Refusal

Even when salary, sponsorship, and documents are in order, the Home Office may still refuse a Skilled Worker Visa if it doubts that the job offer is genuine. This may happen when:

• The duties appear too basic for the states SOC code

• The employer has a poor compliance or audit record

• The applicant gives inconsistent information or fails a genuineness interview

How to Prevent This:

• Provide a clear, detailed job description consistent with your qualifications and experience

• Be prepared for a genuineness interview and answer questions confidently and truthfully

• Employers should retain full recruitment records, including job advertisements and interview notes, to demonstrate the role is legitimate

If your visa is refused on genuineness grounds and you believe the decision was unfair, you may be able to request an Administrative Review.

Final Thoughts

The UK Skilled Worker Visa remains one of the most reliable routes for overseas professionals, but it is also one of the most scrutinised. Small administrative or technical errors can lead to refusal, even for well-qualified applicants.

By understanding why Skilled Worker Visa applications are refused and taking the right preventative steps, applicants can significantly improve their chances of success.

Careful preparation, accurate documentation, and professional guidance are key to avoiding refusal and ensuring a smooth transition to working in the United Kingdom. Contact info@ctcadministration.com today so we can help you launch as strong application as possible.