New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa

You can apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa as a new entrant if you're under 26 years old, a recent UK graduate, or in professional training. Eligible applicants can be paid 70% of the standard going rate, provided their salary is at least £33,400 per year.

At Wembley Solicitors, our immigration solicitors in London can help you determine whether you qualify as a new entrant and guide you through every stage of your Skilled Worker visa application.

If you're unsure whether you qualify as a new entrant for the Skilled Worker visa, call Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700 for expert guidance.

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What Is a New Entrant for a Skilled Worker Visa?

A "new entrant" for the UK Skilled Worker visa is someone new to the UK job market, such as recent graduates or individuals under 26, who are eligible for a reduced salary threshold.

The UK Home Office allows new entrants to apply under the Skilled Worker visa route with a lower salary threshold compared to experienced workers. This helps talented individuals begin their careers in the UK while supporting employers who want to hire rising professionals.

Who Qualifies as a New Entrant Under the Skilled Worker Visa Route?

You may qualify as a new entrant under the Skilled Worker visa if you're under 26, a recent UK graduate, or in professional training.

To qualify, you must meet one or more of the following:

• Under 26 years old at the time of application.
• Working towards a recognised UK professional qualification or progressing to full registration/chartered status.
• Offered a postdoctoral role in science or higher education.
• A recent UK graduate with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree.

If you meet these conditions, you may be eligible to apply as a new entrant Skilled Worker visa applicant, potentially benefiting from lower salary requirements and greater career flexibility.

1. You Are Under 26 Years Old

Applicants aged under 26 automatically qualify as new entrants. This allows younger professionals to begin their UK career journey without being restricted by higher salary requirements.

2. You Are Working Towards a UK Professional Qualification

If you are training towards a recognised UK qualification or working towards full registration or chartered status with a relevant professional body, you may also qualify as a new entrant.

This is common in professions such as law, engineering, accounting, and healthcare.

3. You Have a Postdoctoral Position

Applicants who have been offered postdoctoral roles in approved science or higher education occupations are also considered new entrants. This reflects the UK's commitment to supporting innovation, academia, and scientific research.

4. You Are a Recent UK Graduate

If you recently completed a UK Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree, you may qualify as a new entrant. This makes it easier for graduates to transition from studying in the UK to securing full-time employment under the Skilled Worker visa.

What Are the Benefits of Applying as a New Entrant for a Skilled Worker Visa?

The new entrant route provides several benefits designed to make the Skilled Worker visa more accessible to early-career professionals.

1. Reduced Salary Threshold

New entrants can be offered a salary that is 70% of the usual going rate for the job or the minimum general salary requirement, whichever is higher.

This makes it easier for employers to sponsor young or newly qualified professionals while still meeting UK visa compliance rules.

2. Sponsorship Period of Up to Four Years

The reduced salary rate can apply for a maximum of four years, including any time already spent in the UK under previous visas such as the Graduate Route.

After this period, applicants will need to meet the full salary threshold if they wish to extend or switch to another Skilled Worker visa.

What Is the New Entrant Discount for the Skilled Worker Visa?

The new entrant discount is a special provision under the UK Skilled Worker visa route that allows eligible applicants to qualify with a lower salary requirement. Typically, this means the minimum salary can be up to 30% less than the standard threshold for their role.

This reduced salary rate is available to those recognised as new entrants, including applicants under 26 years old, recent UK graduates, or postdoctoral researchers in specific scientific or higher education fields.

By offering this discount, the UK encourages young professionals and early-career talent to enter the workforce while helping employers recruit skilled individuals who may not yet meet the full salary criteria.

What Is the Maximum Period a Worker Can Be Sponsored as a New Entrant?

A worker applying under the new entrant route of the Skilled Worker visa can generally be sponsored for a maximum of four years. This period includes any previous time they may have spent in the UK on related visas, such as the Graduate visa, Tier 2 (General), or earlier Skilled Worker visa permissions.

