The UK Skilled Worker visa has specific salary requirements based on your job, occupation code, and personal circumstances. If your occupation is included on the Immigration Salary List, you may qualify under a lower salary threshold, but you must still meet the applicable going rate for your job.
For anyone planning to work in the UK, understanding these salary rules before accepting a job offer can help avoid eligibility problems.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Skilled Worker salary requirement is generally £41,700 per year or the applicable going rate, whichever is higher.
- Jobs on the Immigration Salary List can have a lower general salary threshold.
- The exact requirement depends on your occupation code and circumstances.
- The Immigration Salary List is also specific to certain UK regions for some occupations.
- Salary rules and eligible occupations can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK guidance.
What Is the Immigration Salary List?
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) is a list of occupations for which lower salary requirements may apply under the Skilled Worker route.
The list replaced the previous Shortage Occupation List. It identifies specific jobs where the government allows a reduced salary threshold, subject to the relevant immigration rules.
Importantly, being on the list does not automatically mean that every applicant can qualify. You still need an eligible job, an approved UK sponsor and a salary that meets the relevant requirements.
What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirement?
For many Skilled Worker applicants, the usual salary requirement is at least £41,700 per year or the standard going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
For example, if the general threshold is £41,700 but the going rate for your occupation is £45,000, a salary of £42,000 would not normally satisfy the requirement because the higher going rate applies.
This is why checking only the general salary threshold is not enough.
How Does the Immigration Salary List Affect Salary?
If your job is included on the Immigration Salary List, a lower salary threshold may apply.
Current GOV.UK guidance states that applicants sponsored for an Immigration Salary List occupation can generally qualify with a salary of at least £33,400 per year, while also meeting the applicable standard going rate for the occupation.
This means you should check two things:
- The applicable minimum salary threshold.
- The going rate for your specific occupation code.
You generally need to meet both requirements.
Which Jobs Are on the Immigration Salary List?
The list includes selected occupations rather than every skilled job. Examples in the current published list include:
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Roofers and roof tilers
- Certain biological scientists
- Certain care-related occupations
- Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
- Certain animal care occupations
- Some construction and specialist trade roles
The list can also specify where an occupation qualifies. For example, some roles may be included UK-wide, while others may apply only in Scotland or another specified area.
Therefore, your job title alone is not enough. Your occupation code and proposed work location matter.
How Do You Check If Your Job Qualifies?
Start by identifying the SOC 2020 occupation code that best matches your actual job duties.
You can then check the official Immigration Salary List to see whether your occupation is included and which areas of the UK qualify.
You should also check the going rate for your occupation because meeting the reduced threshold alone may not be sufficient.
What Salary Counts for the Skilled Worker Visa?
UK immigration rules specify what can be counted as salary.
Generally, the calculation focuses on guaranteed basic gross pay and certain guaranteed payments treated in the same way for tax, pension and National Insurance purposes.
Some payments and benefits, such as overtime, bonuses, employer pension contributions, accommodation allowances and benefits in kind, are not normally included in the salary calculation.
This is important when reviewing an employment contract. A package that looks attractive overall may not meet the required immigration salary level if too much of the package consists of benefits that cannot be counted.
Are There Exceptions to the Standard Salary Rules?
Yes. Certain applicants may qualify under different salary rules depending on their circumstances.
For example, different provisions can apply to:
- New entrants to the labour market
- Applicants with relevant PhD qualifications
- Certain healthcare and education roles
- Applicants who held Skilled Worker permission under earlier rules
- Jobs included on the Immigration Salary List
The applicable minimum can therefore depend on more than your job title.
Why Should You Check the Rules Before Applying?
Salary eligibility is an important part of a Skilled Worker visa application. A job may appear suitable because it is skilled and offered by a UK employer, but the proposed salary may still fail to meet the applicable immigration requirement.
Before applying, check:
- Your SOC occupation code
- Whether the job is on the Immigration Salary List
- The location where you will work
- The applicable salary threshold
- The occupation’s going rate
- Whether any salary discount or exception applies
- Whether your employer is an approved sponsor
Because UK immigration rules are updated periodically, relying on an old salary figure or outdated list can create unnecessary complications.
How Saarthi Visa Consultancy Can Help
Understanding UK Skilled Worker visa salary rules can be confusing, particularly when different thresholds, occupation codes and going rates apply.
Saarthi Visa Consultancy can help applicants understand the relevant requirements, review their circumstances and identify the documents and information needed for their UK visa application.
If you are planning to work in the UK, checking your salary eligibility early can help you prepare your application with greater clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Immigration Salary List?
It is a list of specific occupations where reduced salary requirements may apply under the UK Skilled Worker route.
Is £41,700 the minimum salary for every Skilled Worker?
No. Different salary rules can apply depending on your occupation and circumstances. Jobs on the Immigration Salary List and certain other categories can have different thresholds.
Can I get a Skilled Worker visa if my job is on the Immigration Salary List?
Being on the list may allow a lower salary requirement, but you must still meet the applicable going rate and other Skilled Worker eligibility requirements.
Does the Immigration Salary List apply across the whole UK?
Not always. Some occupations are listed UK-wide, while others are restricted to particular parts of the UK.
Can bonuses count toward the Skilled Worker salary requirement?
Generally, bonuses and overtime are not included when calculating the required salary under the relevant Skilled Worker salary rules.
Where can I check the latest Immigration Salary List?
You should check the latest official GOV.UK Immigration Salary List and Immigration Rules before applying because requirements can change.
