What the financial requirement is
Most Skilled Worker applicants must show they have enough personal savings to support themselves when they arrive in the UK. This is separate from the salary their sponsor pays them and is checked as part of the visa application.
How much and for how long
The amount required is £1,270. The applicant must show they have held at least this amount for 28 days in a row. Day 28 of that period must fall within 31 days of the date the visa application is submitted.
The funds must be held in the applicant's own account and must remain available. If the balance drops below £1,270 at any point during the 28 day period, the clock resets.
When you do not need to show funds
The applicant does not need to show maintenance funds if either of the following applies:
They have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of application. This exemption is automatic.
Their A-rated sponsor certifies on the Certificate of Sponsorship that it will maintain and accommodate the worker up to the end of their first month of employment, up to £1,270.
What bank statements must show
Where evidence is needed, the applicant's bank statements must:
Show £1,270 held for a consecutive 28 day period
Have a closing date within 31 days of the application date
Show the applicant's name, the account number, and the bank's name and logo
Show every transaction across the period, with no gaps
Dependants
Partners and children applying as dependants must also meet a maintenance requirement, with an additional amount required for each dependant. The same 28 day and 31 day rules apply. The sponsor's certification of maintenance normally covers only the main applicant, not dependants, so dependants usually need to evidence their own funds unless the applicant has been in the UK for 12 months or more.
Government guidance: Skilled Worker visa: money you need