New Skilled Worker Salary Thresholds
As of 04 April 2024, significant changes are being made to the Skilled Worker visa route. The base annual salary from which any concessions are calculated is changing from £26,200 to £38,700.
The Shortage Occupation List will be replaced by the much-streamlined Immigration Salary List, in effect meaning that a vastly smaller number of occupations will qualify for a 20% concession on salary requirements. This, in combination with the salary requirements moving to the 50th percentile and being re-indexed to SOC2020 instead of SOC2010, means that in many occupations considerably higher salaries will be required to sponsor migrant workers in the immediate future.
This has understandably caused unease and anxiety amongst those already in the UK under the Skilled Worker provisions and licenced sponsors alike. It is important to be aware that UKVI have made transitional arrangements so that those already on the route are not unduly punished. Those already in the UK on the Skilled Worker route and requiring an extension application to reach the qualifying period for settlement will be subject to a relatively minor increase in salary requirements, many of whom are likely to already be meeting the requirement. The transitional arrangements will also apply to those wishing to change employer or apply for settlement. The new Entrant and PhD salary concessions will remain in place.
The Immigration Salary List in full is below:
| SOC 2020 occupation code and any further criteria | Included on the Immigration Salary List in | |||
| England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | |
| 1212 Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services – only “fishing boat masters” | – | Yes | – | – |
| 2111 Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry | – | Yes | – | – |
| 2112 Biological scientists and biochemists – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2115 Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2142 Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
3111 Laboratory technicians – only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3212 Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3411 Artists – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
3414 Dancers and choreographers – only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies. The company must be endorsed as being internationally recognised by a UK industry body such as the Arts Councils (of England, Scotland or Wales). |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5213 Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5235 Boat and shop builders and repairers – all jobs | – | Yes | – | – |
| 5312 Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5313 Bricklayers – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5314 Roofers, roof tilers and slaters – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5316 Carpenters and joiners – all jobs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5319 Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6135 Care workers and home carers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Below is a table of selected occupations which previously featured on the Shortage Occupation List but have not been included on the Immigration Salary List:
|
SOC 2020 occupation code |
Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive) |
Going rate (SW – option A) |
90% of going rate (SW – option B) |
80% of going rate (SW – options C and D) |
70% of going rate (SW – option E) |
Eligibl e for PhD points (SW)? |
| 2121 Civil engineers |
• Building engineer • Civil engineer (professional) • Highways engineer • Petroleum engineer • Public health engineer • Site engineer (building construction) • Structural engineer |
£45,500 (£23.33 per hour) |
£40,950 (£21.00 per hour) |
£36,400 (£18.67 per hour) |
£31,850 (£16.33 per hour) |
Yes |
| 2122 Mechanical engineers |
• Automotive engineer (professional) • Design engineer (mechanical) • Marine engineer (professional) • Mechanical engineer • (professional) |
£42,500 (£21.79 per hour) |
£38,250 (£19.62 per hour) |
£34,000 (£17.44 per hour) |
£30,960 (£15.88 per hour) |
Yes |
| 2123 Electrical engineers |
• Electrical design engineer • Electrical engineer (professional) • Electrical surveyor • Equipment engineer • Power engineer • Signal engineer (professional, railways) |
£53,500 | £48,150 | £42,800 | £37,450 | Yes |
| 2124 Electronics engineers |
• Broadcasting engineer (professional) • Electronics designer • Electronics engineer (professional) • Microwave engineer • (professional) |
£49,900 (£25.59 per hour) |
£44,910 (£23.03 per hour) |
£39,920 (£20.47 per hour) |
£34,930 (£17.91 per hour) |
Yes |
| 2129 Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified |
• Acoustician (professional) • Food technologist • Metallurgist • Scientific consultant • Technical engineer • Technologist • Traffic engineer |
£42,900 (£22.00 per hour) |
£38,610 (£19.80 per hour) |
£34,320 (£17.60 per hour) |
£30,960 (£15.88 per hour) |
Yes |
|
2134 Programmers and software development professionals |
• Analyst-programmer • Database developer • Games designer • Interactive designer • Mobile app developer • Programmer • Software engineer • Website builder |
£49,400 (£25.33 per hour) |
£44,460 (£22.80 per hour) |
£39,520 (£20.27 per hour) |
