Salary thresholds & going rates 2026
All current salary thresholds for UK work visas — who qualifies for discounts and how to check the going rate for your occupation.
Last updated: February 2026
How salary thresholds work
Every Skilled Worker visa application must meet a salary test. Your job offer must pay the higher of two amounts: the general salary threshold for your visa category, and the specific going rate for your occupation code (SOC). The going rate is based on the Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data.
In simple terms: even if the general threshold is £41,700, if the going rate for your SOC code is £48,000, you must be paid at least £48,000. Conversely, if the going rate is £35,000, the general threshold of £41,700 still applies.
General thresholds by category
| Category | Annual threshold | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker | £41,700 | Most new applications from 22 July 2025 |
| New entrant | £33,400 | Under 26, switching from Student/Graduate visa, or in professional training |
| PhD relevant to job | £37,500 | Applicant holds PhD related to the sponsored role |
| PhD in STEM subject | £33,400 | Applicant holds PhD in science, technology, engineering or maths |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | £33,400 | Role on the ISL — 80% of going rate applies. Expires Dec 2026 |
| Temporary Shortage List (TSL) | £41,700 | RQF 3-5 roles on TSL — no salary discount. Expires Dec 2026 |
| Health & Care Worker | ~£31,300 | Eligible health/care roles with own threshold structure |
| Transitional (pre-Apr 2024) | £31,300 | Workers first sponsored before 4 April 2024, extending or switching |
| Transitional (legacy/ISL) | £25,000 | Some legacy shortage/health roles with continuous permission |
| Senior/Specialist Worker (GBM) | £52,500 | Global Business Mobility route — senior or specialist workers |
Official source: GOV.UK — When you can be paid less
How to check the going rate for your SOC code
Every eligible occupation has a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The going rate is published by the Home Office for each SOC code and updated when ASHE data is refreshed.
Official source: GOV.UK — Going rates for eligible occupations
What counts towards the salary?
The Home Office only counts guaranteed gross annual salary for contracted hours. Several common pay components are excluded:
Counts towards threshold
- • Basic gross salary
- • Guaranteed allowances (e.g. London weighting)
- • Contractual pay for regular overtime
Does NOT count
- • Bonuses or commissions
- • Overtime (unless contractual)
- • Tips or gratuities
- • Benefits in kind (car, accommodation)
- • Employer pension contributions
- • On-call payments
Future changes
Salary thresholds are expected to continue rising. The Migration Advisory Committee reviews thresholds periodically using updated ASHE wage data. Key upcoming milestones:
- The ISL and interim TSL both expire 31 December 2026 — salary discounts for shortage roles will end
- The MAC final TSL report (July 2026) may set new salary levels for mid-skilled roles from 2027
- The Immigration White Paper signals the government wants to eliminate salary discounts entirely
- Future ASHE-linked uprating means the £41,700 threshold is likely to increase further
- Transitional arrangements for pre-April 2024 workers will eventually fall away
Official source: GOV.UK — MAC Review of salary requirements
Automatic salary checks on every match
JobWizard AI checks every matched job against the £41,700 threshold and shows clear badges — green for "Meets threshold" and amber for "Below threshold" — so you instantly know if a role qualifies for visa sponsorship.
Start matching jobsDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Always refer to GOV.UK and consult a qualified immigration advisor.