UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold Remains £41,700 in 2026
UK employers and sponsored workers must meet a minimum salary threshold of £41,700 per year for standard Skilled Worker visa applications as of July 2025, with going rates by occupation often higher. Several reduced-threshold pathways remain available for new entrants, healthcare workers, and STEM doctorate holders.
Current Salary Requirements
Standard applicants for a Skilled Worker visa must meet a baseline general salary threshold of £41,700 per year. However, this is only one part of a three-way salary test. The actual threshold for any application is the higher of £41,700 or the going rate for the specific SOC code assigned to the role. Each eligible occupation has a Home Office–published going rate based on median UK earnings. A minimum hourly rate of £15.88 per hour applies regardless of contract type, and you must meet all three.
Reduced Thresholds and Exceptions
In certain circumstances, applicants can qualify at lower thresholds: new entrants (under 26, switching from a Student or Graduate visa, or in professional training) may qualify at £33,400 or 70% of the going rate. Healthcare workers can qualify from as low as £25,000, and roles on the Shortage Occupation List benefit from a 20% discount on the going rate.
What Counts Toward the Threshold
Only basic gross salary counts. Bonuses, commission, overtime and pension contributions are excluded from the threshold calculation, even if they're guaranteed in your contract.
What This Means for You
If you are a sponsored worker or seeking a Skilled Worker visa, understand that your employer must pay you at least £41,700 per year—or the going rate for your specific job code, whichever is higher—plus £15.88 per hour minimum. If you are under 26 and switching from a Student visa, or have a relevant PhD, you may qualify at a lower threshold; discuss this with your employer's immigration adviser early. If you work in healthcare, you may have access to a lower threshold; check the current immigration salary list before applying. Remember that extras like bonuses are not counted, so focus on base salary when discussing sponsorship.
Sources
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