The UK Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for overseas professionals to work for a licensed UK employer. Following the major rule changes in 2024 and the July 2025 uprating, salary requirements have increased to reflect the current UK labor market.
Standard Salary Threshold (2026)
For most new applicants, the minimum salary threshold is now:
£41,700 per year
Applicants must be paid the higher of £41,700 or the “going rate” for their specific occupation code (based on the 50th percentile/median of UK earnings).
- Hourly Rate Floor: You must also be paid at least £17.13 per hour.
- Compliance Note: As of March 2026, the Home Office now requires salary compliance to be met within every pay period (usually monthly), rather than just averaged annually.
Lower Salary Thresholds & Discounts
You may qualify for a lower salary threshold if you meet specific “tradeable points” criteria. Even with these discounts, you must still meet the £17.13 per hour floor in most cases.
| Category | General Threshold | Going Rate Requirement |
| Standard Applicants | £41,700 | 100% of going rate |
| New Entrants | £33,400 | 70% of going rate |
| STEM PhD Holders | £33,400 | 80% of going rate |
| Non-STEM PhD Holders | £37,500 | 90% of going rate |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | £33,400 | 100% of going rate |
1. New Entrants
You qualify as a “new entrant” for up to 4 years (including time spent on a Graduate visa) if you:
- Are under 26 years old at the time of application.
- Are switching from a Student or Graduate visa.
- Are working toward professional qualifications (e.g., accountancy or law).
2. Immigration Salary List (ISL)
Roles on the ISL (which replaced the Shortage Occupation List) benefit from a lower general threshold of £33,400, but unlike the old rules, there is no longer a 20% discount on the going rate itself.
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa remains a separate, more affordable sub-category with lower thresholds:
- Standard Health & Care Threshold: £31,300 (or the “lower going rate,” whichever is higher).
- National Pay Scales: If the role is on an NHS pay scale, the salary must simply meet that scale (minimum £25,000).
- Benefit: No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), saving applicants £1,035 per year.
Key Requirements Checklist
- Valid Sponsorship: A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer.
- Skill Level: The job must be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) for most roles, or RQF 3-5 if on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
- English Language: Usually Level B1 on the CEFR scale.
- Maintenance: At least £1,270 in personal savings (unless the employer certifies maintenance).
2026 Application Fees
- Standard Visa (up to 3 years): £827 (outside UK) / £827 (inside UK).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year.
- Health & Care Visa Fee: £284 (up to 3 years).
Need help with your 2026 application?
UK Immigration Advisor
Regulated to provide immigration advice services by the Immigration Advice Authority. Ref No. F202000206
