Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements 2026: What You Need to Earn

1. Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa Salary Rules

If you are considering applying for a Skilled Worker visa, one of the first questions you will have is whether your salary meets the Home Office requirements. The rules changed significantly in April 2024, and the thresholds are now higher than under the old Tier 2 (General) system. The general salary threshold is currently set at £38,700 per year, but this is only part of the picture. You must also meet the “going rate” for your specific occupation, which means your salary needs to be at least as high as the general threshold AND the going rate, whichever is higher.

It is important to understand that the Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) route in December 2020, and the salary rules have been updated several times since then. The current framework is designed to ensure that sponsored workers are paid fairly and that UK employers are not using the visa system to undercut local wages. If you are unsure whether your job offer meets the requirements, you should check the latest guidance or speak to an immigration adviser.

2. How the General Salary Threshold Works

The general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa is £38,700 per year, based on a 37.5-hour working week. This works out to approximately £15.88 per hour. However, if your job is listed on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), or if you are a new entrant to the labour market, you may be able to benefit from a lower threshold.

For occupations on the Immigration Salary List, the general threshold is reduced to £30,960 per year, which is 80% of the standard rate. This recognises that certain sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, face particular shortages and need to recruit from overseas. If your role is on this list, your employer does not need to pay the full £38,700, but they must still pay at least the going rate for your specific occupation code.

The going rate is calculated based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for your job. Each SOC code has a specific annual salary attached to it, and your employer must pay you at least this amount. For example, if you are a software developer (SOC code 2134), the going rate might be higher than £38,700, in which case you must be paid the going rate rather than just the general threshold.

3. New Entrant Concessions and Lower Thresholds

If you qualify as a “new entrant,” you can be paid 80% of the going rate for your occupation, provided your salary is at least £30,960 per year. You are considered a new entrant if you are under 26 on the date of application, if you are applying for a postdoctoral position in a scientific role, if you are working towards a professional qualification, or if you have recently graduated from a UK university. This concession is designed to help younger workers and recent graduates access the UK labour market without facing the full salary barrier.

The new entrant rate can be applied for a maximum of four years, including any time spent on a Graduate visa or as a dependant of a Skilled Worker. After this period, you will need to meet the full salary requirements when you extend your visa or apply for settlement. It is worth noting that if you switch employers, your new sponsor must also confirm that you still qualify as a new entrant if they wish to use the lower threshold.

For those applying under the Health and Care Worker visa, which is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker route, the salary requirements are different. Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals must be paid at least £23,200 per year or the going rate for their specific role, whichever is higher. This lower threshold reflects the pay scales within the NHS and the social care sector.

4. Calculating Your Salary Correctly

One of the most common reasons for refusal is incorrect salary calculation. The Home Office calculates your salary based on the basic gross pay you receive for a standard working week of up to 48 hours. If you work more than 48 hours, only the first 48 hours are counted towards the salary threshold, even if you are paid for additional hours. This means that overtime does not help you meet the threshold unless it is guaranteed and included in your basic salary.

Allowances, benefits in kind, and employer pension contributions do not count towards the salary threshold. Only guaranteed basic gross pay is considered. If you receive bonuses, commissions, or overtime pay, these are generally excluded unless they are guaranteed and contractual. Your employer must state your exact salary on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and this figure must match what is stated in your employment contract.

If you are unsure whether your salary meets the requirements, you can use the online calculator provided by the Home Office, or you can seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. Getting the calculation wrong can lead to a refused application, which is why many applicants choose to work with a professional immigration service to ensure everything is correct before they apply.

5. What Happens If Your Salary Is Too Low

If your salary does not meet the general threshold or the going rate for your occupation, your Skilled Worker visa application will be refused. The Home Office does not have discretion to overlook a salary shortfall, even if your employer is willing to make up the difference through bonuses or other payments. The rules are strict, and the salary stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship is the figure that will be assessed.

In some cases, your employer may be able to increase your salary to meet the threshold, or they may be able to assign a different SOC code that better reflects your duties and has a lower going rate. However, the SOC code must accurately describe your job, and the Home Office will check that the code is appropriate. Misrepresenting your role to use a lower-paying SOC code is considered deception and can result in a refusal and a ban on future applications.

If your application is refused because of salary issues, you may be able to reapply with a higher salary or seek an administrative review if you believe the decision was incorrect. However, prevention is always better than cure. We recommend that you check the salary requirements carefully before you apply, and if you have any doubts, contact us for a consultation.

6. How UK Visa Assistance Can Help

Navigating the Skilled Worker visa salary rules can be confusing, especially with the frequent changes to the Immigration Rules. At UK Visa Assistance, we help both applicants and employers understand exactly what is required and ensure that applications are prepared correctly the first time.

Our team can review your job offer, check that the SOC code is appropriate, verify that your salary meets the threshold, and help you gather the right evidence. We also assist employers with sponsor licence applications and compliance, making sure that their sponsorship records are accurate and up to date.

If you are considering applying for a Skilled Worker visa, or if you are an employer looking to recruit from overseas, get in touch with us today. We offer fixed-fee consultations and full application support, and we will give you honest, straightforward advice about your chances of success.

Sources

• Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker
• GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa
• Home Office: Skilled Worker and Intra-Company Transfer guidance

This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always check gov.uk for the current position. Speak to a qualified adviser before applying.