Salary Skilled Worker Visa UK 2024: Minimum Requirements

1. UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold and Tradeable Points

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The Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals to reside in the UK for employment with an approved employer in an eligible job. To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria, including salary thresholds which vary based on different conditions and occupation codes.

General Salary Threshold

The standard minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa is either £38,700 annually or the ‘going rate’ for the specific job, whichever is greater. The ‘going rate’ is determined by the average salary paid within a particular occupation code in the UK, detailed in the official going rates table.

When You Can Be Paid Less

Applicants may be eligible for a lower salary threshold under specific conditions:

• Applicants with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued before April 4, 2024:
  • Must earn at least £29,000 annually or the lower going rate for their occupation, whichever is higher.
• Criteria-based Reductions:
  • For applicants under 26, recent graduates, or those in specific educational or professional stages, salaries can range from 70% to 90% of the going rate but must not be less than £23,200 annually.
• Jobs on the Immigration Salary List:
  • These roles must meet a minimum of £23,200 per year or the job’s going rate, whichever is higher.

How to Calculate Your Salary

Only the guaranteed basic gross pay is considered in the Skilled Worker Visa salary calculations. This excludes bonuses, allowances, or other benefits. If an applicant works more than 48 hours per week, only the salary for the first 48 hours is considered.

Tradeable Points

The Skilled Worker Visa uses a points-based system requiring a minimum of 70 points for eligibility. Points can be earned through salary, qualifications, and specific job roles, with various tradeable points options based on these factors.

Minimum Hourly Rate

Previously, the Skilled Worker Visa included a separate minimum hourly rate requirement. However, this requirement has been largely abolished. Recent updates to the visa regulations do not specify a universal minimum hourly rate. Instead, the focus is now on meeting the ‘going rate’ or the minimum annual salary required for specific occupation codes under the Skilled Worker route. These changes reflect a strategic shift towards aligning compensation with the specific demands and salary standards of various skilled occupations, rather than enforcing a uniform hourly rate across different roles. Employers must still ensure they pay at least the national minimum wage to their sponsored employees.

2. PhD Holders: UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Options

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PhD holders applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa benefit from specific salary options tailored to their qualifications, which can significantly influence their eligibility under the visa’s points-based system.

Option B: PhD in a Relevant Subject

• Minimum Salary:
  • £34,830 per year, which must be at least 90% of the pro-rated going rate for the job.
• Eligibility:
  • The occupation must be listed as eligible for PhD points in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
  • The PhD must be relevant to the job being applied for.
• Verification:
  • UK PhDs require a certificate or an academic reference.
  • Overseas PhDs need verification through UK ENIC, and the sponsor must state the UK ENIC reference number on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Points:
  • 10 points for meeting the salary criteria.
  • Additional 10 points for holding a relevant PhD, making a total of 20 points possible.

Option C: STEM PhD Qualification

• Minimum Salary:
  • £30,960 per year, representing at least 80% of the pro-rated going rate.
• Eligibility:
  • The occupation must also be listed as eligible for PhD points in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
  • The PhD must be in a STEM subject relevant to the job.
• Verification:
  • The sponsor must confirm the relevance of the STEM qualification.
• Points:
  • 20 points are awarded for meeting both the salary and the STEM qualification requirements.

These tailored options reflect the UK’s strategic emphasis on attracting highly skilled individuals in academic and research-oriented fields, facilitating their contribution to the UK’s skilled labor force under the Skilled Worker Visa​​.

3. Salary Skilled Worker Visa for ISL

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The UK Skilled Worker Visa stipulates specific salary requirements for jobs listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which has superseded the previous Shortage Occupation List. The ISL reflects the current market demands, emphasizing salary-based criteria for immigration.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold for ISL

To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa under the ISL, the minimum annual salary must be set at £30,960, which is 20% below the general minimum salary requirement of £38,700. Importantly, the salary offered must also be at least 80% of the going rate for the specified occupation code.

Hourly Rate

In addition to the annual salary threshold, a minimum hourly rate requirement of £15.88 is mandated. This rate applies irrespective of the standard going rate for the occupation.

Immigration Salary List (ISL)

For a Skilled Worker Visa under the ISL category, the job offer must be listed on the ISL. It’s crucial to check the most recent version of this list regularly, as it is frequently updated to align with changing economic needs. Some occupations listed may also have additional criteria such as required experiences or specific roles.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The employer must confirm on the Certificate of Sponsorship that the job offer meets ISL requirements, including salary and any occupation-specific criteria. The CoS should explicitly state compliance with these requirements, and where applicable, the job’s location in the UK must be considered to determine eligibility under the ISL.

