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What salary do I need to meet the general threshold for a UK Skilled Worker visa?

24 Sept 2026 · Answered by Rakshitha Muthukumar · 1 min read
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To qualify under the UK Skilled Worker visa's general route, you typically need to earn at least £41,700 a year, or the specific job's going rate if that figure is higher, with only limited exceptions. This threshold is a key number to check before you accept any UK job offer.

Rakshitha Muthukumar
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To meet the UK Skilled Worker visa's general salary threshold, you need to be earning at least £41,700 a year, or the specific occupation's going rate, whichever amount is higher. There are only limited exceptions to this rule, so most applicants need to clear this bar to qualify.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Snapshot

RequirementDetail
General salary thresholdAt least £41,700 per year
Alternative benchmarkThe job's specific going rate, if higher
ExceptionsLimited, for specific circumstances only

Why the Threshold Matters for Graduates

Many international students hope to move from a Graduate visa into a Skilled Worker visa after finishing their course, and this salary threshold is one of the main hurdles in that transition. A job offer that pays below both the general threshold and the occupation's going rate generally will not qualify you for sponsorship.

My Advice

When you are job hunting in the UK, check both the general threshold and the specific going rate for your occupation before you negotiate an offer, since falling short on either number could affect your ability to secure sponsorship under this route.

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