The UK Government has announced an increase in the minimum salary thresholds for various UK work visas, set to take effect from 4 April 2024. This change, notably impacting the Skilled Worker visa, is a crucial update for both employers and potential visa applicants. The adjustment in the salary criteria reflects a continuous effort to align the UK’s immigration system with the evolving economic landscape.
What’s the new salary threshold for skilled workers?
From 4 April 2024, Skilled Worker Visa applicants will face new salary thresholds. These changes are not just numerical adjustments; they represent a strategic shift in the UK’s approach to skilled immigration. The new salary brackets are designed to ensure that the UK attracts top talent while balancing the needs of the domestic labour market.
The salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa applicants are now divided into multiple options, each offering 20 points. Applicants must meet specific criteria under these options to qualify. The primary change is the general increase in the minimum salary thresholds across the board. For example, the minimum salary for most new applicants has risen from £26,200 to £38,700.
A detailed breakdown of these options is provided in the table below:
| Option | Requirements | Points Available |
| 1 | The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 2 | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 3 | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 4 | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 5 | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 6 | The applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 7 | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 8 | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 9 | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 10 | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
| 11 | The applicant is being sponsored for a job in a listed health or education occupation and their salary equals or exceeds both:
|
20 |
The new structure categorises applicants into two groups: those applying for their first Skilled Worker visa and existing visa holders applying for extensions or changing employers. The latter category benefits from a slightly reduced salary threshold of £29,000. This differentiation reflects an effort to retain skilled workers who are already contributing to the UK economy.
What happens to the health and care workers?
Similarly, Health and Care Worker visa holders will see an increase in their salary threshold to £23,200 or the national pay scale for the role, whichever is higher. Workers seeking employment in roles not governed by a national pay scale will be required to satisfy a general yearly salary threshold of £29,000. However, in certain circumstances, there may be provisions for a reduced threshold if specific criteria are fulfilled.
What about the going rates and minimum wages?
Aligning with these changes, the going rates for Skilled Worker applications, effective from 4 April 2024, will be updated. These rates, reflective of the latest UK salary data, will be published in two new tables, distinguishing between new applicants and existing visa holders.
Additionally, the updated going rates have been adjusted to include the minimum hourly wage criteria. Presently, most applicants are required to meet a minimum rate of £10.75 per hour, but this will change from 4 April when this distinct requirement is abolished. After this date, roles listed in Table 1 will have a minimum hourly rate of £15.88, while those in Table 2 will require a rate of £11.90.
Regarding occupation codes, there are changes aligning with the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 system, superseding the 2010 codes. This means job roles eligible for sponsorship will be categorised under a new set of codes in accordance with the updated system.
The increased salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas mark a significant change in the UK’s approach to skilled immigration. As the UK continues to adapt its immigration policies to meet economic needs and global talent trends, staying informed and prepared for these changes is essential for all stakeholders.
Get in touch: For a comprehensive understanding of your options or queries on UK immigration matters, contact GigaLegal Solicitors at 02074067654 or click here to book a no-obligation consultation with an immigration expert.