UK Immigration Salary Threshold: Current Levels Explained

Recent threshold changes

The Skilled Worker general salary threshold rose substantially in 2024 as part of the government's package of immigration measures. Going rates for occupations were also adjusted upwards using updated ONS earnings data. The combined effect raised the minimum salary for sponsored employment significantly.

Some routes were affected differently. Health and Care Worker continued to use NHS pay scales for relevant roles. Care worker rules tightened separately. Senior or Specialist Worker thresholds were also raised.

How thresholds work

Two tests apply simultaneously: the general threshold (a cash figure) and the going rate for the occupation (typically a higher figure for most professional roles). The worker must be paid at or above the higher of the two unless tradeable points apply.

Going rates are listed by SOC occupation code in tables published in Appendix Skilled Worker. The rates are set per 37.5 or 39 hour week and pro-rated for part-time roles. Recent increases have made the going rate the binding constraint for many roles where it previously was not.

Tradeable points and lower thresholds

Applicants can score the 20 tradeable points by meeting reduced salary levels combined with: a PhD relevant to the role, a STEM PhD, a job on the Immigration Salary List, or new entrant status. Each combination has its own minimum salary floor.

The new entrant concession applies to early-career workers (typically under 26, postdoctoral researchers in certain occupations, and some other categories). The PhD concessions apply where the qualification is directly relevant to the SOC code.

Health and Care Worker route specifics

The Health and Care Worker variant of Skilled Worker uses NHS Agenda for Change pay scales for many NHS roles. The route is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge and has reduced application fees. Care workers (SOC code 6135 senior care workers and 6145 care workers) have a separate set of considerations.

Care worker rules were tightened in 2024: care providers must be regulated, dependants on new care worker visas are restricted, and the going rate floor is aligned with the National Living Wage. Senior care worker rules align with the wider Skilled Worker framework.

Impact on employers and workers

Higher thresholds have made many roles previously eligible for Skilled Worker no longer eligible at typical pay levels. Employers in lower-paid sectors (hospitality, retail, some healthcare and education roles) have found sponsorship significantly harder. Some sectors lobby for sector-specific concessions.

Workers in eligible sectors have benefited from higher minimum salaries. Long-term retention is supported by the higher salary baseline. The trade-off is fewer roles being available to sponsor at all.

Policy direction

The government's stated direction is to use higher salary thresholds to focus the work routes on higher-skilled, higher-paid roles. The Migration Advisory Committee's reviews continue to assess whether the threshold is set correctly. Sectoral exceptions and the Immigration Salary List moderate the impact on key occupations.

Further reviews are expected. Salary thresholds are not in the Immigration Rules permanently; they are set in cash terms and updated through Statements of Changes. Applicants and employers track the published figures rather than relying on assumed inflation-linked updates.

The April 2024 changes in detail

Skilled Worker general salary threshold: raised substantially in April 2024 as part of the broader immigration package announced in December 2023. The previous threshold was raised by approximately 50%; the current figure is published in Appendix Skilled Worker.

Going rates by SOC code: updated using ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data. Most going rates increased; the structural change to the 25th percentile basis (from the previous 'going rate' calculation) was implemented.

Care worker route changes: SOC 6135 (senior care worker) and SOC 6145 (care worker) had specific changes including the regulated provider requirement and the dependant restriction from 11 March 2024.

Immigration Salary List replacement of the Shortage Occupation List: from April 2024. The new list has a narrower scope with adjusted concessions (80% of the standard rate as a floor, plus reduced application fees).

The Migration Advisory Committee's role in salary recommendations

Annual reviews: the MAC reviews salary thresholds periodically. The October 2023 MAC review recommended substantial threshold increases, justified by labour market analysis showing UK pay growth and policy aim of focusing the route on higher-skilled roles.

Methodology: MAC uses median pay by SOC code as the basis for going rates, with adjustments for sub-occupation variations. The general threshold is set as a multiple of the National Living Wage and the median pay distribution.

Sector-specific analysis: the MAC's reports include detailed sector analysis (healthcare, technology, construction, education) showing where the labour market is tight and where the route's concessions matter most.

Policy versus evidence: MAC recommendations are evidence-based but the government's decisions are policy decisions. The Home Office accepted most of the October 2023 MAC recommendations on thresholds; some adjustments reflected political and economic judgements beyond the MAC's remit.

