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:

  • £38,700 per year; and
  • the going rate for the SOC 2020
    occupation code.
20
B The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant
to the job and their salary equals or exceeds
both:

  • £34,830 per year; and
  • 90% of the going rate for the SOC
    2020 occupation code.
20
C The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject
relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £30,960 per year; and
  • 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
20
D The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £30,960 per year; and
  • the going rate for the SOC 2020
    occupation code.
20
E The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £30,960 per year; and
  • 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
20
F The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £29,000 per year; and
  • the going rate for the SOC 2020
    occupation code
20
G The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £26,100 per year; and
  • 90% of the going rate for the SOC
    2020 occupation code.
20
H The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject
relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £23,200 per year; and
  • 80% of the going rate for the SOC
    2020 occupation code.
20
I The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £23,200 per year; and
  • the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code
20
J The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:

  • £23,200 per year; and
  • 70% of the going rate for the SOC
    2020 occupation code
20
K 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; and
  • the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
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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