New Entrant Salary Threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

If you're applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa as a new entrant, it's important to understand how the salary threshold rules work.

The new entrant salary threshold is set at £33,400, which represents 70% of the standard going rate for most eligible jobs under this Skilled Worker visa route. However, the final salary you must be paid will always depend on the occupation code for your specific role.

In other words, you'll need to earn whichever is higher, the new entrant rate or the standard going rate for that particular job.

Need help understanding the new entrant salary threshold for your Skilled Worker visa? Call Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700 or submit an online enquiry.

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What Is a New Entrant for a Skilled Worker Visa?

A new entrant under the UK Skilled Worker visa refers to someone who is at the early stage of their career, such as a recent graduate, young professional, or applicant aged 26 or under.

The UK Home Office allows these applicants to qualify for the visa with a reduced salary threshold, making it easier for talented individuals to start their careers in the UK.

What Is the New Entrant Salary Threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The new entrant salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker visa is currently £33,400 per year, which equals 70% of the standard going rate for most eligible jobs.

This reduced rate allows young professionals, graduates, and early-career workers to begin their careers in the UK without needing to meet the full salary requirement of £41,700. The actual minimum pay depends on your occupation code, as some roles have different "going rates."

How the New Entrant Salary Threshold Works

The new entrant category was designed to help younger applicants, recent graduates, and early-career professionals begin working in the UK without needing to meet the full salary requirement that applies to more experienced workers.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:

• If you qualify as a new entrant, you can be sponsored for a salary that's 70% of the standard going rate for your occupation.
• To be eligible, your job offer must meet one of two key thresholds, whichever is higher:
  • The general salary threshold, currently £41,700 (from July 2025).
  • Or 70% of the going rate for your specific job, based on its official occupation code.
• Each job type has a different "going rate," and these rates are listed in the Skilled Occupations list on GOV.UK.

Who Can Be Paid Less Than the Standard Salary?

If your job qualifies for a UK Skilled Worker visa but your salary is below the standard requirement of £41,700 or the full 'going rate' for your role, you might still be eligible to apply.

In certain cases, you can earn between 70% and 90% of the standard going rate for your occupation, provided that your salary is at least £33,400 per year and you meet one of the following conditions.

You may still qualify for a Skilled Worker visa at a reduced salary if:

• You are under 26 years old, studying, a recent graduate, or in professional training.
• You hold a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or maths) that's directly relevant to your job.
• You hold a PhD in another subject area, and your salary is at least £37,500 per year.
• You have secured a postdoctoral role in a science or higher education field.

Please note that different salary rules may apply to certain healthcare and education jobs, or if you are extending or updating your current visa.

Jobs on the Immigration Salary List

Some occupations appear on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), a list of skilled roles that have lower salary requirements under the Skilled Worker route.

If your job appears on this list:

• You can apply for your visa by paying a lower application fee.
• You must still earn at least £33,400 per year.
• You must also be paid no less than the job's standard going rate as set out in the Home Office guidelines.

You can view the Immigration Salary List on the official GOV.UK website to check if your role qualifies and confirm the correct minimum pay for your occupation.

It's also important to verify whether your job is listed as eligible UK-wide or limited to a specific region such as England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

If You're Under 26, Studying, or Recently Graduated

You may qualify for a lower salary requirement, 70% of your job's going rate, if you earn at least £33,400 per year and one of the following applies:

• You are under 26 years old on the date you apply.
• You are currently in the UK on a Student visa studying at a bachelor's level or higher, or you held a Student or Visit visa within the past two years.
• You are currently or were recently on a Graduate visa within the past two years.
• You are working towards a recognised qualification in a UK-regulated profession.
• You are completing the training needed for full registration or chartered status in your chosen field.

If this applies to you, check the specific salary rate required for your job before applying.

Keep in mind that your total stay in the UK under these conditions cannot exceed 4 years, including any time already spent on a Graduate visa.

If You Have a PhD Relevant to Your Job

Applicants with a PhD-level qualification related to their role may qualify for a PhD salary discount, allowing them to earn less than the standard rate.

If your PhD is in a STEM subject, you can be paid 80% of the standard going rate, as long as your salary is at least £33,400 per year.

If your PhD is in a non-STEM subject, you can be paid 90% of the going rate, provided your salary is at least £37,500 per year.

You must hold a UK PhD or an equivalent overseas doctorate (you can confirm equivalence through Ecctis). You must also prove that your qualification is directly relevant to your job. Your sponsoring employer can confirm this in writing.

If you're a leading academic or researcher, you may also consider applying for the Global Talent visa, which does not have any minimum salary or English language requirements.

If You Have a Postdoctoral Role in Science or Higher Education

You can also be paid 70% of your job's standard going rate if you're employed in a postdoctoral position within specific science or higher education fields.

To qualify, your job must fall under one of the following occupation codes:

• 2111: Chemical Scientists
• 2112: Biological Scientists
• 2113: Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists
• 2114: Physical Scientists
• 2115: Social and Humanities Scientists
• 2119: Natural and Social Science Professionals (not elsewhere classified)
• 2162: Other Researchers (unspecified discipline)
• 2311: Higher Education Teaching Professionals

You should always verify your salary rate and ensure your offer meets the minimum requirement for your occupation.

Like other new entrant roles, your total stay in the UK on this visa cannot exceed 4 years, including any time already spent under a Graduate visa.

How Does the New Entrant Salary Threshold Help Employers?

The new entrant route helps UK employers recruit young and skilled workers without having to meet the higher salary requirements applied to experienced hires. It's especially useful for businesses looking to fill graduate roles, research positions, or STEM-related vacancies.

By offering a reduced salary threshold, the Home Office encourages companies to invest in emerging talent while supporting the growth of the UK labour market.

Where Can I Check If My Job Qualifies for the New Entrant Salary Threshold?

You can find the list of eligible occupations and their going rates on the official GOV.UK website or call Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700.

This list of eligible occupations shows whether your job qualifies for the new entrant rate or falls under the Immigration Salary List, which offers lower salary requirements for certain in-demand roles. Always check the most recent guidance before applying for your UK Skilled Worker visa to ensure your salary and job code meet the Home Office rules.

Final Thoughts

The Skilled Worker visa salary rules are flexible for certain applicants, especially for younger professionals, graduates, and PhD holders, allowing them to enter the UK job market with a slightly lower salary while still meeting Home Office standards.

However, it's essential to check the specific occupation code, the Immigration Salary List, and the current going rate before applying.

It's recommended to speak with a qualified UK immigration solicitor who can guide you through the Skilled Worker visa process and ensure your application meets every requirement.

If you're applying for a Skilled Worker visa as a new entrant, our team at Wembley Solicitors can help. Call us now on 0203 417 3700 or get in touch via our online enquiry form.