The 2026 salary thresholds
Since 22 July 2025 the general threshold is £41,700. Reduced thresholds apply to certain applicants — but you must still meet the going rate for your occupation:
| Applicant type | General threshold |
|---|---|
| Standard applicant | £41,700 |
| PhD relevant to the job | £37,500 |
| STEM PhD relevant to the job | £33,400 |
| Immigration Salary List role | £33,400 |
| New entrant | £33,400 |
| Eligible health / education job | £31,300 |
An hourly floor of £17.13 applies to all routes. Source: gov.uk Skilled Worker visa guidance, 2026.
Skill level, sponsor, and English
Skill level RQF6. Since 2025 the role must normally be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above and appear on the eligible occupation list. Some lower-skilled roles remain only via temporary shortage arrangements.
Licensed sponsor. You need a job offer from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence, who issues you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
English B2. Historically B1 was enough. From 8 January 2026, new applicants must prove English at B2 (independent user) in all four components, unless exempt (e.g. by nationality or a qualifying degree taught in English).
The "going rate" — why salary alone isn't enough
Every eligible occupation has its own going rate — a typical salary for that job. You must be paid the higher of the general threshold and the going rate. So a role can clear £41,700 yet still fall short because its going rate is higher; or a reduced-threshold applicant may need more than £33,400 if the occupation's going rate exceeds it. Because going rates are set per occupation code, the only way to be certain is to find your code and its current rate on gov.uk, or have an adviser confirm it.
How to apply: steps, fees & timeline (2026)
The Skilled Worker visa is sponsor-led: nothing starts until a licensed UK employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship. The rest is a digital-first application with one in-person biometrics step.
Government fees (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (up to 3 years) | ~£719 |
| Application fee (over 3 years) | ~£1,500 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £1,035 |
| Maintenance funds (held 28 days) | £1,270 |
Health & Care Worker roles pay lower fees (e.g. £324 / £628) and are exempt from the surcharge. Check the salary tool above first.
How long does it take?
Standard processing is about 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks from inside, measured from your biometrics appointment. A super-priority service can return a decision within about 5 working days where available.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport and your CoS reference number.
- Proof of English at B2 (SELT test or a qualifying degree).
- Proof of £1,270 maintenance funds (unless certified on the CoS).
- Where required: TB test certificate, ATAS certificate, or a criminal record certificate.
The most common refusal causes are CoS errors — wrong salary, incorrect SOC occupation code, or job duties that don't match. Confirm these before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is £41,700 always the figure I need?
A. No. It's the general floor, but the going rate for your occupation can be higher, and reduced thresholds can be lower. Your requirement is the higher of the applicable threshold and the going rate.
Q. Who counts as a "new entrant"?
A. Broadly, applicants under 26, recent graduates, those switching from a student or graduate visa, or people working towards a recognised professional qualification. The new-entrant rate can normally be used for up to 4 years.
Q. What changed on 8 January 2026?
A. The English language requirement for new applicants rose from B1 to B2. Existing visa holders extending may be subject to transitional rules — check your specific situation.
Q. Does this visa lead to settlement?
A. The Skilled Worker route can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, though the qualifying period and conditions have been under review. Confirm the current settlement timeline before relying on it.
Sources and official references: gov.uk — Skilled Worker visa; gov.uk — Immigration Rules (general salary threshold £41,700 from 22 July 2025; B2 English requirement from 8 January 2026). This tool provides an estimate only and is not immigration advice. The going rate for your occupation must be confirmed separately. Already in the UK and unsure of your tax residence? Check our UK Statutory Residence Test calculator.