What is the going rate for a Skilled Worker visa?

The going rate is the minimum salary for a specific occupation that a Skilled Worker visa holder must be paid. It is based on the 25th percentile of earnings for that occupation using the SOC code system. You must be paid at least the going rate or the general salary threshold, whichever is higher.

Where can I find the going rate for my occupation?

Going rates are listed in the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker on GOV.UK, organised by SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code. Your employer should identify the correct SOC code for your role when applying for a certificate of sponsorship.

What if my salary is below the going rate?

If your salary is below the going rate, you will not meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements unless you qualify for a discounted rate. New entrants (those under 26, in professional training, or switching from a Student visa) may be eligible for a reduced going rate, typically 70% of the standard rate.

Is the going rate pro-rated for part-time workers?

Yes. If you work part-time, the going rate is pro-rated based on your working hours compared to the standard full-time hours for the occupation. However, your actual salary must still meet the minimum threshold when annualised.

Going Rate for Skilled Worker Visa: Occupation Salary Rates 2026

The going rate is the occupation-specific minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa holders. It is determined by SOC code and represents the 25th percentile of UK earnings for that role. You must be paid the higher of the going rate or the general salary threshold. New entrants may qualify for a reduced rate. Understanding the going rate system is essential for both employers and applicants.

How the Going Rate Works

The going rate system ensures that migrant workers are paid a salary comparable to what UK workers earn in the same occupation. Each occupation has a going rate based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you must be paid at least the going rate for your occupation or the general salary threshold, whichever is higher. The general threshold has been increasing since 2024. See our salary threshold guide.

Finding Your SOC Code and Going Rate

Every occupation eligible for the Skilled Worker visa has a SOC code. The going rate for each code is published in Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules on GOV.UK.

Your employer identifies the SOC code when assigning your certificate of sponsorship. The code must match the actual duties of the role, not just the job title. If the wrong SOC code is used, the visa application can be refused.

Examples of how going rates vary:

Software developers have a different going rate from IT project managers.
Nurses have a different rate from doctors.
Civil engineers have a different rate from mechanical engineers.

The going rate is expressed as an annual salary for a full-time role. Part-time workers have the rate pro-rated proportionally.

New Entrant Discount

Certain applicants qualify as "new entrants" and can be paid a reduced going rate. Typically this is 70% of the standard going rate. You qualify as a new entrant if:

You are under 26 years old at the date of application.
You are switching from a Student visa or Graduate Route visa.
You are in a recognised professional training programme.
You are working towards a recognised professional qualification.

New entrant status applies for a maximum of 4 years. After that, you must be paid the full going rate to extend your visa.

Shortage Occupation Rates

Occupations on the Shortage Occupation List previously qualified for a reduced going rate (80% of the standard). However, the Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List, and the discount rules have changed. Check the current rules on GOV.UK.

What Counts Towards the Going Rate

Only certain types of pay count towards meeting the going rate:

Base salary: Always counts.
Guaranteed allowances: Fixed allowances paid regularly (such as London weighting) can count if they are guaranteed for the duration of the visa.
Does not count: Overtime, bonuses, commission, expenses, benefits in kind, and tips do not count towards the going rate.

For Employers

If you are an employer sponsoring a Skilled Worker, ensuring you meet the going rate is a fundamental compliance obligation:

Check the going rate before assigning a certificate of sponsorship.
Use the correct SOC code. Misclassification can lead to visa refusal and compliance issues. See our hiring overseas workers guide.
Review salaries at each visa extension to ensure they still meet the going rate, which may have been updated.
Remember that going rates can change between Statement of Changes. Monitor updates on sponsor responsibilities.

If Your Salary Is Below the Going Rate

If your salary does not meet the going rate and you do not qualify for a new entrant discount, you have limited options:

Negotiate a higher salary with your employer.
Check whether a different SOC code better matches your actual duties.
Consider whether you qualify for new entrant status.
Explore other visa routes that may not have the same salary requirements.