New Entrant Visa UK Requirements

The New Entrant Visa UK is an excellent opportunity for young professionals (under 26), recent graduates, and individuals starting their careers to live and work in the UK. However, the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa application is detailed, and applicants must meet a range of eligibility criteria set by the Home Office.

To qualify for the UK New Entrant Visa, you must qualify as a new entrant, hold a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, and demonstrate English proficiency.

In this guide, we explain the UK New Entrant Visa requirements for 2025, so you understand exactly what is expected when preparing your visa application.

Table of Contents

What Is the New Entrant Visa UK?

The New Entrant Visa UK is a special route under the Skilled Worker visa UK designed for younger applicants, recent graduates, and those beginning their professional careers.

It allows eligible individuals to live and work in the UK while offering certain advantages, such as a lower salary threshold for qualifying jobs. This route is ideal for those aiming to gain professional experience or achieve chartered status in the UK.

Who qualifies for the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa?

You may be eligible for the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa if you are:

• Under 26 years old,
• A recent graduate from a UK university,
• In professional training, or
• Working towards a recognised UK professional qualification.

Applicants must also have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a sponsor licence and meet the English language requirement.

Requirements for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa UK

To apply for the New Entrant route under the Skilled Worker visa, you need to ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have a valid offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
• Your employer must issue a CoS for your role.
• The position must be on the approved occupations list.
• The job role should meet the minimum skill level (RQF Level 6 or above).
• Should be under 26, recent graduates, in professional training, or pursuing UK professional/chartered status.
• Must show proficiency in English at CEFR B1 level, unless exempt.
• Must have at least £1,270 in savings for at least 28 days, unless your employer covers maintenance.
• Must have adequate accommodation in the UK.
• Must meet any other requirements based on your job or personal circumstances.

What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), And Why Is It Needed?

A Certificate of Sponsorship UK is an official document issued by a licensed UK employer confirming that they are sponsoring your visa. Your CoS proves that your role is eligible for the Skilled Worker visa UK and that your employer supports your application. Without a CoS, your visa application cannot be processed.

What Jobs Are Eligible for the New Entrant Visa UK?

Your job must either meet RQF Level 6 standards or appear on the official list of eligible Skilled Worker occupations to qualify for the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa.

Eligible jobs ensure that your work contributes to the UK's skilled workforce and aligns with national immigration requirements.

Minimum Salary Requirement for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa

The minimum salary for a New Entrant Skilled Worker visa UK is £33,400 gross per year or 70% of the job's going rate, whichever amount is higher.

If your role qualifies for a PhD salary reduction under the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa, your pay can be set at 80% or 90% of the standard going rate, depending on your field of study.

• STEM Qualifications: If you hold a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), you may receive 80% of your job's standard salary, provided your annual earnings are at least £33,400.
• Non-STEM Qualifications: For those with a non-STEM PhD, you can be paid 90% of the job's going rate, as long as your salary meets a minimum of £37,500 per year.

This approach ensures that PhD holders can benefit from the New Entrant route salary discounts while still meeting the UKVI minimum salary requirements.

Financial Requirements for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa

To meet the financial requirement for the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa, you must usually show that you have £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days to support yourself in the UK.

If your employer confirms they will cover your living costs on your CoS, you may not need to show these funds. Proper documentation of your finances is essential for a smooth visa application.

English Language Requirement for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa

To meet the English language requirement for the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa, you need to show your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at CEFR Level B1 or higher.

You can meet the English language requirement for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa by:

• Passing a UKVI-approved English test at or above the B1 CEFR level.
• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.
• Holding a recognised academic qualification, such as a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree.

Providing proper English language evidence is essential to ensure your New Entrant Skilled Worker visa application meets UKVI requirements and avoids delays.

Documents Required for the New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa

To apply for the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa in 2025, you must submit the documents outlined in the checklist below.

Documents you will need to provide:

• Your valid passport or travel document
• A valid job offer from an approved UK employer
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Your job title, occupation code and annual salary details
• Employer name and sponsor licence number (on your CoS)
• Proof of adequate accommodation in the UK
• Evidence of meeting English language requirements
• Proof of qualifications or professional registration
• Details of any criminal convictions
• A criminal record certificate, depending on the profession
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applicable
• Additional documents, depending on your circumstances

How Wembley Solicitors Can Assist with Your New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa

At Wembley Solicitors, we help individuals and employers with the New Entrant Skilled Worker visa UK. Whether you're a recent graduate, young professional, or an employer sponsoring a Skilled Worker, our team provides clear, tailored guidance.

We can help you:

• Check eligibility for the New Entrant route.
• Advise employers on sponsorship and salary requirements.
• Prepare and submit your visa application accurately.
• Provide legal support, from one-off consultations to full representation.

As trusted immigration solicitors in London, we ensure every application is compliant, professionally presented, and maximises your chances of success.

Speak with Our Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors in London

We offer personalised legal advice, review and prepare all documents to meet Home Office standards, and support you through every stage of the application process.

For expert advice or assistance with a New Entrant Skilled Worker visa, call Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or submit your enquiry using our online form.