If you’re applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet certain salary requirements to be eligible for sponsorship. This article explains how you can meet these salary requirements and the changes to be aware of in 2024.
Minimum Salary Requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa
As of February 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa is £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, or the “going rate” for your job (whichever is higher). The going rate is the typical salary for your role in the UK, and it can vary by job type.
Important Update: On April 4, 2024, the minimum salary requirement will rise to £38,700 for most Skilled Worker visa applicants. Health and Care Worker visa applicants will not be affected by this change.
What is the ‘Going Rate’?
The UK Home Office provides a list of “going rates” for each eligible occupation. These rates reflect the standard salary for a role assuming a 37.5-hour work week. Some sectors, like healthcare and education, use national pay scales.
For example:
- Occupation Code 1115 (Chief Executives): The going rate is £59,300 per year or £30.41 per hour.
- Occupation Code 1121 (Production Managers): The going rate is £35,000 per year or £17.95 per hour.
If your job matches an occupation code and the salary you’ve been offered meets or exceeds the going rate, you are eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.
You can ask your UK employer for the occupation code to find out the exact going rate for your job.
Pro-Rata Calculation for Part-Time Jobs
If your job isn’t full-time (37.5 hours per week), you need to calculate the salary based on the pro-rata rate. For example:
- If the going rate is £38,000 for full-time work, but you’re working 30 hours per week, the pro-rata salary is calculated as:
£38,000 ÷ 37.5 hours × 30 hours = £30,400.
This means you need to earn at least £30,400 per year for a 30-hour week. Some roles, especially in education and healthcare, have different calculations, so it’s important to check with your employer.
Lower Salary Requirements
You may qualify for a lower salary if you meet certain criteria, such as:
- Shortage Occupations: If your job is in a shortage occupation, you need to earn only 80% of the going rate (this will change later in 2024).
- Under 26: If you are under 26, you only need 70% of the going rate.
- Student or Graduate Visa Holders: If you have a UK student or graduate visa, or you’re in professional training, you only need 70% of the going rate.
- PhD in STEM: If you have a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or maths) that relates to your job, you only need 80% of the going rate.
- Postdoctoral Roles: If you have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education, you may only need 70% of the going rate (applicable to specific occupations).
Proving You Meet the Salary Requirement
When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you must show that your salary meets the required minimum. You’ll need to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, which includes details about your salary, job title, working hours, and occupation code.
If you’re applying under a reduced salary (like for a student, postdoctoral position, or STEM PhD), you may also need to provide extra documents, such as your student visa, PhD certificate, or a letter confirming your professional training.
Additional Financial Requirements
In addition to the salary requirement, you must also have £1,270 in savings to support yourself during your first month in the UK. This amount must be in your bank account for at least 28 days before you apply. If your employer is covering this cost, they must state it on your CoS with the phrase “sponsor certifies maintenance.”
Meeting the salary requirements is a crucial part of applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa. It’s important to make sure you meet both the salary and financial support requirements to increase your chances of a successful application. If you’re unsure about how to calculate your salary or meet the requirements, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer at Law and Visas. They can guide you through the process and ensure you have all the necessary evidence for your visa application.
