Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary 2024

The UK Skilled Worker Visa minimum salary is one of the more complex requirements when sponsoring individuals under the Skilled Worker route. It is also one of the most common grounds for visa refusals, where the salary is incorrectly calculated or an incorrect salary threshold is applies.

There is no single, universal Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold. The relevant minimum salary level must be identified using the latest Home Office guidance and ensuring the correct minimum level is used for the specific role and applicant circumstances.

Any errors in applying the rules or in calculating the salary level can result in a refused visa application or even enforcement action against the sponsor for non-compliance with the sponsor guidance rules.

In this guide, we set out the current thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa minimum salary, with guidance on how salaries should be calculated and when lower thresholds may be available.

 

Section A: How Much is the Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary?

 

Appendix Skilled Worker sets out the Skilled Worker salary requirements, including the availability of lower salary thresholds.

In most cases, a Skilled Worker visa worker’s salary must meet or exceed all of the relevant threshold and the going rate for the occupation code as stated in the relevant Table of Appendix Skilled Occupations. For most Skilled Worker applicants, Table 1 will apply, while Table 2 is for specified health and care occupations and transitional provisions in respect of the April 2024 higher thresholds. 

The standard Skilled Worker Visa minimum salary is now £38,700, where no salary discounts are applicable. This threshold was increased for applications submitted on or after 4 April 2024. Previously, the minimum salary threshold was £26,200, which itself was an increase from £25,600 in March 2023.

This means that to be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, most applicants will need to earn at least £38,700 per annum, and meet or exceed the relevant going rate for their occupation code.

Note that Health and Care Worker applicants must meet a lower salary threshold of £29,000 per annum, and the full going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations, where no discounts apply.

If the worker benefits from ‘tradeable points’, they may be able to rely on a lower salary threshold. For example if they have a job offer for a role on the Immigration Salary List (previously known as the shortage occupation list) or they hold a relevant PhD qualification.

Salary thresholds are based on a 37.5-hour working week. Where alternative working patterns are in place, the salary level must be pro-rated based on the relevant weekly working hours.

 

Table 1: Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary Thresholds
Option	Description	Salary Requirements	Points
A	Salary only (no discounts)	The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both: £38,700 per year (general threshold) The full going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
B	Relevant PhD (10% discount on general threshold and going rate)	The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds all of the following: £34,830 per year (general threshold) 90% of the going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
C	Relevant PhD in a STEM subject (20% discount on general threshold and going rate)	The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds all of the following: £30,960 per year (general threshold) 80% of the going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
D	Job in Appendix Immigration Salary List (20% discount on general threshold only)	The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds all of the following: £30,960 per year (general threshold) The going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
E	New entrant (20% discount on general threshold and 30% discount on going rate)	The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds all of the following: £30,960 per year (general threshold) 70% of the going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20

 

Table 2: Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary Thresholds For Specified Health and Care Occupations and Transitional Provision
Option	Description	Salary Requirements	Points
F	Salary only (no discounts)	The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds all of the following: £29,000 per year (general threshold) The full going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
G	Relevant PhD (10% discount on general threshold and going rate)	The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds all of: £26,100 per year (general threshold) 90% of the going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
H	Relevant PhD in a STEM subject (20% salary on general threshold and going rate)	The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds all of: £23,200 per year (general threshold) 80% of the going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
I	Job in Appendix Immigration Salary List (20% discount on general threshold only)	The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds all of: £23,200 per year (general threshold) the full going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
J	New entrant (20% discount on general threshold and 30% discount on going rate)	The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds all of the following: £23,200 per year (general threshold) 70% of the going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations	20
K	Eligible health or education occupation code	The applicant is being sponsored for a job in a listed health or education occupation and their salary equals or exceeds both: £23,200 per year (general threshold); and the going rate for the occupation code as stated in Table 3, 4 or 5 of Appendix Skilled Occupations   Note: The Government announcement in July 2024 to increase pay for NHS Staff is in turn increasing the salaries on each respective pay bands, as such, where going rates are based on national pay scales, these too are increasing for new applications.	20

 

 

3. When Do Lower Minimum Salary Thresholds Apply?

 

In certain circumstances, a lower Skilled Worker visa minimum salary threshold than the standard salary requirement of £38,700 or the job’s standard going rate may be available under the ‘tradeable points’ rules.

