What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa?

The general minimum salary threshold is £38,700 per year. However, many occupations have a lower 'Going Rate' threshold. If your occupation is on the Immigration Salary List, the threshold may be even lower. You can check the exact Going Rate for your occupation on UKSponsorGrader.

What is the Going Rate for my occupation?

The Going Rate is the minimum annual salary the Home Office requires for a specific occupation on a Skilled Worker visa. It varies by SOC code. You can look up the Going Rate for any of the 400+ SOC occupations on UKSponsorGrader's Visa Pathways tool.

What is the Immigration Salary List?

The Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List) includes occupations where there is a recognised shortage of workers in the UK. Jobs on this list have reduced salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visa applications.

UK Skilled Worker Visa: Complete Guide (2026)

Q: How do I check if my employer can sponsor a Skilled Worker visa?

Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office. You can search any employer on UKSponsorGrader to check their licence status, rating (A or B), and which visa routes they are licensed for.

Everything you need to know about salary thresholds, sponsor requirements, and the application process.

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020.

To apply, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer, and the job must meet minimum salary and skill level requirements.

Salary Requirements

You must be paid at least the higher of:

£38,700 per year (general threshold), or
The Going Rate for your specific occupation (SOC code)

Some occupations have Going Rates lower than £38,700, meaning the general threshold applies. Others have higher Going Rates.

Check the Going Rate for your occupation →

Immigration Salary List

If your occupation is on the Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List), you may benefit from a reduced salary threshold. This list is reviewed periodically by the government.

Sponsor Requirements

Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office. There are over 124,000 licensed sponsors in the UK.

You can search any employer on UKSponsorGrader to check:

Whether they have an active licence
Their rating (A or B)
Which visa routes they can sponsor
Their licence history (any rating changes or revocations)

SOC Codes & Occupation Eligibility

Every Skilled Worker visa application is tied to a SOC 2020 occupation code. The SOC code determines your Going Rate and whether you're eligible for the Immigration Salary List.

Browse all SOC occupations →

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary, but typically:

Outside the UK: 3-8 weeks
Inside the UK (switching): 8 weeks
Priority service: 5 working days (extra fee)

Visa Duration & Settlement

The Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — settlement in the UK.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK or consult a qualified immigration adviser.