Overtime and Bonuses: Do They Count Towards Visa Salary Thresholds?
What you need to know
- •Overtime does NOT count towards the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold.
- •Discretionary bonuses do NOT count for Skilled Worker visa purposes.
- •Guaranteed contractual allowances (e.g., London weighting) DO count.
- •For spouse visa Category B, actual 12-month earnings (including overtime/bonuses) can count.
- •Evidence must be clear: payslips, contract, and employer letter are essential.
Not all income counts equally for UK immigration purposes. The Skilled Worker visa salary threshold must generally be met through guaranteed base salary, while the spouse visa financial requirement has slightly different rules. This guide explains what counts, what does not, and how to structure your evidence.
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Skilled Worker Visa: What Counts
The Skilled Worker visa salary threshold of £38,700 (or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher) must be met through:
- Base salary. Your guaranteed annual salary as stated in your contract of employment.
- Guaranteed allowances. Contractual allowances that are guaranteed and paid regularly, such as London weighting or a guaranteed annual supplement.
The following do not count:
- Overtime (whether guaranteed or voluntary)
- Performance bonuses
- Commission
- Tips and gratuities
- One-off payments
- Benefits in kind (company car, gym membership, etc.)
- Employer pension contributions
Spouse Visa: What Counts
The spouse visa financial requirement of £29,000 is assessed differently depending on the category:
- Category A (salaried). Your current annual salary must be at least £29,000. Overtime and bonuses are not included. This is similar to the Skilled Worker assessment.
- Category B (non-salaried/variable). The Home Office looks at your actual gross earnings over the previous 12 months. This can include overtime, bonuses, and commission that you actually received. The total must be at least £29,000.
This means that if your base salary is below £29,000 but your total earnings (including overtime and bonuses) exceed it, Category B may be the right approach. See our non-standard employment guide.
Practical Advice for Skilled Worker Visa Holders
- Negotiate your base salary to meet the threshold. Do not rely on overtime or bonuses.
- If your employer offers allowances, ensure they are guaranteed and contractual, not discretionary.
- Get your contract to explicitly state the allowances and their guaranteed nature.
- Ask your employer for a letter confirming your salary breakdown for your visa application.
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Evidence Required
- Employment contract. Clearly showing base salary and any guaranteed allowances.
- Payslips. At least 6 months (Category A) or 12 months (Category B).
- Bank statements. Showing salary deposits matching payslips.
- Employer letter. Confirming your role, salary, and any guaranteed allowances.
ILR Considerations
When applying for ILR after 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, your salary must still meet the threshold (or the going rate). Overtime and bonuses still do not count. If your base salary has not kept pace with threshold increases, discuss a pay rise with your employer before your ILR application.
Next Steps
Review your employment contract and identify which elements of your pay are guaranteed. If your base salary does not meet the threshold, discuss options with your employer. For detailed guidance, see the GOV.UK going rates table and the GOV.UK proof of income guidance.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.