Qualifying workers can be paid between 70% and 90% of the usual going rate for their role, if the salary is at least £30,960 per year and meets one of the following criteria:

 

a. The worker is a new entrant, ie under 26 years old, studying, a recent graduate, or in professional training

b. The worker has a technology, science, maths, or engineering (STEM) PhD level qualification that is relevant to the role (a lower threshold of £26,100 applies if the worker has a relevant PhD level qualification in any other subject)

c. The worker has a postdoctoral position in higher education or science

 

4. Roles on the Immigration Salary List

 

The Immigration Salary List features skilled jobs with lower salary requirements. If a job is on this list, the worker benefits from a reduced visa application fee.

For jobs on the Immigration Salary List, a minimum of £30,960 annual salary applies. However, the salary must pay at least the standard going rate for the job.

 

You can read our full guide to the Immigration Salary List here >> 

 

 

5. New Entrants

 

Qualifying new entrants benefit from a reduction in the salary threshold to £30,960, and a lower salary threshold than ‘other workers’ in the same role. As such, anyone relying on the new entrant rate must be able to show that they meet the criteria, ie they are under 26 years of age at the time of making their visa application and they are either:

 

a. Sponsored in a postdoctoral research position, or

b. Working towards professional qualifications, chartered status, or registration.

 

New entrants are however limited to a three-year period of leave. After this period, they must make a further application if they wish to remain in the UK. If continuing under the Skilled Worker route, they would no longer be a ‘new entrant’.

 

Section B: Calculating Salary for the Skilled Worker Visa Applications

 

When calculating the salary for Skilled Worker Visa applications, several components need to be considered:

 

a. Basic Salary: This is the primary salary agreed upon in the employment contract.

b. Allowances: Certain allowances can be included in the salary calculation.

c. Overtime and Bonuses: Generally, these are not included unless guaranteed and contractual.

 

Most salaries are based on a 37.5-hour week, although there are allowable exceptions within the occupation codes list. The base salary is the fixed amount paid to the employee per year, excluding bonuses, overtime, or other allowances. Overtime should be included in the salary calculation if it is regular or guaranteed, but optional overtime is generally not included. Guaranteed bonuses can be included, whereas discretionary bonuses cannot. Commission can be included if it is guaranteed or based on a fixed formula. Allowances such as accommodation or travel expenses are generally not included in the salary calculation.

 

Section C: Selecting the Correct Occupation Code

 

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker route, the role must feature on the Government’s list of eligible occupations under the Immigration Rules. The list also specifies the ‘going rate’ for each role and minimum salary requirements for ‘new entrants’ and other workers.

If the occupation code sets out a higher going rate salary than the relevant absolute minimum threshold, this is the salary that must be paid.

When choosing an occupation code (SOC code), employers should use the CASCOT occupation coding tool to find the closest match to the job being offered and use the correct code relevant to the role. If the occupation code selected is not on the list, it is ineligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. In April 2024, the Home Office moved to the Standard Occupational Classification 2020 coding system; employers are advised to check the new system codes on all applications to ensure compliance with the correct system.

You should also prepare for the Home Office to assess and verify the SOC provided by considering the job description of the role being recruited for.

Failure to enter the correct occupation code is likely to result in the worker’s visa being refused.

If a genuine error has been made in selecting an incorrect occupation code, it may be possible to remedy this. However, if the Home Office believe the incorrect code was originally selected to manufacture sponsorship, as the correct code would not have met the salary or skill level required for the role, then they have the power to suspend the employer’s sponsor licence whilst they investigate further.

The occupation codes list is also continually updated, so it is important to check that previously used codes are still eligible when sponsoring a new worker.

 

Section D: Skilled Worker to ILR minimum salary

 

An individual who has held permission under the Skilled Worker visa route for five years can make an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). In order to do this, they must meet a number of requirements, such as:

 

a. Meet the ILR minimum salary requirement or the going rate for their role, if greater.

b. Proof of identity – a valid passport, valid biometric residence permit, or biometric residence cards are all accepted by the Home Office as proof of identity. Applicants will also need to provide a digital facial photograph and their fingerprints if they do not already have a valid biometric residence card.

c. Proof of continuous residence in the UK – applicants will need to prove they have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for a least 6 months in a 12-month period for 5 consecutive years.

d. Declare any criminal convictions if the applicant is over the age of 18 – ‘spent convictions’, ‘cautions’, or fines do not need to be declared.