£34,580 (£17.73 per hour) |
Yes |
| 2135 Cyber security professionals |
• Data security manager • Ethical hacker • Forensic computer investigator • IT security analyst • Technical security consultant |
£45,300 (£23.23 per hour) |
£40,770 (£20.91 per hour) |
£36,240 (£18.58 per hour) |
£31,710 (£16.26 per hour) |
Yes |
| 2141 Web design professionals |
• Desktop publisher • User interface designer • UX designer (computing) • Web designer • Web producer |
£41,300 (£21.18 per hour) |
£37,170 (£19.06 per hour) |
£33,040 (£16.94 per hour) |
£30,960 (£15.88 per hour) |
Yes |
|
2240 Veterinarians |
• Veterinarian • Veterinary practitioner • Veterinary surgeon |
£48,100 (£24.67 per hour) |
£43,290 (£22.20 per hour) |
£38,480 (£19.73 per hour) |
£33,670 (£17.27 per hour) |
Yes |
| 2451 Architects |
• Architect • Chartered architect • Landscape architect |
£45,900 (£23.54 per hour) |
£41,310 (£21.18 per hour) |
£36,720 (£18.83 per hour) |
£32,130 (£16.48 per hour) |
Yes |
Please feel free to contact our offices on 01793 836 010 with any queries or enquiries you may have.
Immigration Health Surcharge Increase and other UKVI updates
Increase to Visa Application Fees
New Home Office fees introduced by the government recently came into effect as of the 4th October 2023. This change in immigration and nationality fees has had a direct effect on all application submission, priority service and certificate of sponsorship fees, which have seen up to a 20% increase. Some key figures to note are:
• Skilled Worker Entry Clearance, 3 years or less: £719 (£94 increase)
• Skilled Worker In-country, 3 years or less: £827 (£108 increase)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: £2,885 (£481 increase)
• Naturalisation/British Citizenship: £1,500 (£250 increase)
Fees for priority service have also been increased, now standing at £500 for both Entry Clearance and In-Country applications. Super priority service, where available, is now £1000 up from £800.
For applications that require a Certificate of Sponsorship, the cost of a CoS has also risen to £239 from £199.
Additionally, the immigration health surcharge is expected to rise significantly during January 2024 under the Immigration Health Charge (Amendment Order) 2023. We can expect the policy to take effect from 16th January 2024 onwards, subject to it passing through parliament. If so, the IHS fee is predicted to increase from £624 to £1035 per year for applicants over 18.
New Restrictions on Student Visas
Tighter government restrictions on those in the UK holding a student visa came into force July this year. The changes come in an attempt to reduce net migration whilst maintaining the government’s ability to meet its International Education requirements, but has had a significant impact on students’ flexibility in the UK.
Firstly, the new reforms prohibit international students from switching to a different visa route once inside the UK before they complete their studies. Before July, it was possible for students to switch over to another visa once in the UK. Now, when switching, students must be able to prove they have finished their course which will be determined only by the date on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). International students are still able to work their permitted 20 hours per week on their student visa.
Additionally, undergrad students on degree courses are unable to sponsor partners or children and bring them to the UK on a dependent visa. This rule has not been put in place for postgrad students or those on a government-sponsored course which is longer than 6 months.
Graduate visas & New Entrants
Skilled worker applicants who are under the age of 26, sponsored for a post-doctoral position or working toward a recognised professional qualification within a UK-regulated profession, may class as a ‘new entrant’ which defines someone as new to the UK labour market. An applicant can qualify as a new entrant for a maximum of 4 years only which used to include any time previously spent on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker route.
As of 2023, any time an applicant spends in the UK on a graduate visa will now count towards this 4-year period, in addition to time spent on other visa routes. Classifying as a new entrant allows applicants to qualify for a skilled worker visa but on a lower salary, as they are typically younger and new to the workforce.
Immigration Health Surcharge Increase and other UKVI updates
UK Visas and Immigration: Home Office Updates (Nov 2023)
Increase to Visa Application Fees
New Home Office fees introduced by the government recently came into effect as of the 4th October 2023. This change in immigration and nationality fees has had a direct effect on all application submission, priority service and certificate of sponsorship fees, which have seen up to a 20% increase. Some key figures to note are:
• Skilled Worker Entry Clearance, 3 years or less: £719 (£94 increase)
• Skilled Worker In-country, 3 years or less: £827 (£108 increase)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: £2,885 (£481 increase)
• Naturalisation/British Citizenship: £1,500 (£250 increase)
Fees for priority service have also been increased, now standing at £500 for both Entry Clearance and In-Country applications. Super priority service, where available, is now £1000 up from £800.
