Skilled Worker visa - eligibility
Each role that can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa has a minimum salary set by UKVI.
The minimum salary rate from 4 April 2024 is the higher of £38,700pa, £15.88ph or, the going rate for that occupation.
There are situations where you can be paid a lower salary than this, depending on the role you are being sponsored for and your individual circumstances.
For help identifying the minimum salary you need to earn, please contact us.
The minimum salary thresholds are based on the gross annual salary that an individual will earn. Bonuses, allowances and benefits will not be taken into account.
Yes, a lower salary can be paid if:
- The worker has a PhD qualification which is relevant to the job
- The worker has a PhD qualification in a STEM subject which is relevant to the job
- The job is on the Immigration Salary list
- The worker is a ‘new entrant’ to the labour market
- The job is in a listed health or education occupation
You may also be able to pay a lower salary if the individual already holds a Skilled Worker visa (which was granted before 4 April 2024) and they are applying to extend their visa.
Yes. Employers can pay a lower salary if they are sponsoring a ‘new entrant’ which includes students and those on a graduate visa, however they can only be sponsored at this rate for a limited period of time
The role that you are sponsoring must be at RQF Level 3 or above, which is equivalent to A Level.
The Immigration Salary List, previously known as the Shortage Occupation List, is a list of all roles in the UK which UKVI believes there are not enough settled workers to fill. Occupations on the ISL benefit from a lower general salary threshold The current Immigration Salary List can be found here.
Yes – so long as the student has:
- obtained an eligible qualification, or
- completed their course of study or are due to complete it within 3 months, or
- completed 12 months of a PhD.
Sponsoring a student means that you don’t have to pay the Immigration Skills Surcharge and will be eligible to pay a slightly lower salary.
Disclaimer
Given the fast pace of change, we would stress that this information is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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