How a low CoS salary can get a Skilled Worker visa refused

A Skilled Worker visa application can be refused if the salary stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship falls below the Home Office's minimum threshold — which is whichever is higher of the general salary requirement or the specific 'going rate' for your occupation code. The Home Office applies this strictly, with no discretion for small shortfalls.

Two thresholds, and you need to clear the higher one.

The general salary threshold is a baseline that applies across most Skilled Worker applications. The 'going rate' is specific to your occupation's SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code, based on ONS earnings data for that role. Your CoS salary must meet or exceed whichever of the two is higher — meeting only the general threshold isn't enough if your occupation's going rate is above it.

Where refusals commonly come from.

A salary below the general threshold. A salary above the general threshold but below the specific going rate for the SOC code used. An incorrect SOC code that doesn't reflect the actual job, pulling in the wrong going rate. Counting non-guaranteed pay — bonuses, overtime, or benefits in kind generally don't count toward the threshold, only guaranteed basic gross pay does.

How to check your own CoS before applying.

1. 1

   Confirm your SOC code.

   Ask your employer for the four-digit SOC code on your CoS and check it genuinely matches your job duties.

2. 2

   Look up the current going rate.

   Search 'Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations' on gov.uk for the current going rate for your SOC code — these figures are reviewed periodically, so always check the live page rather than relying on an old figure.

3. 3

   Compare against your CoS salary.

   Your CoS salary must be at or above the higher of the general threshold and your occupation's going rate.