Going rates: how they're set and updated

Reference data: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides UK pay data by SOC code. The going rates in Appendix Skilled Worker are derived from ASHE with specific methodologies.

25th percentile basis: the previous methodology used the 'going rate' as the 25th percentile of pay for the SOC code. The April 2024 changes adjusted this methodology in some respects; the current approach is in Appendix Skilled Worker and the supporting MAC reports.

Hours basis: rates are typically set for 37.5 or 39 hours per week. Pro-rata calculations apply for part-time roles; the general threshold remains a cash floor.

Updates between major changes: smaller adjustments to specific SOC codes happen through SoCs without full reviews. The Immigration Salary List composition is also updated periodically.

Sectoral implications of the threshold changes

Hospitality and retail: many roles in these sectors no longer meet the raised threshold. Restaurants, hotels, bars and shops that previously sponsored Skilled Worker visas at moderate pay levels now find sponsorship harder. Some have shifted to recruiting from the domestic labour market or the family route holder population.

Healthcare: NHS roles using Agenda for Change pay scales are largely unaffected as the going rates align with NHS pay. Care worker roles have separate considerations (National Living Wage floor, regulated provider requirement, dependant restrictions).

Technology: most senior technology roles meet the threshold easily; junior roles can be more affected. Some entry-level technology positions previously eligible for sponsorship at moderate pay no longer qualify.

Education: secondary school teaching roles and university lecturer roles are typically at salaries that meet the threshold. Junior research roles (postdoctoral researchers) sometimes use the new entrant or PhD tradeable points to meet reduced thresholds.

Tradeable points concessions in practice

PhD relevant to the role: reduces the required salary by approximately 10%. Where the role specifies a PhD as a desirable or essential qualification and the applicant has a relevant PhD, this concession applies.

STEM PhD relevant to the role: reduces the required salary by approximately 20%. Larger concession reflecting policy aim to attract STEM talent. The PhD must be in a STEM discipline and relevant to the role's specifics.

Immigration Salary List role: the listing itself unlocks reduced salary thresholds (80% of standard with floors) plus the listing scores one of the 20 tradeable points. Significant for roles meeting the listing.

New entrant: workers under 26 at application, postdoctoral researchers in specific SOC codes, switchers from Student route in some circumstances. New entrant criteria significantly reduce the required salary. The route is designed to attract early-career workers despite the higher overall thresholds.

Sectoral impact analysis

Hospitality and retail: many roles below the new thresholds. The sectors have shifted to recruiting from the domestic labour market or family route holder population where sponsorship is no longer viable.

Healthcare: NHS Agenda for Change pay scales align with going rates for most NHS roles. Care worker route has separate considerations (NLW floor, dependant restrictions, regulated provider requirement).

Technology: senior roles meet thresholds easily; junior roles can be affected. New entrant tradeable points and PhD concessions help younger applicants.

Construction and skilled trades: some roles on the Immigration Salary List with concessions. Without listing, the thresholds tighten the recruitment market.

Education: secondary school teaching and university lecturer roles typically at salaries that meet thresholds. Junior research roles use new entrant or PhD concessions.

Tax interactions with the salary changes

HMRC personal tax account: at gov.uk/personal-tax-account. Shows tax code, P60 records, PAYE history, self-assessment status. Register via Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login.

Tax codes and PAYE: emergency tax codes (0T, BR) apply at the start of employment until HMRC issues the correct code. The first few payslips may show higher deductions; refunds for overpayment are processed automatically at year end via P800 or through the personal tax account.

Self-assessment for additional income: required where the worker has self-employment income, property rental income, dividends above the threshold, or other non-PAYE income. Annual returns are due 31 January following the tax year end.

National Insurance contributions: Class 1 on employment income, Class 2 and 4 on self-employment, Class 3 voluntary for non-residents. NI contributions count towards State Pension entitlement.

Pension contributions: tax relief at the worker's marginal rate. Auto-enrolment under the Pensions Act 2008 covers most workers; employer contributions match at the agreed level.

Long-term planning across the immigration journey

Long-term planning across the visa lifecycle: the journey from initial visa to ILR to British citizenship spans 6-8 years typically. Building the documentary record, maintaining lawful status, planning extensions and switches, and the eventual settlement application all benefit from a long-term view.

Career and family planning around immigration: visa requirements interact with career progression, education choices, family timing, and other life decisions. Where significant life events are planned, considering the immigration position is part of the planning.

