Navigating the financial requirements for UK immigration is one of the most critical aspects of securing a work visa. The rules governing sponsored employment have undergone rapid transitions, and understanding the official UK skilled worker visa salary threshold 2026 is essential for both international job seekers and UK employers looking to hire foreign talent.
In 2026, the standard salary thresholds remain at their elevated levels, requiring close attention to occupation codes, going rates, and potential discounts. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the minimum salary rules, the new entrant discount for graduates, and the special provisions for healthcare professionals.
The Standard Skilled Worker Salary Threshold
Under the current system, standard applicants for a Skilled Worker visa must meet a baseline general salary threshold of £41,700 per year. This is the minimum amount a sponsored worker must earn, unless they qualify for a specific exemption, lower pay scale rule, or discount.
Crucially, the immigration rules require that you earn the general threshold or the “going rate” for your specific job classification (SOC code), whichever is higher. Each eligible job code is assigned a going rate based on median UK earnings for that role. For example, if the going rate for a software developer is £45,000, you must be paid at least £45,000, even though this is higher than the £41,700 general threshold.
The “New Entrant” Salary Discount (Graduates & Under 26s)
To keep the UK attractive to young professionals and international graduates, the Home Office offers a “new entrant” discount. This discount is highly valuable for individuals transitioning from a student visa or a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa. If you qualify as a new entrant, your salary requirements are reduced:
- Minimum General Threshold: The general threshold is discounted to £30,960 per year.
- Going Rate Discount: The going rate requirement for your specific SOC code is discounted by 30%. You must be paid at least 70% of the standard going rate.
- Eligible Groups: You qualify as a new entrant if you are under the age of 26, a student or recent graduate switching from a student or Graduate visa, or working towards a professional chartership (such as accounting or architecture).
For a detailed breakdown of how to transition from your post-study visa, see our step-by-step Graduate to Skilled Worker switching guide.
Health and Care Worker Visa Thresholds
The Health and Care Worker visa is a specialized sub-category of the Skilled Worker route. Because of the critical public service nature of these roles, they benefit from lower salary thresholds and reduced administrative fees:
- Standard Health & Care Threshold: The general minimum salary for health and care workers is £29,000 per year, or the going rate for their occupation code, whichever is higher.
- National Pay Scales: Roles on recognized national pay scales (such as NHS Band 5 nurses or junior doctors) are bound by the national pay scales rather than the standard £29,000 threshold, allowing them to be sponsored at lower entry salaries.
- Important Dependant Restriction: Note that care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) sponsored under the Health and Care route cannot bring partners or dependent children to the UK. This restriction does not apply to other healthcare professionals like nurses or doctors.
How to Calculate Your Required Salary
To determine the exact salary you need to secure a visa, follow this simple calculation model:
- Identify your job’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. You can find this on your job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Look up the standard going rate for your SOC code.
- Determine if you qualify for a discount (such as the New Entrant discount or Health & Care exception).
- Compare the general threshold (£41,700 for standard, £30,960 for new entrants, or £29,000 for health workers) against the going rate (discounted or standard). Your salary must meet or exceed the higher of these two values.
To explore how these rules apply to eligibility, read our comprehensive Skilled Worker eligibility guide.
Verifying Licensed Sponsors
Even if a company offers you the required salary, they cannot sponsor you unless they hold a valid licence. It is vital to verify an employer’s status before beginning the recruitment process. You can search the full list of A-rated UKVI sponsors using our database of licensed sponsors. For an instant check on a single company, use our licence status checker.
Sponsor statuses change frequently due to audits and corporate updates. Keep track of recent updates and newly registered employers on our sponsor licence changes tracker.
Summary Table: 2026 Salary Thresholds
| Visa Category / Applicant Type | General Salary Threshold | Going Rate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker | £41,700 | 100% of standard going rate |
| New Entrant (Graduates/Under 26) | £30,960 | 70% of standard going rate |
| Standard Health & Care Worker | £29,000 | 100% of standard going rate |
| Health & Care on National Pay Scales | Aligned with pay scales (approx. £23,200) | Aligned with national scales |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my salary include bonuses or allowances to meet the threshold?
No. The minimum salary threshold must be met by your guaranteed basic gross salary based on your contracted hours. Bonuses, overtime, allowances, or equity options cannot be counted toward the threshold.
What if my job’s going rate is higher than £41,700?
You must be paid the higher amount. If your job code has a going rate of £48,000, your sponsor must pay you at least £48,000 to qualify for the visa.
How do I find out if a company has recently updated its sponsor licence?
You can monitor all licensing updates, including company additions and removals, via our live sponsor licence changes tool.