Working Hours

There are no minimum weekly hours requirements for ISL jobs, provided the salary thresholds are satisfied. For applications involving more than 48 hours per week, only the salary up to the first 48 hours will count towards meeting the minimum salary threshold.

Application Fees

Application fees for the Skilled Worker Visa are lower for roles listed on the ISL. Standard application fees apply if a job offer does not meet ISL criteria.

Updates to the Immigration Salary List

The ISL is reviewed regularly, and professions may be added or removed based on the latest labor market analysis. Applicants employed in a profession that has been removed from the list, but are still working for the same sponsor, can continue to qualify for the visa; however, they must meet the standard salary requirements for renewals or changes to their visa.

4. Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold for New Entrants

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The Skilled Worker Visa facilitates the entry of younger professionals and recent graduates into the UK workforce by offering a reduced salary threshold. This provision recognizes the potential of new entrants to contribute to the labor market despite their limited experience.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold for New Entrants

For new entrants, the minimum salary requirement is set at £30,960 per year, or 70% of the going rate for the specific occupation code listed on the Immigration Salary List, whichever is higher. This adjustment seeks to balance the need to attract young talent with the economic realities of different industries.

Eligibility and Duration

The new entrant rate is applicable for a maximum duration of four years, including any time spent under a Graduate visa. This period is intended to provide sufficient opportunity for career development and progression to higher salary levels, as required for other immigration routes. New entrants are defined not just by their age or being recent graduates, but also by specific career situations such as postdoctoral positions or those working towards UK-regulated professional qualifications.

Application Considerations

Employers must ensure that the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a new entrant accurately reflects the reduced salary rate. It is crucial for the legitimacy of the application and to prevent potential legal complications during visa renewals or extensions.

Transition to Experienced Worker Salary

Upon completing the allowed duration as a new entrant, individuals must meet the salary requirements for experienced workers, which typically align with the standard threshold for the Skilled Worker visa or the specific going rate for the occupation. This transition ensures that individuals are remunerated at a rate commensurate with their increased experience and contribution to the UK labor market.

5. Tradeable Points Option Guide: Salary Skilled Worker Visa UK

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The UK Skilled Worker Visa utilizes a points-based system that assesses applicants through mandatory and tradeable points relating to salary and occupation. Mastery of these criteria is crucial for both applicants and sponsors aiming to successfully navigate the visa application process.

Tradeable Points Options and Criteria

Initial Consideration:

• Mandatory Points:
  • Applicants must secure 20 points each for valid sponsorship, evidenced by a Certificate of Sponsorship, and for holding a job at the appropriate skill level. Failing to meet these criteria precludes the possibility of earning tradeable points.

Assessing Occupations:

• Table 1 Occupations:
  • Occupations in Table 1 are assessed for tradeable points options A to E, with a primary focus on meeting salary thresholds to score the necessary 20 points.
• Updated Tables and Lists:
  • The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List, necessitating special considerations for jobs on this list concerning going rates and salary requirements.

Specific Points Options:

• Health and Education Occupations (Table 2):
  • Applies to certain health and education occupations where salaries align with national pay scales, requiring full adherence to the going rates without discounts.
• Minimum Rate Exemption:
  • The previous minimum hourly rate of £10.10 does not apply to occupations under Option F.

Application Assessment Nuances:

• Additional Information Requirement:
  • Immigration officers may request further details from sponsors to verify compliance with specific occupation codes, especially for those partially listed on the Immigration Salary List.

Additional Information

• Non-Combination of Tradeable Options:
  • Applicants must satisfy the criteria for one tradeable option independently, without combining features from multiple options.
• Sponsor’s Verification Role:
  • Sponsors play a critical role in providing and verifying accurate information according to specific occupation codes and tables. Compliance with these requirements is vital for a streamlined evaluation process and enhances the chances of visa approval.

By adhering to these detailed guidelines and understanding the criteria of tradeable points thoroughly, applicants and sponsors can significantly improve their prospects for successful Skilled Worker Visa applications. Ensuring compliance with all specified requirements is essential for maximizing the chances of approval.

6. How to Compute Salary for Skilled Worker Visa UK?

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The UK Skilled Worker Visa requires precise salary calculations to determine eligibility, adhering strictly to the guidelines specified in Appendix Skilled Worker (paragraphs SW 14.1 to SW 14.2). Both applicants and sponsors must understand these details to ensure compliance with visa requirements.

