Skilled Worker visa salary requirements explained
One of the most important eligibility checks for the Skilled Worker visa is whether the job offer meets the required salary threshold. This is not a single fixed number — it depends on the occupation code assigned to the role, any sector-specific rules, and whether the applicant qualifies as a new entrant.
The general salary threshold
The Skilled Worker route requires applicants to be paid at least the standard minimum salary or the going rate for their occupation code, whichever is higher. The going rate is set per occupation by the Home Office and reflects what a comparable UK worker in that role would typically earn.
Since April 2024, the general threshold has increased significantly. Because these thresholds are updated periodically, always check the current figures on the Home Office website or through an immigration adviser before accepting an offer.
New entrant and sector-specific rates
Some applicants qualify for a lower salary threshold as a new entrant to the workforce. This typically applies to recent graduates, those switching from certain student or graduate visas, or workers in the early stages of their career. The new entrant rate allows the job to pay less than the standard threshold, up to a specified limit.
The health and social care sector also has separate rules that differ from the general route. Roles such as care workers and nurses may have distinct minimum salary requirements that do not follow the standard Skilled Worker thresholds. These rules can change, so verifying the current position for your specific job code is essential.
Why salary affects your employer shortlist
Understanding salary requirements helps you shortlist employers more effectively. A sponsor licence does not guarantee that every vacancy at a company will meet the threshold. Some roles at a licensed employer may not qualify if the pay level or occupation code falls short.
When researching companies, focus on employers known to hire at the right level for your occupation. Sponsor data can tell you whether a company has a history of issuing sponsorship, but the specific vacancy and its pay structure still need independent verification.
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