For applications that require a Certificate of Sponsorship, the cost of a CoS has also risen to £239 from £199.
Additionally, the immigration health surcharge is expected to rise significantly during January 2024 under the Immigration Health Charge (Amendment Order) 2023. We can expect the policy to take effect from 16th January 2024 onwards, subject to it passing through parliament. If so, the IHS fee is predicted to increase from £624 to £1035 per year for applicants over 18.
New Restrictions on Student Visas
Tighter government restrictions on those in the UK holding a student visa came into force July this year. The changes come in an attempt to reduce net migration whilst maintaining the government’s ability to meet its International Education requirements, but has had a significant impact on students’ flexibility in the UK.
Firstly, the new reforms prohibit international students from switching to a different visa route once inside the UK before they complete their studies. Before July, it was possible for students to switch over to another visa once in the UK. Now, when switching, students must be able to prove they have finished their course which will be determined only by the date on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). International students are still able to work their permitted 20 hours per week on their student visa.
Additionally, undergrad students on degree courses are unable to sponsor partners or children and bring them to the UK on a dependent visa. This rule has not been put in place for postgrad students or those on a government-sponsored course which is longer than 6 months.
Graduate visas & New Entrants
Skilled worker applicants who are under the age of 26, sponsored for a post-doctoral position or working toward a recognised professional qualification within a UK-regulated profession, may class as a ‘new entrant’ which defines someone as new to the UK labour market. An applicant can qualify as a new entrant for a maximum of 4 years only which used to include any time previously spent on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker route.
As of 2023, any time an applicant spends in the UK on a graduate visa will now count towards this 4-year period, in addition to time spent on other visa routes. Classifying as a new entrant allows applicants to qualify for a skilled worker visa but on a lower salary, as they are typically younger and new to the workforce.
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On the 11 January 2016, the government set out its proposed changes to the fees for visas, immigration and nationality applications and associated premium services for 2016–17. Specific fee changes for 2016–17 will apply after further legislation is laid in Parliament...
Get Ready For The New Year’s Recruitment Drive With A UK Visa Sponsor License From £995*
Are you worried about getting enough skilled staff to fill your vacancies in 2016? Is a lack of qualified candidates holding your business back? A UK Visa Sponsor license lets you hire skilled workers from all over the world. This makes your pool of candidates larger,...
Major changes to UK Immigration Rules
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Immigration Health Surcharge Increase and other UKVI updates
Increase to Visa Application Fees
New Home Office fees introduced by the government recently came into effect as of the 4th October 2023. This change in immigration and nationality fees has had a direct effect on all application submission, priority service and certificate of sponsorship fees, which have seen up to a 20% increase. Some key figures to note are:
• Skilled Worker Entry Clearance, 3 years or less: £719 (£94 increase)
• Skilled Worker In-country, 3 years or less: £827 (£108 increase)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: £2,885 (£481 increase)
• Naturalisation/British Citizenship: £1,500 (£250 increase)
Fees for priority service have also been increased, now standing at £500 for both Entry Clearance and In-Country applications. Super priority service, where available, is now £1000 up from £800.
For applications that require a Certificate of Sponsorship, the cost of a CoS has also risen to £239 from £199.
Additionally, the immigration health surcharge is expected to rise significantly during January 2024 under the Immigration Health Charge (Amendment Order) 2023. We can expect the policy to take effect from 16th January 2024 onwards, subject to it passing through parliament. If so, the IHS fee is predicted to increase from £624 to £1035 per year for applicants over 18.
New Restrictions on Student Visas
Tighter government restrictions on those in the UK holding a student visa came into force July this year. The changes come in an attempt to reduce net migration whilst maintaining the government’s ability to meet its International Education requirements, but has had a significant impact on students’ flexibility in the UK.
Firstly, the new reforms prohibit international students from switching to a different visa route once inside the UK before they complete their studies. Before July, it was possible for students to switch over to another visa once in the UK. Now, when switching, students must be able to prove they have finished their course which will be determined only by the date on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). International students are still able to work their permitted 20 hours per week on their student visa.