Skilled Worker Salary UK: Inclusions and Exclusions

Salary Inclusions

• Guaranteed Basic Gross Pay:
  • This is the only component routinely included in the salary assessment for the Skilled Worker Visa​​.

Salary Exclusions

• Variable Pay:
  • Pay fluctuations due to variable work hours are excluded.
• Overtime and Bonuses:
  • Overtime, shift allowances, or bonuses, even if they are guaranteed, are not considered.
• Employer Contributions:
  • Contributions like employer pension and national insurance are not included.
• Allowances and Benefits:
  • Allowances such as accommodation or living cost allowances, and in-kind benefits like equity shares, health insurance, educational fees, company cars, or provided meals are excluded.
• One-off Payments:
  • One-off payments such as signing bonuses and payments covering immigration costs like visa fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge are excluded.
• Reimbursements:
  • Business expense reimbursements for travel, equipment, or subsistence are also excluded​​.

Additional Considerations for Salary Skilled Worker Visa UK

Salary Sacrifice Scheme

• Included in Calculations:
  • If an applicant has opted for a salary sacrifice scheme, the amount foregone is still considered part of the salary for meeting the visa requirements​​.

Transitional Arrangement for Tier 2 (General) Migrants

• Under paragraph SW 14.5(a), specific allowances can continue to be included in the salary calculations for certain Tier 2 (General) migrants extending with the same sponsor before December 1, 2026, if these allowances are guaranteed and comparable to what a settled worker in similar circumstances would receive​​.

It is critical for both the applicant and the sponsor to assess and document the salary package accurately, adhering to these guidelines. Immigration officers may seek further clarification or require amendments to the salary package, particularly if it impacts the decision on the visa application. Understanding these nuances ensures the salary package meets the visa requirements effectively.

7. The Going Rate and Salary Skilled Worker Visa UK

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The “going rate” for the UK Skilled Worker Visa specifies minimum salary benchmarks for various occupation codes, detailed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations. Applicants must meet the full going rate or a percentage of it (70%, 80%, or 90%), according to their chosen tradeable points option. Notably, occupations listed in Table 2, such as Medical Practitioners, are not eligible for any reduction from the set going rate.

Skilled Worker Salary UK: Pro-Rating the Going Rate

Considerations and Methodology:

• Table 1 Occupations:
  • These are based on a standard 37.5-hour week. To pro-rate the salary, divide the annual rate by 37.5 and multiply by the weekly hours stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) .
• Table 2 Occupations:
  • Adjustments in pro-rating are made based on the full-time hours defined for specific roles, such as 40 hours for doctors .
• Teaching Jobs:
  • Calculate using the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) proportion due to variable term dates .
• Weekly Hours for Salary Checks:
  • All weekly hours should be included when assessing the salary against the going rate, even if exceeding 48 hours per week. The pro-rated salary must align with actual weekly hours worked .

Example Calculation:

For an occupation with a going rate based on £21,000 for a 37.5-hour week, if the applicant works 52 hours, the calculation would be £21,000 ÷ 37.5 x 52 = £29,120. If the actual salary is £26,000, the salary percentage against the going rate is £26,000 ÷ £29,120 x 100 = approximately 89% .

Transitional Salary Arrangements for Specific PhD-Level Roles

Certain PhD-level roles such as Physical Scientists and Higher Education Teaching Professionals benefit from transitional salary arrangements valid until December 1, 2026. These arrangements allow these roles to use previous, lower going rates for extension or settlement applications if they were previously sponsored under Tier 2 (General).

Occupation Codes and Transitional Going Rates:

• 2113 Physical Scientists:
  • £29,000 (£13.94 per hour) .
• 2119 Natural & Social Science Professionals:
  • £29,000 (£13.94 per hour) .
• 2311 Higher Education Teaching Professionals:
  • £33,000 (£15.87 per hour) .

These rates are based on a 40-hour workweek, and adjustments are required for different work patterns to match the applicant’s weekly working hours.

Implications for New Applicants

This transitional arrangement is specific to individuals previously sponsored under Tier 2 (General) in the specified occupations. New applicants or those transitioning to these roles are assessed against the current going rates as per Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations . Understanding these details is crucial for ensuring compliance with the UK Skilled Worker Visa’s salary requirements.

8. FAQs: Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary Threshold

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