 

Section E: Summary

 

The salary rules for Skilled Worker visa applications are complex, and have been subject to frequent change. However, any issues or errors with salary calculations or stated salaries for applications can result in application refusals and potential enforcement action. To avoid problems, take professional advice for guidance on complying with the relevant rules and thresholds.

 

Section F: Need Assistance?

 

We are specialists in UK business immigration, with substantial experience and recognised expertise in advising employers and workers on all aspects of hiring under the Skilled Worker visa and sponsoring skilled workers. For specialist immigration advice on Skilled Worker eligibility and the application process, including calculating salary and matching occupational codes, contact us.

 

Section G: Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary FAQs

 

What is the minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa?

Under the Skilled Worker visa, most applicants will be required to earn a minimum salary of £38,700 per year or the relevant going rate for their role – whichever is higher. A lower salary threshold may be available if certain criteria apply, such as the role being included on the Immigration Salary List or the worker being classed as a ‘new entrant’ or having a relevant PhD.

 

What are the requirements for Skilled Worker visa?

A worker must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa: the role is eligible for the visa; the worker will be paid the minimum salary or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work the worker will be doing – whichever is the greater; the worker will work for a UK employer that is licensed to sponsor overseas workers.

 

How many hours can you work on a Skilled Worker visa?

Most salaries are based on a 37.5-hour week, although there are allowable exceptions within the occupation codes list. The hours worked become more important where the worker is going to be in receipt of the exact minimum salary for their role. Any worker paid the minimum salary but expected to work more than their contracted hours (usually 37.5 hours per week) is likely to be considered to be paid less than is allowed.

 

What is a job in a shortage occupation?

The Home Office operates the Immigration Salary List, which replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024, which specifies certain roles deemed to short in the supply of workers in the domestic labour market. ISL roles benefit from a lower minimum salary threshold to make it easier for employers to hire from overseas for vacancies in such shortage roles.

 

Does a Skilled Worker visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (settlement)?

Yes, time spent in the UK under the skilled worker route can count towards the period of continuous residence for an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

 

Section H: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Base Salary	The fixed annual amount paid to an employee, excluding bonuses, overtime, and other allowances.
Overtime	Additional pay for hours worked beyond the standard working hours. Included in salary calculation if regular or guaranteed.
Bonuses	Extra payments given to employees. Guaranteed bonuses are included in salary calculations, but discretionary ones are not.
Commission	Earnings based on sales or performance. Included in salary calculation if guaranteed or based on a fixed formula.
Allowances	Additional payments for expenses such as accommodation or travel. Generally not included in salary calculations.
Immigration Salary List	A list of skilled jobs with lower salary requirements and reduced visa application fees.
Going Rate	The average salary for a specific job role as determined by the UK government.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)	A reference number issued by a UK employer with a sponsor licence, necessary for visa applications.
Sponsor Licence	Authorisation that a UK employer must hold to hire foreign workers under the Skilled Worker Visa.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)	An identity card for foreign nationals in the UK, detailing personal information and visa status.
Points-Based System	The UK immigration system that allocates points based on criteria such as job offer, salary, and English proficiency.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	Permanent residency status in the UK, allowing an individual to live and work without time restrictions.
Personal Savings	Proof of funds required to show that an applicant can support themselves financially in the UK.
TB Test	A tuberculosis test required for visa applicants from certain countries.
Police Certificate	A document certifying an individual’s criminal record status, required if they have lived in any country for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Visa Application Centre	A location where visa applicants submit biometric information and supporting documents.
New Entrant	A recent graduate or individual under 26 years old applying for their first professional role, eligible for a lower salary threshold.
Shortage Occupation List	Home Office’s previous list of jobs in the UK identified as having a shortage of workers, often with lower salary thresholds, replaced the Immigration Salary List in April 2024.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

 

Section I: Additional Resources

 

UK Visas and Immigration: Skilled Worker Visa
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Comprehensive guide on eligibility, application process, and requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa.

 

Guidance for Sponsors: Skilled Worker Visa
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workers-and-temporary-workers-guidance-for-sponsors-part-2-sponsorship-duties
Detailed information for employers on sponsorship duties and compliance.

 

Visa Application Process
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply
Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa: Step-by-step application process for the Skilled Worker Visa.

 

Occupational Codes and Salary Rates
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-occupations
Official list of occupation codes and corresponding salary rates.

 

Explore UK Job Salaries
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing
Tool to explore salary information for various job roles in the UK.