Can You Be Paid Less on a Skilled Worker Visa Than £41,700?

If you’re considering applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you may already know that the standard salary threshold is £41,700 per year. However, in certain circumstances, you can be paid less than £41,700 and still qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.

In this guide, we will explain when you can be paid less on a Skilled Worker visa, what the minimum salary requirements are, and which exceptions apply, so you can better understand your eligibility before submitting your application

Can I Be Paid Less Than £41,700 on a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes, you can still qualify for a Skilled Worker visa even if your salary is below the standard threshold of £41,700 or the going rate for your job, provided you meet certain eligibility criteria. In most cases, you must be paid at least £33,400 per year and your salary must be between 70% and 90% of your job’s going rate.

When You Can Be Paid Less on a Skilled Worker Visa

You can be paid less than £41,700 on a Skilled Worker visa if one of the following applies:

You’re Under 26, a Recent Graduate, or in Professional Training

You can be paid 70% of your job’s going rate, as long as you earn at least £33,400 annually and:

  • You’re under 26 years old on the date of application; or
  • You’re currently in the UK on a Student visa or Graduate visa, or were within the last two years; or
  • You’re working towards a qualification in a UK regulated profession; or
  • You’re seeking full registration or chartered status in your field.

Important: Your total stay in the UK under this discounted salary route must not exceed 4 years, including any time already spent on a Graduate visa.

You Have a PhD Relevant to the Job

If you hold a PhD-level qualification that is directly relevant to your job, you may be paid less than the full going rate:

  • STEM PhD holders (science, technology, engineering, or maths):
    Can be paid 80% of the going rate, with a minimum salary of £33,400.
  • Non-STEM PhD holders:
    Can be paid 90% of the going rate, with a minimum salary of £37,500.

You must:

  • Hold a UK PhD or equivalent overseas doctorate (confirmed via Ecctis if non-UK); and
  • Prove the qualification is relevant to the role, confirmed by your sponsor.

You’re Working in a Postdoctoral Position

If you are offered a postdoctoral position in science or higher education, you may also qualify to be paid 70% of the going rate, with a minimum salary of £33,400.

Eligible occupation codes include:

  • 2111: Chemical scientists
  • 2112: Biological scientists
  • 2113: Biochemists and biomedical scientists
  • 2114: Physical scientists
  • 2115: Social and humanities scientists
  • 2119: Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified
  • 2162: Other researchers
  • 2311: Higher education teaching professionals

As with other discounted routes, your total stay at the reduced rate must not exceed 4 years, including time spent on a Graduate visa.

Your Job Is on the Immigration Salary List

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) includes jobs where lower salary thresholds apply due to national shortages.

If your job is on this list:

  • You may be eligible with a lower salary, starting from £33,400 per year.
  • You pay a reduced visa application fee.
  • You must still be paid at least the reduced going rate for your job (as set out in the ISL).

Always check whether your job appears on the ISL for England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or UK-wide, as regional variations may apply.

Summary Table: When You Can Be Paid Less Than £41,700

RouteMinimum Salary% of Going RateMax Stay Limit
Under 26 / Graduate / Professional Training£33,40070%4 years
STEM PhD£33,40080%No limit
Non-STEM PhD£37,50090%No limit
Postdoctoral Position£33,40070%4 years
Immigration Salary List£33,400Job-specificNo limit

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