What is the new entrant salary rate?

The new entrant rate is a reduced salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants who are new to the UK labour market. Instead of the standard £38,700 general threshold, new entrants must meet a lower threshold (currently 70% of the going rate for the occupation, with a minimum of £30,960).

How long does the new entrant rate last?

You can use the new entrant rate for a maximum of 4 years. After that, you must meet the standard salary threshold. When you extend your visa, you may need to show that your salary has increased to the standard rate.

Can I use the new entrant rate to extend my visa?

Only if you are still within the 4-year new entrant period. If your initial visa was granted at the new entrant rate and you are extending within 4 years of that grant, you may still benefit from the reduced rate. After 4 years, the standard rate applies.

New Entrant Salary Rate: Skilled Worker Visa 2026

Q: Who qualifies as a new entrant?

You qualify as a new entrant if you are under 26 years old at the time of application, you are switching from a Student or Graduate visa, you are in a postdoctoral research position, or you are applying for your first Skilled Worker visa and you are in a recognised professional training programme.

The new entrant salary rate allows qualifying Skilled Worker visa applicants to meet a lower salary threshold than the standard rate. This is designed to help younger workers and recent graduates enter the UK labour market. This guide explains who qualifies, how the rate is calculated, and what happens when the new entrant period expires.

Who Qualifies as a New Entrant?

You qualify for the new entrant rate if you meet any of the following criteria at the time of your Skilled Worker visa application:

Age. You are under 26 years old.
Switching from a student route. You are switching from a Student visa or Graduate route visa.
Postdoctoral position. You are in a postdoctoral research position or working towards a recognised professional qualification (such as being on a professional training programme in law, medicine, or accountancy).
First Skilled Worker visa. In some cases, applicants on their first Skilled Worker visa who are within 4 years of their first entry in a qualifying route.

How the Reduced Rate Is Calculated

New entrants must meet the higher of:

70% of the going rate for the specific occupation (SOC code)
The minimum salary floor of £30,960

For example, if the going rate for your occupation is £40,000, the new entrant rate would be £28,000 — but because the minimum floor is £30,960, you would need to be paid at least £30,960.

The going rate varies by occupation. Check the GOV.UK going rates table for your specific occupation.

The 4-Year Limit

The new entrant rate is not permanent. You can benefit from it for a maximum of 4 years from the date your first Skilled Worker visa (or qualifying previous visa) was granted. After this:

You must meet the standard salary threshold of £38,700 (or the full going rate, whichever is higher).
If your salary has not increased to the standard rate by the time you extend your visa, your extension may be refused.
Plan ahead: discuss salary progression with your employer well before your visa extension is due.

Impact on ILR

To qualify for ILR after 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the salary threshold at the time of your ILR application. Since ILR is applied for after 5 years (beyond the 4-year new entrant window), you will need to be earning the standard rate by then.

Practical Advice for Employers

If you are a sponsor hiring a new entrant:

The Certificate of Sponsorship should indicate the new entrant rate.
Plan for salary progression. The employee will need to meet the standard rate within 4 years.
Ensure salary increases are budgeted and agreed in advance.

Next Steps

Check whether you qualify for the new entrant rate and calculate the minimum salary for your occupation. For the latest going rates, see the GOV.UK going rates table. For help with your application, see our immigration solicitor guide.