Skilled Worker salary calculations are not based on one figure alone. The sponsor must identify the correct occupation code, salary option and going rate before assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship.
What is the standard salary requirement?
Under Option A in Appendix Skilled Worker, the salary must normally equal or exceed both £41,700 per year and the full going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code. Meeting £41,700 alone is not enough where the going rate is higher.
Different figures can apply under transitional provisions and other tradeable points options. The application date, immigration history and occupation code therefore matter.
When can a lower threshold apply?
Appendix Skilled Worker contains several salary options. For example, a qualifying new entrant under Option E must normally be paid at least £33,400 per year and 70% of the going rate. A new entrant must also satisfy the specific eligibility conditions in SW 12.2 and is subject to a four-year limit under SW 12.3.
Separate options cover relevant PhD qualifications, jobs on the Immigration Salary List, certain listed occupations and transitional cases. Each option has its own annual threshold and percentage of the going rate.
Which jobs can be sponsored?
For applications under the post-22 July 2025 framework, the job will normally need to be skilled to RQF level 6 or above. Some medium-skilled roles remain eligible through the Immigration Salary List, Temporary Shortage List or applicable transitional arrangements.
The sponsor should match the actual duties, skills and responsibilities to the most suitable SOC 2020 code. A convenient job title cannot rescue the wrong code.
What about healthcare and education roles?
Eligible healthcare and education jobs can be assessed by reference to the relevant national pay scale under the specific provisions in Appendix Skilled Worker. Sponsors must still check the occupation code, applicable pay scale and any other route requirements.
Can a part-time worker qualify?
Part-time work is not assessed by a simple hourly-rate test. Unless a specific exception applies, the worker must meet the relevant annual salary threshold as well as the applicable going-rate requirement. Going rates are generally based on a stated working week and are adjusted to the weekly hours shown on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Which parts of pay count?
The calculation normally uses guaranteed gross basic pay and only those additional components permitted by SW 14.15 to SW 14.20. Allowances, bonuses and benefits cannot be assumed to count. Narrow transitional rules may apply in some cases.
Checks before an application
- Confirm the correct SOC 2020 occupation code from the real job duties.
- Identify the salary option and every condition attached to it.
- Check both the annual threshold and the adjusted going rate.
- Review any transitional provision by reference to the worker's full immigration history.
- Record the correct salary and weekly hours on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Primary sources
UK solicitor at Farani Taylor Solicitors practising immigration, property conveyancing and corporate law. Advice available in English, Urdu and Punjabi.