What is the UK Skilled Worker visa salary threshold in 2026?
TL;DR: The general minimum salary for the UK Skilled Worker visa is £41,700 a year (or your occupation's specific "going rate," whichever is higher), up from the previous £38,700 floor. Lower thresholds apply for new entrants/under-26 applicants (£33,400), relevant PhD holders (£37,500), roles on the Immigration Salary List (£33,400), and the Health and Care Worker visa (from £31,300).
The claim
There isn't one single number — the UK uses a floor salary plus an occupation-specific "going rate" by SOC code, and you must clear whichever is higher.
The evidence
The UK government's official gov.uk Skilled Worker visa guidance confirms the current general minimum and the reduced thresholds for specific applicant categories; immigration law firms tracking the 2026 rule changes confirm the general floor rose from £38,700 to £41,700.
Threshold by category
| Applicant type | Minimum annual salary |
|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker (RQF 6+) | £41,700, or the occupation's going rate if higher |
| New entrant (under 26 / recent graduate) | £33,400 |
| PhD holder (relevant subject) | £37,500 |
| Immigration Salary List role | £33,400 |
| Health and Care Worker visa | From £31,300, per NHS pay scales |
| Part-time role | Pro-rated from the applicable threshold |
Step by step
- Find your occupation's SOC code and its published "going rate."
- Compare the going rate to the £41,700 general floor — you must meet or exceed whichever is higher.
- Check if you qualify for a reduced threshold (new entrant, PhD, Immigration Salary List, health/care role).
- Confirm your sponsor holds a valid sponsor licence and issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Apply online with your CoS reference, proof of salary, and required documents.
FAQ
Is the threshold gross or net salary? It's gross annual salary before tax, as stated in your employment contract and Certificate of Sponsorship.
Does part-time work count? Yes, but the salary is pro-rated — for example, hourly-rate minimums apply (roughly £17.13/hour under current rules) and hours worked are checked against the annual threshold.
How are irregular-hours workers assessed? Payroll rules effective from April 2026 require salary over any rolling 17-week period to meet at least 17/52 of the annual minimum for variable-hours workers, and quarterly minimums for monthly-or-less-frequent pay.
Did the threshold recently increase? Yes — the general minimum rose from £38,700 to £41,700 as part of the UK's most recent Skilled Worker salary framework update.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-25