Minimum salary for the Skilled Worker Visa UK

Why has this change been implemented?

The Home Office has stated that the increase to the minimum salary for the Skilled Worker Visa has been introduced to recognise the increase in the cost of living.

When do these changes take effect?

The changes to the Skilled Worker minimum salary requirement take effect from 12 April 2023 and will only apply to Skilled Worker applications made with a certificate of sponsorship issued on or after that date. If you are in the process of currently recruiting candidates and the salary on offer is in accordance with current Occupation Code Salaries you may want to consider if the process for assigning the Certificate of Sponsorship to the candidate can be fast-tracked to a date before 12 April. 

Skilled Worker applications made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 12 April 2023 will be processed according to the Immigration Rules in force on 11 April 2023. 

How do these changes impact existing sponsored workers?

Although existing sponsored workers will not be immediately affected by these changes, it is important to note that you will need to comply with the new requirements when they apply to extend their Skilled Worker visa or seek to settle in the UK.

What should employers do?

In light of these changes, employers should liaise with their finance team to adjust recruitment budgets accordingly to ensure that the new minimum salary requirement will be complied with.

How Paragon Law can help

At Paragon Law, our corporate immigration solicitors can provide comprehensive advice and support to employers who wish to recruit non-UK workers under the Skilled Worker Visa. We can help ensure that your recruitment policies and procedures are in compliance with the new rules and that your sponsored workers receive the correct salary according to the new minimum salary requirement.