With the UK's standard Skilled Worker salary floor rising to £41,700, many employers fear they can no longer hire international junior talent. However, the "New Entrant" provision remains a powerful—though time-limited—tool for bringing in the next generation of professionals. In 2026, this route allows businesses to sponsor certain individuals at a lower salary threshold, provided they meet specific criteria. At Recruitroo, we specialize in identifying these opportunities to help companies build sustainable talent pipelines.
Who Qualifies as a New Entrant in 2026?
The "New Entrant" status isn't just for graduates. In 2026, you qualify for a discounted salary threshold if you meet one of the following:
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Age: You are under the age of 26 on the date of your application.
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Recent Graduates: You are switching from a Student or Graduate visa, or you completed a UK degree within the last two years.
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Professional Qualification: You are working toward a recognized professional qualification (such as ACA or ACCA) or are in a regulated profession like law or medicine.
The Salary Math: £33,400 vs £41,700
If you qualify as a New Entrant, your employer can pay you the higher of:
- The Discounted Floor: £33,400 per year.
- The Discounted Going Rate: 70% of the median going rate for your specific job (SOC) code.
This £8,300 difference makes a massive impact on a company's ability to hire international graduates for entry-level engineering, marketing, or analyst roles that would otherwise fall below the £41,700 requirement.
The Four-Year Limit
There is a catch: you can only be a "New Entrant" for a total of four years. This includes any time spent on a Graduate visa. Once those four years are up, you must be sponsored at the full Skilled Worker rate (currently £41,700 or higher). This means that by 2030, you must have progressed in your career enough to justify the higher salary.
Expert Advice: "Hiring a New Entrant is a strategic investment. You get lower initial costs, but you must have a clear career progression plan in place. If the employee isn't earning the full threshold by year four, you won't be able to extend their visa." — Sarah O'Brien, Talent Acquisition Lead.
Building Junior Pipelines with Recruitroo
Recruitroo helps employers calculate exactly when a New Entrant will need their salary uplift. Our platform tracks "Time on Route" across Graduate and Skilled Worker visas, providing HR teams with a four-year roadmap. We make sure your junior talent can stay, grow, and eventually transition into the senior roles your business needs.
Ready to hire international graduates? Book a demo to see our New Entrant tools. Candidates can find junior sponsored roles at Recruitroo.com/candidates or visit Recruitroo.com.