Current Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK may face challenges in securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the future due to the increases in salary threshold requirements that took effect in 2024.
Those who joined the Skilled Worker route before the 4th April 2024, and who are currently earning below the new thresholds, risk becoming ineligible for settlement unless they take proactive steps to meet the new, applicable higher salary bar.
If you are a Skilled Worker visa holder planning to apply for ILR, now is the time to assess your salary and take necessary action to secure your future in the UK.
Increased salary thresholds
From 4 April 2024, Skilled Worker visa holders must meet the following salary criteria:
- General Salary Requirement: A minimum annual salary of £38,700, or the going rate for their occupation, whichever is higher.
- Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List): If the job is on the Immigration Salary List (or was at the time of the initial visa application), the required salary is at least £30,960 per year, or the going rate for their role, whichever is higher.
Applicants must ensure their salary meets the applicable threshold at the time of their ILR application to avoid potential refusal.
ILR salary requirement for Skilled Workers with CoS assigned before 4th April 2024
For Skilled Worker visa holders with a CoS assigned before 4 April 2024, transitional arrangements are in place to facilitate their route to ILR. To qualify under these provisions, applicants must remain within the Skilled Worker route without switching to another visa category, maintain valid permission to stay under the Skilled Worker visa and apply for ILR before 4 April 2030.
Under the transitional rules, Skilled Workers applying for ILR must be paid a minimum salary of £29,000 per year, or the lower going rate for their role under “Option F” of the tradeable points system, whichever is higher.
The threshold is £23,200 per year if the job is on the Immigration Salary List, (or was at the time of the visa application).
In addition to this base threshold, applicants must also satisfy the specific salary rates outlined in Table 2, which contains salary requirements for different occupations as set by the UK government.
This means that workers who initially entered the Skilled Worker route under the lower (pre-4 April 2024) salary thresholds might now find their salary is too low to meet the current ILR requirements. For example, individuals who were previously earning salaries between £20,000 and £26,000 may now need a salary increase to at least £29,000 to qualify for ILR.
Failure to meet the higher salary criteria could mean that affected individuals might not be eligible to apply for ILR and may either need to explore other visa options or extensions to remain in the UK lawfully, or seek a salary uplift from their employer to meet the relevant threshold.
In some cases, lower salary thresholds apply depending on the occupation and immigration rules.
Skilled Workers who have spent part of their qualifying five-year ILR period under the Tier 2 (General) visa in specified occupation codes—including scientists, research professionals, and higher education teaching roles (codes 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2119, 2150, and 2311)—may qualify under a lower threshold of £23,200 per year, or the applicable going rate under transitional rules, whichever is higher.
ILR salary requirement for Skilled Workers with CoS assigned after 4th April 2024
For most applicants, their salary must equal or exceed the general minimum Skilled Worker salary requirement, which is set at £38,700 for Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) issued after 4 April 2024, or the going rate for their occupation—whichever is higher.
If your job is on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), or it was at the time you applied, you must be paid at least either £30,960 per year or the going rate for your type of work.
Skilled Workers applying for ILR from 4 April 2024 onwards should ensure their salary meets the required criteria based on their circumstances.
Healthcare & education roles
For Skilled Workers employed in healthcare or education, specific ILR salary rules apply based on national pay scales rather than general Skilled Worker salary thresholds.
For healthcare roles, the salary must meet one of the following thresholds: £29,000 per year, or £23,200 per year (if the role is on the Immigration Salary List), or the national pay scale rate applicable to their job role.
Healthcare workers should refer to official NHS pay band tables to determine their applicable salary threshold.
For education roles, teaching and education leadership positions must meet the required national pay scale rates based on job roles and locations within the UK.
It is essential for healthcare and education workers to check the latest pay scale updates, as salary requirements differ based on geographical area and employer type.
ILR planning: next steps for skilled worker visa holders
If you are a Skilled Worker visa holder planning to apply for ILR but are unsure about the salary threshold you need to meet, the following steps can help clarify your situation and ensure you remain eligible for settlement:
Check the Latest Salary Thresholds
Visit the official UK government website for up-to-date salary thresholds applicable to your occupation and CoS issuance date. Review the most recent Skilled Worker visa guidance, including the general salary thresholds and sector-specific requirements.
Consult Your Employer or HR Department
Ask your employer to confirm the salary rate stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and whether it meets the required threshold for ILR. Discuss potential salary adjustments or promotions that may help you meet the new salary criteria.
Seek Professional Immigration Advice
Consult a qualified immigration advisor or solicitor who can assess your eligibility based on your employment history and specific job role. They can help you understand the applicable tradeable points system options and any transitional provisions available to you.
Plan for a Salary Increase
If your current salary falls short of the required threshold, engage with your employer early to negotiate a salary uplift. Consider career progression opportunities that could lead to higher pay in your current role.
Explore Alternative Visa Options
If meeting the ILR salary threshold seems challenging, consider extending your Skilled Worker visa or switching to another visa category that may better suit your circumstances.
Need assistance?
If you are a Skilled Worker visa holder, or are an employer looking to retain a Skilled Worker visa holder through the ILR process, speak to our UK immigration advisers
s should seek professional advice to fully understand the salary requirements for ILR and ensure they meet the wider eligibility criteria, including residence and continuous employment requirements. Taking early action can help avoid complications and secure long-term settlement.
