UK Skilled Worker Visa salary thresholds underwent major increases in 2026, reshaping eligibility for Indian professionals and raising entry barriers to protect British jobs while targeting high-skill migration.
Post-Brexit reforms accelerated in 2026 with the Immigration White Paper, aiming to end “low-skill migration” by aligning salaries with UK median earnings (£41,700 threshold = 80th percentile). RQF Level 3-5 occupations (trade skills) shifted to Temporary Shortage List—limiting dependents and creating 12-month visas ending 2026. Indian IT/healthcare applicants face dual hurdles: general threshold PLUS occupation-specific “going rates” where higher prevails.
Detailed 2026 Salary Thresholds
New structure demands applicants meet BOTH general threshold AND occupation going rate (25th percentile for that SOC code).
| Category | Previous (2025) | 2026 Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Minimum | £38,700 | £41,700 | 70 points needed; hourly £17.13 |
| PhD Relevant | £34,830 | £37,500 | 20% discount applies |
| STEM PhD/New Entrant | £30,960 | £33,400 | Under 26/recent graduates |
| Transitional (pre-2024 CoS) | £29,000 | £31,300 | Valid till Dec 2026 |
| ISL Occupations | £30,960 | £33,400 | Immigration Salary List roles |
Transitional Arrangements (Critical for Indians)
Holders of CoS assigned before April 4, 2024 benefit from legacy rates:
-
Extensions/Switching: £31,300 till December 2026
-
Settlement (ILR): Original salary requirements apply
-
Dependents: Can join at transitional rates
Impact: 60% of Indian IT applicants qualify via this window—urgent action needed before cutoff.
Occupation-Specific Going Rates (SOC 2020)
Each Standard Occupational Classification demands its 25th percentile salary. Key Indian sectors:
| SOC Code | Occupation | Going Rate 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2137 | IT Business Analysts/Dev | £49,400 |
| 2121 | Civil Engineers | £46,800 |
| 2413 | Management Accountants | £44,200 |
| 2231 | Nurses | £41,700 (threshold) |
| 2142 | Mechanical Engineers | £43,900 |
Po Tip: Use GOV.UK salary tool—higher of threshold vs going rate governs CoS assignment.
Application Impact Timeline
| Date | Action Required | Salary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Dec 2024 | Apply Extension | £31,300 transitional |
| Jan-Apr 2026 | New Applications | £41,700 + going rate |
| Post-Dec 2026 | Settlement | Original CoS rate |
| 2027+ | Full Implementation | No transitional rates |
Step-by-Step UK Skilled Worker Visa Application 2026
Step 1: Secure Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
UK Skilled Worker Visa starts with a job offer from a licensed sponsor listed on GOV.UK’s Sponsor Register. They issue your CoS (14-digit reference) proving £41,700+ salary meets going rate for your occupation code. Indians should target transitional IT/healthcare roles before Dec 2026—sponsors assign within 3 months of start date.
Step 2: Verify 70-Point Eligibility
Calculate points: CoS (20) + RQF Level 6 job (20) + salary threshold (20) + English B1 via IELTS 4.0+/degree (10). Maintenance funds waived with sponsor guarantee. Indian applicants strengthen with 3-year ITRs, employer NOC explaining UK career progression.
Step 3: Prepare Document Checklist
Valid passport + TB test (Delhi/Mumbai clinics) + English certificate + India PCC + employment contract (basic salary only) + 3 years financials. PhD holders include qualification for 20% discount. Families add marriage certificates. Notarize employer NOC for credibility.
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Create UKVCAS account → complete 45-min form → upload PDFs → pay £719 visa fee + £1,035/year health surcharge. Priority processing (£500) delivers decision in 3 days. Double-check CoS details—mismatches cause refusals.
Step 5: Biometrics at VFS Global
Book appointment post-submission (₹1,600 fee). Submit fingerprints/photos + original docs. VFS forwards passport to UKVI—track via portal. Standard processing: 3 weeks. TB tests valid 6 months only.
Step 6: Travel & Collect BRP
Approved vignette valid 30 days—enter UK before expiry. Collect Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days at designated Post Office. Report address changes within 10 days. Non-compliance risks visa curtailment.
UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 demands strategic planning around £41,700+ salary thresholds, but transitional arrangements and PhD discounts create viable pathways for Indian professionals till December 2026.Future Fly Services simplifies sponsor matching, points calculation, and document perfection ensuring your UK career launch with proven approval strategies. Connect today for your personalized eligibility roadmap.