The salary requirement for the UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most frequently asked questions, and one of the most confusing, because it involves multiple thresholds that interact with each other.
The general threshold
From April 2024, the minimum salary for a new Skilled Worker Visa application is:
£26,200 per year or the occupation-specific "going rate", whichever is higher.
Previously the threshold was £26,200. Before that it was £25,600. The UK government has been increasing these thresholds, so always verify the current figure at the official UKVI website.
The "going rate"
Each occupation in the Skilled Worker route has a corresponding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code and an associated going rate: the typical salary for that occupation in the UK, based on official labour market data.
If the going rate for your SOC code exceeds £26,200, you must be paid at least the going rate.
Examples (2024 going rates):
- Software Developer (SOC 2136): approximately £40,000/year
- Data Scientist (SOC 2139): approximately £37,000/year
- Civil Engineer (SOC 2121): approximately £36,500/year
- Financial Analyst (SOC 3534): approximately £37,600/year
- Nurse (SOC 2231): set by NHS pay scales (Agenda for Change)
- Doctor – Hospital (SOC 2211): set by NHS medical pay scales
Check your specific occupation's going rate at: gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-worker
Tradeable points: reduced salary options
The Skilled Worker system allows certain applicants to qualify on a reduced salary if they have other characteristics that earn tradeable points:
Reduced threshold: £20,960/year (80% of £26,200)
You can qualify at this reduced level if at least one of the following applies:
- Your occupation is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), covering occupations where the UK has a shortage of workers
- You have a PhD in a subject relevant to the job
- You are a new entrant to the labour market: you are under 26 years old, working toward a professional qualification, recently graduated, or in your first job in your profession
Note: The going rate still applies in all cases. If the going rate exceeds your reduced threshold, you must meet the going rate.
Healthcare and NHS workers
NHS and healthcare sector salaries follow the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales:
- Nurses (Band 5): £28,407–£34,581/year
- Midwives (Band 6): £35,392–£42,618/year
- Doctors: Foundation Year 1: £32,398; consultant range: £93,666–£126,281
- Dentists: specific NHS pay scales apply
These workers must be paid at least the AfC rate for their band, with no deviation.
Family members
Salary thresholds apply to the main applicant only. Dependants (spouse/partner and children) can accompany you with no additional minimum salary requirement, but you must demonstrate you can financially support them (usually met if you are already earning the qualifying salary).
New rules from April 2024
The UK Home Office significantly increased salary thresholds from April 2024:
- General threshold: from £26,200 → remains £26,200 (briefly was lower before being raised)
- Shortage Occupation List: abolished as a separate category in April 2024; replaced with a new Immigration Salary List (ISL) with different rules
- Check gov.uk for the most current figures at time of your application
Common mistakes
- Using outdated salary information (thresholds change)
- Forgetting the going rate applies per SOC code, not just the general minimum
- Confusing gross vs. net salary: thresholds are always in gross annual salary
Bottom line for Israeli applicants
For Israeli tech workers targeting UK employers:
- Software/data roles: expect the going rate to be £35,000–£45,000, well above the general minimum
- Ensure your offer letter explicitly states the gross annual salary and maps to the correct SOC code
- Your immigration lawyer or employer HR should verify the specific SOC code going rate before the petition is filed
This content is for informational purposes only.