Skilled Worker Visa: Navigating the New Going Rates in 2025
Introduction
The UK Skilled Worker visa is one of the most important immigration routes, designed to bring international talent into the UK workforce. For years, it has helped employers fill gaps in sectors such as healthcare, technology, education, and engineering. However, from April 2024, significant changes to the going rates (minimum salary thresholds for eligible jobs) were introduced, making it more complex for both applicants and employers.
In 2025, understanding the new going rates is crucial for anyone applying for a Skilled Worker visa. This article explains how the rules now work, which roles qualify, what salaries are required, and practical tips to ensure your application succeeds.
What Are “Going Rates” Under the Skilled Worker Visa?
The going rate is the minimum salary that must be paid for a specific occupation under the Skilled Worker visa route. These rates are set by the UK Home Office and vary depending on the sector, occupation, and applicant circumstances.
Employers must meet two requirements simultaneously:
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The general salary threshold (a set baseline for all Skilled Worker visas).
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The occupation-specific going rate for the job being sponsored.
Failing to meet either will usually result in the visa being refused.
Key Changes Introduced in 2024–2025
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General Salary Threshold Increased
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Before April 2024: £26,200 per year (or £23,040 with tradeable points, e.g., shortage roles).
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After April 2024: £38,700 per year for most Skilled Worker applicants.
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Health and social care roles remain at a lower threshold: £23,040.
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Shortage Occupation List Replaced
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The old “Shortage Occupation List” was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
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Roles on the ISL benefit from reduced salary thresholds (but no longer as generous as before).
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New Going Rates Published
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Going rates for each Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code are based on median UK earnings, not the 25th percentile as before.
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This significantly raised the required salary for many roles.
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Going Rate Examples by Sector (2025)
Here’s an overview of some key sectors and their updated going rates:
Healthcare & Social Care
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Nurses (SOC 2231): £23,040 per year (unchanged lower threshold).
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Senior Care Workers: £23,040 per year.
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Care Workers: £23,040 per year.
➡️ Health and social care remain exceptions due to staffing shortages. Employers can still recruit internationally at reduced thresholds.
Education
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Secondary Education Teachers in maths, physics, chemistry, and computing: Around £26,000–£30,000, depending on region.
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Other teaching roles: Must meet the higher general threshold unless on the ISL.
Technology & Engineering
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IT Business Analysts, Programmers, Software Developers: Going rates now around £38,700–£45,000, depending on SOC code.
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Engineering Professionals (civil, mechanical, electrical): Salaries must align with median UK wages, meaning most now fall above £40,000.
Other Roles
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Hospitality roles (chefs, butchers) are largely excluded unless they meet very strict criteria.
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Trades and construction roles must meet higher thresholds unless listed on the ISL.
Tradeable Points and Exceptions
While the £38,700 threshold applies to most applicants, the Skilled Worker visa still operates on a tradeable points system. This allows some flexibility:
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New Entrants (under 26, or switching from student visas): Can qualify with a salary as low as £30,960.
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Jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL): Lower threshold applies, currently £30,960.
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PhD-qualified applicants: Can qualify with lower salaries if their job is in a relevant field.
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Health and Care workers: Retain the reduced salary threshold of £23,040.
Employer Sponsorship Obligations
Employers must:
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Hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsorship licence.
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Pay at least the going rate for the job.
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Ensure the role is genuine and meets skill-level requirements.
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Keep proper records and comply with Home Office monitoring.
Failure to comply can result in licence suspension or revocation, which directly impacts workers’ visas.
Common Challenges with the New Going Rates
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Salary Shock for Applicants
Many applicants who qualified under the old £26,200 threshold now find themselves excluded unless their job pays close to £40,000. -
Employers Struggling to Adjust
SMEs and non-London-based employers often cannot meet the new salary levels, limiting their ability to hire international staff. -
Misunderstanding the Tradeable Points
Some applicants wrongly assume they qualify for lower thresholds without meeting the specific conditions (e.g., age, PhD relevance). -
Job Classification Issues
Misclassifying roles under incorrect SOC codes is a common reason for refusal. Each code has a specific going rate, so precision is critical.
Practical Tips for Applicants in 2025
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Check the Correct SOC Code: Ensure your job title matches the official Home Office list.
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Negotiate Salary with Employers: If the job offer falls short, discuss whether adjustments are possible.
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Use Tradeable Points Wisely: Younger applicants or those with PhDs may qualify with lower thresholds — but only if criteria are properly met.
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Healthcare Applicants: Take advantage of reduced thresholds for health and care roles.
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Plan Ahead for Settlement: Remember that meeting the going rate is also essential for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
FAQs
Q: What is the Skilled Worker visa minimum salary in 2025?
A: £38,700 for most roles. Exceptions apply for health and care workers, new entrants, and jobs on the Immigration Salary List.
Q: Can I still qualify if my job pays below £38,700?
A: Possibly, if you are under 26, working in health or social care, or applying for a job on the ISL.
Q: Has the Shortage Occupation List been scrapped?
A: Yes. It has been replaced with the Immigration Salary List, which is more restrictive and less generous.
Q: Does location matter?
A: No official regional salary differences apply (except teaching roles). All going rates are based on national medians.
Q: Can bonuses or overtime count toward the going rate?
A: No. Only guaranteed basic salary counts.
Conclusion
The new going rates for the UK Skilled Worker visa represent one of the most significant reforms in recent immigration policy. With thresholds rising to £38,700 for most roles, the bar has been set much higher for international workers.
While healthcare roles remain accessible at lower salaries, other sectors — particularly technology, engineering, and education — must now carefully plan recruitment and compliance to avoid refusals.
At Nora Immigration, we guide both applicants and employers through these complex requirements. From ensuring the correct SOC code to preparing strong documentation, we help Skilled Worker applications succeed in today’s stricter environment.
If you are planning to apply under the Skilled Worker visa route in 2025, contact Nora Immigration for expert support and tailored advice.
