Salary Guide

New Entrant Salary Rate for Skilled Worker Visas — The 80% Rule Explained

Skilled Worker applicants who qualify as a "new entrant" to the UK labour market can be paid 80% of the going rate for their occupation, subject to a floor of £30,960 per year. This discount lasts for a maximum of four years of UK employment and cannot be applied again once used.

Source: Home Office Appendix Skilled Occupations, effective 4 April 2024

Who qualifies as a new entrant?

You are a new entrant if you are: (a) aged 26 or under on the date your visa application is decided; (b) within the first five years of your career, which began after the age of 18, and you have not previously worked in a role at or above the level you are being sponsored for; (c) switching from a Student or Graduate visa; or (d) a postdoctoral researcher.

What is the new entrant rate?

The new entrant rate is 80% of the going rate for the applicable SOC code, subject to a minimum of £30,960 per year (as of April 2024). If 80% of the going rate is below £30,960, the £30,960 floor applies. The general £38,700 threshold does not apply if the new entrant criteria are met.

The four-year time limit

The new entrant discount can only be applied for a maximum of four years of UK employment. Once four years have passed — whether under a single sponsor or across multiple sponsors — you must be paid the full going rate. Your employer must track the cumulative time you have used the discount.

Can new entrant status be used again?

No. Once you have used the new entrant discount for four years, or if you have previously worked in the UK in a role at the level you are being sponsored for, the discount cannot be applied again. Future Skilled Worker applications must be at the full going rate.

New entrant status and your CoS

If your employer is applying the new entrant rate, this must be indicated on your Certificate of Sponsorship. The salary stated must be at least 80% of the going rate for your SOC code and not less than £30,960. Always check the CoS reflects the correct salary before your visa application.

This page provides general information about UK immigration salary rules. Rules change frequently — always verify the current thresholds on GOV.UK (Appendix Skilled Occupations) before making any visa decision. This is not legal advice. Consult a regulated immigration adviser (OISC Level 2+) for advice specific to your situation.

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