Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Increase from 4 April 2024
The minimum salary thresholds for a UK Skilled Worker visa application will rise from 4 April 2024.
The full changes are as follows:
Option |
Minimum Salary Threshold from 4 April 2024 |
Points Available |
| A | The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| B | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| C | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| D | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| E | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| F | The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| G | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| H | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| I | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| J | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| K | The applicant is being sponsored for a job in a listed health or education occupation and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
New Categories of Applicant
Under the new rules, the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold will be divided into two categories. The first threshold applies to new Skilled Worker applicants applying for their first Skilled Worker visa, while the second applies to existing Skilled Worker visa holders making new applications, such as extensions or changes of employer.
Salary threshold for new Skilled Worker visa applicants
From 4 April 2024, the salary threshold for most new applicants is £38,700. This is an increase on the previous £26,200.
A lower, discounted threshold of £30,960 applies for roles listed on the new Immigration Salary List, or if the applicant is a new entrant to the labour market.
Eligible applicants relying on a relevant PhD will now have to earn £34,830, and those relying on a relevant STEM PhD, the new minimum threshold is £30,960.
Salary threshold for existing Skilled Worker visa applicants
The salary threshold of £29,000 applies from 4 April 2024 for existing Skilled Worker visa holders who are making new applications, such as extensions or changing their employer.
Salary threshold for Health and Care Workers
The salary threshold for Health and Care Worker visa holders is also increasing, and from 4 April 2024 will be £23,200 (up from £20,960). This new threshold applies when applying for a first Health and Care Worker visa or when extending permission.
Skilled Worker Going Rates
Higher going rates reflecting the most recent UK salary data will apply to Skilled Worker applications made on or after 4 April 2024. These new rates are being set out in two new tables, due to be published on 4 April.
Table 1 will cover the going rates applicable to new Skilled Worker applicants, while Table 2 will specify the lower going rates for existing Skilled Worker visa holders when making a new application.
In addition, the new going rates have been set to incorporate the minimum hourly rate requirement. Currently, this is £10.75 per hour for the majority of applicants, but from 4 April, this separate requirement is being removed. From 4 April, for roles in Table 1, the minimum hourly rate will be £15.88, while roles in Table 2 will be set at £11.90.
SOC Codes
Occupation codes are also being revised in line the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 codes, replacing the 2010 codes. Job roles that are eligible for sponsorship will have a different code under the new system.
Need assistance?
If you have any queries about the new Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds, or any other issues relating to visa sponsorship or meeting the salary requirement, contact our UK immigration experts.
Last updated: 20 March 2024
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