Rule Change · 7 min read

Mastering Your UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary in 2026

The UK's Skilled Worker visa salary rules changed significantly in April 2026. Understanding the general £41,700 threshold, occupation-specific going rates, and new discount categories is crucial for a successful application. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know and how to make sure your job offer meets the requirements.

The UK's Skilled Worker visa salary rules underwent significant changes in April 2026, and it's completely understandable if you're feeling a bit lost. The new thresholds, combined with different rules for specific roles and situations, can make it challenging to figure out exactly what salary you need to secure a UK job offer. But don't worry, we're here to break it down and help you understand these crucial updates.

The New General Salary Threshold

As of April 2026, the general minimum salary threshold for most Skilled Worker visa applicants increased to £41,700 per year. This is a substantial jump from previous years and forms the baseline for most applications. However, it's not the only figure you need to consider. The Home Office also requires your salary to meet the going rate for your specific occupation code, whichever is higher.

Think of it this way: you must satisfy both conditions.

1. Your salary must be at least £41,700 per year.
2. Your salary must be at least the specific 'going rate' for your job's Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, as published by the Home Office.

So, if your job's going rate is £45,000, you need to be paid at least £45,000, even though the general threshold is £41,700. If your job's going rate is £39,000, you'd still need to be paid at least £41,700.

Finding Your Occupation's Going Rate

Each eligible occupation code has a defined going rate, usually based on the 50th percentile of full-time salaries for that profession. You'll need to know your job's four-digit SOC code to find the exact figure. Your employer should be able to provide this, as it will be listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The Home Office publishes detailed lists of going rates for all eligible occupation codes.

Special Rules and Salary Discounts

While £41,700 is the general rule, some roles and applicants qualify for a lower salary threshold. This is where things can get a bit more complex, but also more hopeful for certain individuals.

1. Health and Care Workers

If you're applying for a Skilled Worker visa under the Health and Care route, the salary rules are different. As of April 2026, you generally need to be paid at least £30,960 per year, or the going rate for your specific occupation code, whichever is higher. Importantly, for Health and Care roles, the going rate is usually based on the 20th percentile of salaries, making it lower than for other Skilled Worker roles. This applies to eligible healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.

2. New Entrants to the Labour Market

If you're a 'new entrant' to the UK labour market, you might qualify for a reduced salary threshold. This category is primarily for:

• Those under the age of 26 at the time of application.
• Applicants switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa.
• Those switching from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa.
• Applicants sponsored for a postdoctoral position.
• Those working towards professional qualification in a regulated profession.

If you qualify as a new entrant, you need to be paid at least £30,000 per year, and at least 70% of the going rate for your occupation code, and at least 70% of the general threshold (£29,190). You must meet the highest of these three figures.

• Example: If your occupation's going rate is £48,000 (meaning 70% is £33,600), you'd need to be paid at least £33,600, as this is higher than £30,000 and £29,190.

3. Jobs on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)

Some occupations deemed to be in shortage in the UK are placed on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). If your job is on this list, you can be paid a discounted salary. As of April 2026, for TSL roles, you need to be paid at least £33,360 per year, and at least 80% of the going rate for your occupation code, and at least 80% of the general threshold (£33,360). Again, you must meet the highest of these three figures.

• Example: If your TSL occupation's going rate is £45,000 (meaning 80% is £36,000), you'd need to be paid at least £36,000, as this is higher than £33,360.

4. PhD-Level Occupations

If your job requires a PhD, or if you're sponsored for a postdoctoral research position, there are specific concessions. For roles requiring a PhD in a STEM subject, you can be paid at least 80% of the going rate for your occupation code and meet a general threshold of £33,360. For other PhD-level roles, it's 90% of the going rate and a general threshold of £37,530. Always check the specific guidance for your role and qualification.

What Counts Towards Your Salary?

When the Home Office assesses your salary, they look at your guaranteed basic gross pay. This includes:

• Basic pay
• Guaranteed allowances (e.g., London weighting, shift allowances, provided they are guaranteed and fixed)

It does not include:

• Non-guaranteed bonuses or commissions
• Overtime pay
• Allowances that are not guaranteed as part of your regular pay (e.g., accommodation or car allowances)
• Pensions, sick pay, or statutory payments

Your salary must be paid directly into your bank account and be compliant with National Minimum Wage regulations.

Practical Steps to Ensure Your Salary Meets Requirements

1. Understand Your Occupation Code: This is the bedrock of your salary calculation. Ask your potential employer for the four-digit SOC code they intend to use for your Certificate of Sponsorship.
2. Check the Going Rate: Once you have the SOC code, consult the official Home Office guidance for the exact going rate for your specific job. This will typically be listed as an hourly rate, which you'll convert to an annual salary based on a 39-hour working week (or the actual hours if fewer, but not less than 37.5 hours for going rate calculation).
3. Identify if You Qualify for a Discount: Determine if you fit into the Health and Care, New Entrant, or TSL categories. This could significantly alter your required salary.
4. Confirm with Your Employer: Ensure your sponsor is aware of the latest 2026 rules and confirms that the salary offered on your Certificate of Sponsorship meets all applicable thresholds – general, going rate, and any relevant discounts.

The first step is always securing a valid job offer from a licensed employer. You can start by browsing our directory of 130,000+ UK visa sponsors to see who's sponsoring in your field and understand their typical hiring needs.

Beyond the Salary: Total Costs

While salary thresholds are a major hurdle, remember they are just one part of the financial requirements. You'll also face application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – currently £1,035 per year – and potentially priority service fees. Total costs depend on your dependants, route length, and whether you opt for priority. Get an exact breakdown for your specific situation with our free UK visa cost calculator.

Navigating Complex Scenarios

Trying to figure out your exact going rate or whether you qualify as a 'new entrant' can be tricky, especially with the multiple conditions. For personalised advice and to clarify specific scenarios, our AI immigration assistant is available to guide you through the intricacies of the 2026 rules.

These updated salary thresholds are a key part of the UK's recent immigration policy changes, designed to ensure that those coming to the UK contribute significantly to the economy. By understanding these rules thoroughly, you can approach your Skilled Worker visa application with confidence, knowing you meet the financial requirements.

Read this article on Wise Route UK