Kehinde Fajobi
The UK government has announced significant updates to its immigration rules, raising salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas to prioritise highly skilled and well-compensated workers.
Effective 1 January 2025, the minimum salary requirement for most Skilled Worker visa applicants will increase from £26,200 to £38,700.
Some thresholds will rise by as much as 82%, affecting industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Applicants with a relevant PhD must now meet a £34,830 threshold, up from £23,800, while those with STEM PhDs need £30,960, a significant jump from £20,960.
For roles on the shortage occupation list or new entrants to the workforce, the threshold will also rise to £30,960.
“This increase signifies the government’s plan to ensure that only the most qualified individuals can access the Skilled Worker visa programme,” said a government spokesperson.
The 20% discount for shortage occupation roles will be removed, but PhD holders in STEM fields and new entrants, such as recent graduates, will still receive some discounts.
Employers will face higher costs when sponsoring foreign workers under the new system. While this may strain budgets, it is expected to create a more qualified workforce in the UK.
According to DAAD Scholarship, the changes bring both challenges and opportunities for job seekers. “Workers in fields such as software development, engineering, and healthcare will now need to secure job offers that meet the new salary thresholds,” it noted.