Once this period ends, you may need to switch to the standard Skilled Worker visa salary rate to continue working in the UK. This progression gives professionals time to gain valuable experience before moving into higher-paid roles and extending their visa.

If you're unsure how long your new entrant status applies or need advice on extending your stay, our Skilled Worker visa experts at Wembley Solicitors can guide you step by step.

What Happens After Your New Entrant Period Ends?

After completing your four-year new entrant period, you'll need to meet the full salary requirements of your occupation if you want to extend or switch your Skilled Worker visa.

By this stage, most applicants have gained enough experience and salary growth to meet the full going rate.

Our Skilled Worker visa solicitors can review your situation, calculate the new salary requirements, and assist you in renewing or extending your visa seamlessly.

What Responsibilities Do Employers Have When Sponsoring a Skilled Worker Visa New Entrant?

Employers who wish to sponsor a new entrant must ensure they comply with Home Office requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

1. Confirm the Applicant's Eligibility

Before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), employers must verify that the individual meets the criteria to be classed as a new entrant. This includes checking their age, qualifications, or job offer details.

2. Offer the Correct Salary

Employers must pay the new entrant either the reduced salary rate (70% of the going rate) or the minimum salary threshold, whichever is higher.

Failing to meet this requirement could result in the employer breaching their sponsor licence duties.

At Wembley Solicitors, our business immigration specialists can help employers ensure compliance when sponsoring new entrants under the Skilled Worker visa route.

Can I Apply for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa While Already in the UK?

Yes. If you meet all eligibility criteria, including age, job eligibility, and Certificate of Sponsorship, you can switch to the New Entrant route from within the UK. This is often suitable for recent graduates or trainees seeking professional experience.

How to Apply for a New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa?

To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa under the New Entrant route, applicants must complete the online application and provide all necessary documents along with the applicable visa fees.

Follow these steps to apply for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa UK:

• Step 1: Initial consultation with an immigration lawyer to assess your eligibility.
• Step 2: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
• Step 3: Gathering the required documentation.
• Step 4: Complete the Skilled Worker visa application form online.
• Step 5: Submit your visa application supporting documents and pay the relevant fees.
• Step 6: Book and attend the biometric appointment
• Step 7: Monitoring the progress of your application.
• Step 8: Receiving a decision on your application.

How Long Does It Take to Get a New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa UK?

The New Entrant Skilled Worker visa UK usually takes around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, and about 8 weeks if switching from within the UK.

In some cases, you can also use the priority service for faster processing, which can reduce the waiting time to 5 working days, but this comes with an additional fee.

It's important to submit your online application, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of English language ability, and financial documents accurately to avoid delays. Missing or incorrect documents are one of the main reasons applications take longer.

How Can Wembley Solicitors Help with a New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa Application?

At Wembley Solicitors, we offer comprehensive immigration advice and legal support for both individuals and employers. Whether you're a recent graduate, a young professional, or an employer looking to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa, our legal team provides tailored guidance based on your needs.

Our experienced Skilled Worker visa solicitors can:

• Assess whether you qualify as a new entrant under the Skilled Worker visa rules.
• Advise employers on meeting Home Office salary and sponsorship requirements.
• Prepare and submit your Skilled Worker visa application accurately and efficiently.
• Offer one-off consultations or full end-to-end legal representation, depending on your needs.

With years of experience as trusted immigration solicitors in London, Wembley Solicitors ensures every application is accurate, compliant, and presented professionally to maximise your chances of success.

Speak to Our Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors in London

If you're unsure whether you qualify as a new entrant for the Skilled Worker visa, our specialist immigration team at Wembley Solicitors is here to help.

We provide personalised legal advice, ensure all documents meet Home Office standards, and guide you through every step of the process.

If you need advice or help with a new entrant Skilled Worker visa, call Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700 or submit our online enquiry form.