The UK government has announced an increase in the minimum salary threshold for certain Skilled Worker visa applicants, set to take effect on April 9, 2025. This change aims to align salary requirements with the latest UK workforce earnings, as determined by Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
New Minimum Salary Rules from April 2025
From April 9, 2025, the minimum salary floor for Skilled Worker visa applicants will increase:
- From £23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
- To £25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
While the general Skilled Worker visa salary threshold remains £38,700 per year, the £25,000 floor rate will apply to:
- Care Workers and Senior Care Workers
- New Entrants joining the job market
- Roles on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List)
- Certain health and education roles
- Roles where a STEM PhD is relevant
Additionally, salary thresholds for health and education roles will be updated in line with national pay scales, with specific adjustments for different occupations.
Who Is Affected?
The new salary requirement applies to:
- New Skilled Worker visa applicants applying on or after April 9, 2025
- Individuals switching to a Skilled Worker visa on or after April 9, 2025
- Dependents switching to a Skilled Worker visa on or after April 9, 2025
- Current Skilled Worker visa holders who:
- Apply for a visa extension on or after April 9, 2025
- Change employers and require a new visa on or after April 9, 2025
Who Is Not Affected?
- Skilled Workers with existing visas who remain with their current employer and do not require an extension before their visa expires
- Applications submitted before April 9, 2025, will still be processed under the old salary threshold
Impact on UK Employers
For businesses employing Skilled Worker visa holders, existing visas remain valid until renewal. However, any visa renewal or extension after April 9, 2025, must meet the updated salary thresholds. Employers should review employment contracts and prepare for potential salary adjustments to ensure continued compliance.
For new Skilled Worker visa hires, any Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued from April 9, 2025, must reflect the updated salary requirements. Some roles—such as NHS Band 3 positions—may no longer meet the new salary threshold, depending on region-specific NHS pay scales. Employers planning to hire under this visa route should budget accordingly or consider expediting recruitment before the changes take effect.
Employers should also ensure they are using an effective Sponsor Management System (SMS) to track compliance and manage visa sponsorship efficiently.
Preparing for the Changes
The government is expected to release further details in the upcoming Immigration White Paper, which may introduce additional changes to the Skilled Worker visa framework. Employers should review their sponsorship and recruitment strategies now to avoid disruption.
If you have any remaining Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), we strongly recommend using them before April 9, 2025, when the new salary rules take effect. This will allow you to secure sponsorships under the current salary thresholds before the higher rates apply. Borderless can assist with this process, ensuring compliance and a smooth transition for your sponsored workers.
For expert guidance on these updates and how they may affect your organisation, get in touch with Borderless for specialist support on visa sponsorship, compliance, and salary planning.
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