The salary options at a glance
Standard
£41,700
and 100% of the going rate
New entrant
£33,400
and 70% of the going rate
Relevant PhD
£37,500
and 90% of the going rate
Relevant STEM PhD
£33,400
and 80% of the going rate
Immigration Salary List job
£33,400
and 100% of the going rate
Keep paying the right rate
The salary test doesn’t stop at the visa. Going rates change, and an unpaid absence or a cut in hours can take a worker below the minimum. Keep the certificate of sponsorship salary on each worker’s record and re-check it whenever pay or hours change — a reportable change has a 10 working day deadline. Check if your candidate is a new entrant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a Skilled Worker in 2026?
The salary must be at least £41,700 a year and at least the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. Lower minimums apply to new entrants (£33,400 and 70% of the going rate), relevant PhD holders and Immigration Salary List roles.
What is a going rate?
Each eligible occupation code has a going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations, based on a 37.5-hour week. The salary must meet the going rate pro-rated to the hours worked, as well as the general salary floor.
Can I pro-rate the £41,700 threshold for part-time workers?
No. The going rate is pro-rated to the weekly hours, but the general £ floor is not. A part-time worker must still earn at least £41,700 (or the lower floor for their option) in total.
Do allowances and bonuses count towards the salary?
Generally no. Only guaranteed basic gross pay counts. Overtime, bonuses, commission and most allowances are excluded, and only the first 48 hours a week count.
What happens if I pay a sponsored worker less than the CoS salary?
You must report the reduction within 10 working days, and if the new salary is below the required minimum you must stop sponsoring the worker. Paying below the required rate is a common reason for licence revocation.
Official sources
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Worker
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Occupations
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Immigration Salary List
Rules and fees checked September 2026. Immigration rules change often — this tool gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on an individual case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or one of the firms listed here.