Since the rules for the Skilled Worker route have been tightened by the Labour government and the government’s focus is on reducing the number of immigrants in the UK, the Home Office has been trying to find every way possible to look for reasons to refuse applications. Some of the cases are not properly considered in haste, and some sets of questions don’t even apply to the role or circumstances of the applicants.

The government has increased the levels of the key criteria (skill, salary, and English language ability) for the Skilled Worker route in 2025 and 2026. 

 In this effort, from 22 July 2025, the skill level required for the jobs on the Skilled Worker route has been increased to RQF level 6 (graduate level, meaning highly-skilled jobs) for most jobs unless the job appears on the ISL (Immigration Salary List) or the TSL (Temporary Shortage List).

Standard salary requirements for migrants who have been issued their first CoS on or after 22 July 2025 have been increased to £41,700. 

From 8 January 2026, applicants applying on this route will also be required to fulfil the English language ability at CEFR level B2 instead of the CEFR level B1 applicable for applications made before this date.

 Other than this, the applicants have to go through stricter scrutiny to assess whether they are genuine applicants.

Test of the genuineness of the applicant

The new policy appears to be enforcing the test of genuineness, which was not done previously, and now, even if you are a genuine applicant, you may need to provide this. To assess your genuineness, you will be asked to attend interviews where you will be asked various questions related to your:

• Knowledge of the job role, salary, and skill level mentioned on your CoS

• Your relevant experience of the skills needed to do the role

• Your knowledge of the sponsor in the UK

• Your knowledge of the English language

• Explanation of how you were recruited

• Any other relevant information

When you apply to obtain entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK, UKVI must be satisfied that 

• You genuinely intend to carry out the job role described in your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship), 

• You have the skills as well as the ability required to perform that role, and 

• You do not intend to take up any employment/role outside the sponsored position, or as otherwise permitted within the conditions of your visa.

As part of this assessment, UKVI may ask you to attend an interview. If you fail to attend the interview or cooperate with UKVI without a valid reason, it may result in the refusal of your Skilled Worker visa application.

If the caseworker handling your application believes that you are complicit in being sponsored for a job vacancy that is not genuine, they may ask you to attend an interview. 

Likewise, if the caseworker believes that you are aware that the job position you have been sponsored for does not meet the appropriate skill level and that you are complicit in misrepresenting it, they may invite you to attend an interview. 

In these circumstances, UKVI will clearly explain the specific concerns and give you an opportunity to respond, either through an interview or by providing a written response, before reaching a decision. If it is concluded that you were complicit, this will be stated as a reason in the refusal decision.

General list of questions you can expect in the interview

We have outlined a general list of likely questions to help you understand what types of questions you can expect during the interview. 

Importantly, the answers to these questions will always depend on your personal circumstances and the information you have provided in your Skilled Worker visa application. 

• Are you fit, well, and happy to be interviewed?

• Please confirm your full name, date of birth, and Nationality.

• Please confirm which visa you have applied for and why?

• Who completed the application form for you?

• Did you check the form before submission?

• Who submitted the application form for you?

• Have you previously visited the UK and why?

• Have you ever been refused a UK visa, what was the reason for this?

• Do you have any other immigration breaches you wish to disclose?

About your employment: 

• How did you find this job?

• How did you find the employer?

• Where was the job advertised?

• When did you apply for this job?

• How were you interviewed?

• What were you asked at the interview?

• What degree or qualification do you have relevant to this job?

• Why did you apply to this employer?

• What other employers did you apply to?

• Why didn’t you take the employment with other employers?

• What skills do you have to do this job?

• There may be questions related to your job – for example – chef may be asked on cross contamination, a business development manager may be asked about the methods they will use to generate business, etc. 

• What Experience do you have for this job? 

• What are your main duties and responsibilities for this employment?

• What is the address of your employer or workplace?

• Will your employer certify your maintenance?

• Where will you reside for the first month?

• What are your working hours?

• Who will you report to?

• Did you pay any money to the employer for this employment?

• What does the company do? – There can be further questions based on the nature of the business

• How many other staff does the company have?

• How many other people were interviewed for this role?

• Have you known your employer before?

Certificate of Sponsorship:

• Who assigned your CoS?

• What is your job title on the CoS?

• Do you know your occupation code?

• What is your salary on the CoS?

• Who decided on the salary? Did you negotiate?

• Do you have your employment contract?

• How did you sign the employment contract?

• How were you sent the contract?

• Who paid for the CoS?

• Were you asked to pay any money for the CoS?

• How will you receive your salary

Other Questions: 

• How do you meet the English Language Requirement?

• Where did you take the exam?

• What fee did you pay for it, did you book it yourself, or who booked it for you?

• How much money do you have in your bank account?

• Where will you live when you arrive?

• How will you commute to work?

• Do you have any family or friends in the UK?

• How many other companies shortlisted you?

• When were you first contacted by the company?

• Why did you choose this company?

• Do you have any dependents?

• Did you apply for jobs in any other country? Why? Why not?

• What did you do in your country of residence/home country?

• What is your long-term plan?

• What will you do if your job ends?

• Will you work for any other employer?

The questions listed above are only to give you an idea of the questions that can be put forward, so that you can prepare well for them. However, further questions can be asked in relation to your immigration history, skills, work experience, and the employment you are coming to the UK for.

How can Visa and Migration help?

We help businesses and applicants to meet the latest Skilled Worker requirements. As the UK government continues to tighten the rules for this route, our job is to ensure that both employers and applicants understand the change and meet the requirements successfully.

If you are applying for the Skilled Worker route, you should be prepared for an interview in which you may be asked a range of questions about your job, employer/sponsor, immigration history, any criminal convictions, etc. 

Should you need assistance or advice in connection with your Skilled Worker Visa interview and process, you can contact Visa and Migration Ltd on 02034111261 or

email us on info@visaandmigration.com