Risk management: keep documents, maintain contact with UKVI through changes of address, comply with visa conditions, build a clean record. Issues that arise during the visa years are easier to address proactively than at the settlement application.

Backup routes: where the primary route encounters difficulties, alternative routes provide options. Skilled Worker holders can consider Global Talent, family route, Innovator Founder depending on circumstances. Long Residence (10 years) provides a backup settlement path.

Future return scenarios: where the applicant may return to the country of origin or move elsewhere, planning preserves options. Maintaining country-of-origin ties, financial records, and qualifications supports future flexibility.

Where to get help with UK immigration matters

Citizens Advice: a network of independent charities providing free, confidential and impartial advice across the UK. Local Citizens Advice offices handle immigration enquiries at level 1; specialist services in some locations cover more complex matters. The Citizens Advice website (citizensadvice.org.uk) has comprehensive guidance on UK immigration.

Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI): an independent organisation campaigning for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. JCWI provides advice, advocacy, and policy analysis on immigration matters. Their published guidance covers all major UK routes.

Migrant Help: works with people seeking asylum, victims of human trafficking, and others affected by immigration. Provides advice on UK immigration matters and works with the Home Office on asylum support arrangements.

Right to Remain: provides advice and resources for people navigating the UK immigration system. The Right to Remain Toolkit is a comprehensive online resource covering the main routes and procedures.

Free Movement: a leading immigration law blog providing updates and analysis on UK immigration. The site is widely used by practitioners and informed applicants for current developments.

Specialist immigration solicitors: handle the most complex matters. The Law Society's Find a Solicitor service lists firms specialising in immigration. The Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA) maintains a directory of member firms.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about UK immigration law and is not legal advice. The Immigration Rules are amended frequently. Anyone affected by an active immigration decision, refusal or enforcement matter should take advice from an OISC-regulated adviser or a solicitor authorised under the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Frequently asked questions

What is the current UK Skilled Worker salary threshold?

The general threshold and going rates by SOC occupation code are set in Appendix Skilled Worker and updated periodically. Current figures are published on GOV.UK. The applicant must be paid the higher of the general threshold and the going rate, unless tradeable points apply.

Why did the UK raise immigration salary thresholds?

The government's stated policy is to focus work routes on higher-skilled, higher-paid roles and reduce overall migration numbers. The Migration Advisory Committee's analysis informed the threshold increases.

Are healthcare workers affected by the salary threshold changes?

Health and Care Worker visa holders generally use NHS Agenda for Change pay scales which are unaffected by the general threshold. Care workers (SOC 6135 and 6145) had separate changes including a National Living Wage floor and dependant restrictions.

Can I get a Skilled Worker visa below the new threshold?

Tradeable points (PhD relevant to role, Immigration Salary List role, new entrant status) allow reduced salary levels with specific minimum floors. Without tradeable points, the salary must meet the threshold and the going rate.

Will UK immigration salary thresholds increase again?

Further reviews are expected. Thresholds are set in cash terms and updated through Statements of Changes; they are not automatically inflation-linked. The Migration Advisory Committee continues to advise on appropriate levels.

Frequently asked questions

What is the current UK Skilled Worker salary threshold?

The general threshold and going rates by SOC occupation code are set in Appendix Skilled Worker and updated periodically. Current figures are published on GOV.UK. The applicant must be paid the higher of the general threshold and the going rate, unless tradeable points apply.

Why did the UK raise immigration salary thresholds?

The government's stated policy is to focus work routes on higher-skilled, higher-paid roles and reduce overall migration numbers. The Migration Advisory Committee's analysis informed the threshold increases.

Are healthcare workers affected by the salary threshold changes?

Health and Care Worker visa holders generally use NHS Agenda for Change pay scales which are unaffected by the general threshold. Care workers (SOC 6135 and 6145) had separate changes including a National Living Wage floor and dependant restrictions.

Can I get a Skilled Worker visa below the new threshold?

Tradeable points (PhD relevant to role, Immigration Salary List role, new entrant status) allow reduced salary levels with specific minimum floors. Without tradeable points, the salary must meet the threshold and the going rate.

Will UK immigration salary thresholds increase again?

Further reviews are expected. Thresholds are set in cash terms and updated through Statements of Changes; they are not automatically inflation-linked. The Migration Advisory Committee continues to advise on appropriate levels.