Additionally, undergrad students on degree courses are unable to sponsor partners or children and bring them to the UK on a dependent visa. This rule has not been put in place for postgrad students or those on a government-sponsored course which is longer than 6 months.
Graduate visas & New Entrants
Skilled worker applicants who are under the age of 26, sponsored for a post-doctoral position or working toward a recognised professional qualification within a UK-regulated profession, may class as a ‘new entrant’ which defines someone as new to the UK labour market. An applicant can qualify as a new entrant for a maximum of 4 years only which used to include any time previously spent on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker route.
As of 2023, any time an applicant spends in the UK on a graduate visa will now count towards this 4-year period, in addition to time spent on other visa routes. Classifying as a new entrant allows applicants to qualify for a skilled worker visa but on a lower salary, as they are typically younger and new to the workforce.
News
New Digital Visa Application Service Now Available Worldwide
Access UK is a new digital visa application service for foreign visitors to the UK. The service was introduced to customers in China in 2014 by the Home Office, enabling them to apply for visitor visas online. Following the successful launch, the service has now been...
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On 1st October 2016, the UK Home Office introduced a new service for EEA and Swiss nationals applying for either a registration certificate or permanent residence in the UK. Applicants can apply through their participating local authority where a copy of the passport...
Changes to Police Registration
Nationals of certain countries are required to register with the police if they intend to come to the UK for longer than 6 months, extend their current leave or switch to a different visa. Those who are currently already in the UK will be notified of the requirement...
Brexit – What happens next for EU / EEA nationals?
So, the UK population has voted on the EU Referendum, to leave the EU What does this mean for EU nationals and their families currently residing inside the UK? Until the UK Government invokes Article 50 and triggers the two-year time limit to leave the E.U, our...
Immigration Right to Rent Checks
People who are allowed to be in the UK have a right to rent and a right to rent check should be made by landlords. If a landlord cannot show the check was made, or are renting to someone who isn't allowed to stay in the UK, there could be fine to pay (civil penalty)....
English Language Requirement for Family visas
On 18 January a new English language requirement was announced for applicants seeking to extend their stay in the UK in family visa categories. Non-EEA national partners and parents in the family routes will be required to pass a speaking and listening test at level...
NEW HOME OFFICE FEES FOR 2016/2017!
On the 11 January 2016, the government set out its proposed changes to the fees for visas, immigration and nationality applications and associated premium services for 2016–17. Specific fee changes for 2016–17 will apply after further legislation is laid in Parliament...
Get Ready For The New Year’s Recruitment Drive With A UK Visa Sponsor License From £995*
Are you worried about getting enough skilled staff to fill your vacancies in 2016? Is a lack of qualified candidates holding your business back? A UK Visa Sponsor license lets you hire skilled workers from all over the world. This makes your pool of candidates larger,...
Major changes to UK Immigration Rules
Digital Technology Roles Added to Shortage Occupation List | Permanent Residence Now Required For EEA National Naturalisation | Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Reform Major changes to the Immigration Rules affecting Tiers 1, 2 and 5, EEA nationals sponsoring family...
What’s the alternative to hiring STEM graduates?
The engineering sector has a well documented struggle with a skills shortage. Slightly less well documented are the concerns about the calibre of STEM graduates. According the Engineering UK’s 2015 report, 48% of employers have concerns about the quality of STEM...
Immigration Health Surcharge Increase and other UKVI updates
Increase to Visa Application Fees
New Home Office fees introduced by the government recently came into effect as of the 4th October 2023. This change in immigration and nationality fees has had a direct effect on all application submission, priority service and certificate of sponsorship fees, which have seen up to a 20% increase. Some key figures to note are:
• Skilled Worker Entry Clearance, 3 years or less: £719 (£94 increase)
• Skilled Worker In-country, 3 years or less: £827 (£108 increase)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: £2,885 (£481 increase)
• Naturalisation/British Citizenship: £1,500 (£250 increase)
Fees for priority service have also been increased, now standing at £500 for both Entry Clearance and In-Country applications. Super priority service, where available, is now £1000 up from £800.
For applications that require a Certificate of Sponsorship, the cost of a CoS has also risen to £239 from £199.
