Why Salary Thresholds Matter in 2026
The Skilled Worker route remains the UK’s main pathway for hiring overseas talent, but last year, salary thresholds and eligible occupations changed once again.
If you’re an employer or HR manager with a sponsor licence, these updates directly affect who you can sponsor, how much you must pay, and whether a job qualifies under the Home Office’s new immigration salary system.
At AHJ Immigration, we help UK businesses stay compliant with every policy shift, ensuring your Skilled Worker hires are legal, timely, and sustainable.
The 2026 Salary Threshold
From April last year, the Home Office is implementing the second phase of salary adjustments introduced first in late 2024.
These updates reflect the government’s goal to reduce net migration while protecting key sectors.
Here’s how the main figures look for 2026:
| Category | Minimum Salary (General) | Occupation-Based (SOC Code) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Threshold | £38,700 | or the “going rate” for the job (whichever is higher) | Applies to most new Skilled Worker applications |
| Health & Care Worker | £29,000 | or the occupation-specific rate | Lower rate due to public sector alignment |
| New Entrant | £30,960 | or 70% of going rate | Applies to graduates or those under 26 |
| PhD-Level Occupations | £34,830 | or 90% of going rate | For jobs requiring PhD qualifications |
| Shortage Occupation / Immigration Salary List | £30,960 | or 80% of going rate | Updated list introduced 2025 |
These figures replace the previous £26,200 general threshold set in 2023.
Understanding the “Going Rate”
The going rate refers to the typical salary for a specific occupation based on its SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code.
Each SOC code has a salary benchmark published in the UK’s Immigration Salary List.
Employers must always pay whichever is higher, either the general threshold or the job’s going rate.
Example:
- A software developer (SOC 2136) has a going rate of £45,000.
- Even though the general threshold is £38,700, the employer must pay £45,000 to meet the Skilled Worker criteria.
The 2026 Immigration Salary List
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaced the old “Shortage Occupation List” in 2024.
Last year, the ISL continues with adjustments reflecting sector demand. This year, more changes are expected.
Key sectors still benefiting from reduced thresholds include:
- Health and Care (nurses, physiotherapists, paramedics – Some health care related roles are being phased out now)
- Construction (bricklayers, roofers, carpenters)
- Engineering and Tech (software developers, mechanical engineers)
- Education (secondary teachers in STEM subjects)
Roles removed from the ISL in 2025 include some hospitality and retail positions, reflecting tighter migration policies.
What Employers Need to Do
To stay compliant in 2026, HR teams and Authorising Officers should:
- Review Current Sponsored Roles
Check that salaries still meet the new thresholds. Update employment contracts if necessary. - Use the Latest SOC Codes
Ensure all Certificates of Sponsorship reflect the updated SOC 2026 list. - Reassess Future Hiring Budgets
Budget for higher salary minimums, especially for graduate or junior roles. - Check Immigration Salary List Eligibility
Some roles may still qualify under reduced thresholds, others no longer do. - Update Sponsor Management System (SMS)
Keep your licence details accurate, especially when job titles or pay bands change.
“Many employers forget to update CoS details when salaries increase. The Home Office can revoke a licence if it believes sponsored workers are underpaid or misclassified.”
— Abdul Basit, Senior Sponsor Licence Consultant, AHJ Immigration
Nexus Engineering
Nexus Engineering sponsored three mechanical engineers in 2024 under salaries of £34,000 each.
Following the April 2025 update, those roles now require a minimum of £38,700.
AHJ Immigration reviewed their SMS records, helped reissue updated CoS with compliant salaries, and guided the HR team through a smooth renewal process, ensuring the company avoided a potential compliance breach.
The Impact on New Entrants and Graduates
“New entrants” typically graduates, those under 26, or switching from the Graduate Route, benefit from a reduced threshold of £30,960 or 70% of the going rate.
This gives employers a chance to recruit young professionals at a lower rate while staying compliant.
However, after 4 years (or upon changing roles), these employees must meet the full Skilled Worker salary when renewing or extending.
PhD-Level Occupations
Certain roles requiring PhD qualifications, such as research scientists or university lecturers, may qualify for a 10% discount from the going rate.
These categories align with the UK’s innovation and education priorities, helping universities and research organisations continue attracting top global talent.
Compliance Checks in 2026
The Home Office continues to increase licence audit activity, particularly among smaller sponsors and high-turnover industries.
Employers should maintain:
- Up-to-date salary records
- Employment contracts
- Right-to-work documentation
- Proof of salary payments (payslips, bank statements)
If audits reveal discrepancies between CoS data and actual pay, the sponsor licence can be downgraded or revoked.
Why Work with AHJ Immigration
With rising salary thresholds and tighter audits, sponsor licence compliance in 2026 requires precision.
At AHJ Immigration, we help employers:
- Review existing sponsorships for compliance
- Update CoS records to match new thresholds
- Manage licence renewals and audits
- Provide fixed-fee HR advisory and training
Free 15-Minute Case Assessment, check If Your Sponsored Roles Meet 2026 Salary Requirements.
Our regulated advisers will review your staff records, flag non-compliance risks, and guide you step-by-step through the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Skilled Worker minimum salary in 2026?
The general threshold is £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher.
2. Are Health and Care roles exempt from the new rates?
They have lower thresholds (£29,000) due to NHS alignment but must still meet the job-specific rate.
3. What if my current employee earns below the new minimum?
You must raise their salary to the new level before extension or visa renewal.
4. How often does the Immigration Salary List update?
Usually annually, but sectors can be reviewed mid-year based on labour demand.
5. Can graduates switch from the Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker with a lower salary?
Yes, as “new entrants”, graduates can qualify at 70% of the going rate or £30,960.
Salary compliance isn’t just a number, it’s the foundation of your sponsor licence.
One missed update can risk your entire sponsorship status.
Free 15-Minute Case Assessment — Check If Your Sponsored Roles Meet 2026 Salary Requirements.
Our team will review your workforce, salary levels, and sponsor records to ensure your business stays compliant with the 2026 Skilled Worker rules. Book Above.