2026 has solidified a new era for UK immigration. Following the major policy shifts of late 2025, the standard minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa now stands firmly at £41,700. This "salary floor" represents a structural change in how British businesses recruit from abroad, moving the focus toward mid-to-senior professional roles. At Recruitroo, we have updated our AI matching engine to ensure that every job offer on our platform meets or exceeds these new legal benchmarks.
Understanding the "Higher of the Two" Rule
A common misconception is that earning £41,700 automatically guarantees visa approval. In reality, the Home Office requires that you are paid whichever is higher: the general threshold of £41,700 or the "going rate" for your specific job code (SOC code). In 2026, many specialized roles in IT, engineering, and healthcare have going rates that far exceed the baseline floor.
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Standard Professional Roles: For a Software Developer (SOC 2136), the going rate in 2026 often sits closer to £52,000, meaning the £41,700 floor is irrelevant.
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The Hourly Floor: In addition to the annual salary, you must earn at least £17.13 per hour. This prevents employers from meeting the threshold by simply increasing your contracted hours.
Exceptions and "New Entrant" Discounts
While the £41,700 figure is the headline, several routes allow for a reduced salary threshold in 2026:
- New Entrants: If you are under 26, a recent UK graduate, or moving from a Student visa, you may qualify for a 30% discount on the going rate, with a lower floor of £33,400. This is limited to a maximum of four years.
- PhD Holders: If you have a relevant PhD, your threshold may be reduced to £37,500 (or £33,400 for STEM subjects).
- Immigration Salary List (ISL): Roles on the 2026 ISL (mostly in construction and specialized trades) may still benefit from a reduced threshold of £33,400 for RQF Level 6 roles.
The Impact on Extensions
If you were already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa before the April 2024 changes, you are "protected" by transitional arrangements. When you extend your visa in 2026, your salary threshold is generally lower (typically around £31,300), provided you stay with the same employer or work in the same SOC code. However, if you change employers, you may be pushed into the higher 2026 salary brackets.
Expert Advice: "Don't just look at the gross salary. Ensure your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) lists your working hours accurately. If you work 40 hours, your 'going rate' calculation must reflect that, or your visa will be rejected." — Sarah O'Brien, Talent Acquisition Lead.
Compliant Hiring with Recruitroo
Navigating these numbers is complex for both candidates and HR teams. Recruitroo’s platform automates the SOC code matching process, instantly checking your proposed salary against the 2026 Home Office tables. We ensure that every contract generated through our system is 100% compliant, protecting your right to work and your employer’s sponsor licence.
Need to check if your salary qualifies? Book a demo to see our compliance engine. Browse 2026-compliant roles at Recruitroo.com/candidates or visit Recruitroo.com.