Additionally, the immigration health surcharge is expected to rise significantly during January 2024 under the Immigration Health Charge (Amendment Order) 2023. We can expect the policy to take effect from 16th January 2024 onwards, subject to it passing through parliament. If so, the IHS fee is predicted to increase from £624 to £1035 per year for applicants over 18.
New Restrictions on Student Visas
Tighter government restrictions on those in the UK holding a student visa came into force July this year. The changes come in an attempt to reduce net migration whilst maintaining the government’s ability to meet its International Education requirements, but has had a significant impact on students’ flexibility in the UK.
Firstly, the new reforms prohibit international students from switching to a different visa route once inside the UK before they complete their studies. Before July, it was possible for students to switch over to another visa once in the UK. Now, when switching, students must be able to prove they have finished their course which will be determined only by the date on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). International students are still able to work their permitted 20 hours per week on their student visa.
Additionally, undergrad students on degree courses are unable to sponsor partners or children and bring them to the UK on a dependent visa. This rule has not been put in place for postgrad students or those on a government-sponsored course which is longer than 6 months.
Graduate visas & New Entrants
Skilled worker applicants who are under the age of 26, sponsored for a post-doctoral position or working toward a recognised professional qualification within a UK-regulated profession, may class as a ‘new entrant’ which defines someone as new to the UK labour market. An applicant can qualify as a new entrant for a maximum of 4 years only which used to include any time previously spent on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker route.
As of 2023, any time an applicant spends in the UK on a graduate visa will now count towards this 4-year period, in addition to time spent on other visa routes. Classifying as a new entrant allows applicants to qualify for a skilled worker visa but on a lower salary, as they are typically younger and new to the workforce.
News
New Digital Visa Application Service Now Available Worldwide
Access UK is a new digital visa application service for foreign visitors to the UK. The service was introduced to customers in China in 2014 by the Home Office, enabling them to apply for visitor visas online. Following the successful launch, the service has now been...
New Online European Passport Return Service
On 1st October 2016, the UK Home Office introduced a new service for EEA and Swiss nationals applying for either a registration certificate or permanent residence in the UK. Applicants can apply through their participating local authority where a copy of the passport...
Changes to Police Registration
Nationals of certain countries are required to register with the police if they intend to come to the UK for longer than 6 months, extend their current leave or switch to a different visa. Those who are currently already in the UK will be notified of the requirement...
Brexit – What happens next for EU / EEA nationals?
So, the UK population has voted on the EU Referendum, to leave the EU What does this mean for EU nationals and their families currently residing inside the UK? Until the UK Government invokes Article 50 and triggers the two-year time limit to leave the E.U, our...
Immigration Right to Rent Checks
People who are allowed to be in the UK have a right to rent and a right to rent check should be made by landlords. If a landlord cannot show the check was made, or are renting to someone who isn't allowed to stay in the UK, there could be fine to pay (civil penalty)....
English Language Requirement for Family visas
On 18 January a new English language requirement was announced for applicants seeking to extend their stay in the UK in family visa categories. Non-EEA national partners and parents in the family routes will be required to pass a speaking and listening test at level...
NEW HOME OFFICE FEES FOR 2016/2017!
On the 11 January 2016, the government set out its proposed changes to the fees for visas, immigration and nationality applications and associated premium services for 2016–17. Specific fee changes for 2016–17 will apply after further legislation is laid in Parliament...
Get Ready For The New Year’s Recruitment Drive With A UK Visa Sponsor License From £995*
Are you worried about getting enough skilled staff to fill your vacancies in 2016? Is a lack of qualified candidates holding your business back? A UK Visa Sponsor license lets you hire skilled workers from all over the world. This makes your pool of candidates larger,...
Major changes to UK Immigration Rules
Digital Technology Roles Added to Shortage Occupation List | Permanent Residence Now Required For EEA National Naturalisation | Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Reform Major changes to the Immigration Rules affecting Tiers 1, 2 and 5, EEA nationals sponsoring family...
What’s the alternative to hiring STEM graduates?
The engineering sector has a well documented struggle with a skills shortage. Slightly less well documented are the concerns about the calibre of STEM graduates. According the Engineering UK’s 2015 report, 48% of employers have concerns about the quality of STEM...
