Introduction
Understanding the UK immigration salary list is one of the most important parts of applying for a Skilled Worker Visa or sponsoring an overseas employee. The UK government sets strict salary thresholds that determine whether a migrant worker qualifies for a visa and whether a UK employer can sponsor them legally.
With the 2025 UK immigration changes, salary thresholds have increased significantly — making it essential for both employers and employees to stay informed. In this comprehensive guide, Primus Solicitors Manchester explains the latest salary requirements, occupation-specific pay scales, and how you can ensure compliance when applying for a UK work visa.
What Is the UK Immigration Salary List?
The UK immigration salary list (also known as the Skilled Occupations Salary Table) outlines the minimum salary levels required for foreign nationals who want to work in the UK under various visa categories, especially the Skilled Worker Visa.
It helps determine whether:
- An applicant’s job qualifies for sponsorship under UK immigration rules.
- The offered salary meets the Home Office’s minimum pay requirements.
- An employer complies with sponsorship license conditions.
Every year, the Home Office updates the immigration salary list to reflect inflation, market rates, and labor shortages.
The Latest UK Immigration Salary List for 2025
The 2025 reforms have made major adjustments to minimum salary levels for overseas workers.
Key changes under the 2025 Skilled Worker Visa update:
- The general minimum salary threshold increased from £26,200 to £38,700 per year.
- Shortage occupation roles (now known as “Immigration Salary List roles”) may have slightly lower thresholds.
- Health and Care Worker Visa salaries remain lower due to public sector wage scales.
- Graduate and entry-level roles have specific exemptions.
These figures are based on the UK immigration salary list 2025 and apply to new visa applicants as well as extensions under the Skilled Worker route.
Breakdown of Salary Thresholds by Occupation
Below is a summary of the most common roles and salary requirements under the UK immigration salary list 2025.
| Occupation | SOC Code | Minimum Salary (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | 2136 | £42,000 |
| IT Business Analysts | 2135 | £41,800 |
| Civil Engineers | 2121 | £40,000 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 2122 | £39,000 |
| Medical Practitioners | 2211 | £32,300 |
| Nurses | 2231 | £29,000 |
| Secondary Education Teaching Professionals | 2314 | £31,800 |
| Accountants and Auditors | 2421 | £39,600 |
| Marketing and Sales Directors | 1132 | £48,900 |
| Chefs (Skilled) | 5434 | £30,500 |
(These values are illustrative based on the current 2025 government framework and rounded for clarity.)
What Is the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
Introduced as part of the 2025 visa overhaul, the Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaces the old Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
It identifies occupations where there is a skills shortage in the UK and allows employers to hire international workers below the main salary threshold, provided certain conditions are met.
Benefits of the Immigration Salary List:
- Lower salary threshold (20–30% below the general requirement)
- Reduced visa fees for employers
- Easier eligibility for sponsorship
However, the ISL is more selective and shorter than the previous SOL, meaning only critical sectors benefit.
Key Occupations on the 2025 UK Immigration Salary List
While the exact list is subject to periodic updates, the following sectors are currently prioritized under the 2025 UK immigration salary list:
- Healthcare and Social Care: nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists, care home managers
- Engineering and Construction: civil engineers, mechanical engineers, architects
- IT and Digital: software engineers, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists
- Education: secondary teachers, special needs professionals
- Veterinary and Agriculture: veterinarians, lab technicians
If your occupation appears on the UK immigration salary list, you may qualify for a lower salary requirement than the £38,700 general threshold.
Calculating Salary Requirements for Visa Eligibility
When determining eligibility under the UK immigration salary list, UKVI assesses:
- The job’s SOC code (Standard Occupational Classification)
- The market rate for the role
- Applicant’s qualifications and experience
- Work hours and location (London salaries are typically higher)
- The specific visa type (Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Scale-Up, etc.)
If the offered salary meets or exceeds both the general and occupation-specific thresholds, the applicant qualifies for sponsorship.
Understanding the Exceptions
Some applicants are exempt from the standard £38,700 threshold under the UK immigration salary list.
Exceptions include:
- Health and Care Workers
- PhD holders in relevant subjects (can earn 10–20% below threshold)
- STEM professionals
- New entrants (younger workers or those switching from Graduate route visas)
Employers must still pay at least £30,960 even if a lower exemption applies.
How Employers Use the UK Immigration Salary List
Employers with a sponsor license must use the immigration salary list when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to an overseas worker.
They must ensure the offered salary meets one of the following:
- The general threshold (£38,700)
- The occupation’s going rate as published by UKVI
- Any applicable discounted rate under the ISL
Failure to meet these requirements can result in a refused visa or sponsor license.
Primus Solicitors regularly advises employers on ensuring compliance, drafting CoS applications, and avoiding costly mistakes.
What Happens If Your Salary Is Below the UK Immigration Salary List Threshold?
If your offered salary is below the required level, UKVI will likely refuse your Skilled Worker Visa application.
However, there are alternative routes or legal remedies:
- Re-evaluation of the SOC code – Sometimes, the wrong occupation code is chosen.
- Eligibility under the Immigration Salary List – You may qualify for a lower threshold.
- Human rights-based applications – If refusal affects family life or compassionate circumstances.
Our immigration lawyers at Primus Solicitors Manchester can assess your eligibility and help you strengthen your application before submission.
Why the UK Immigration Salary List Matters in 2025
The UK immigration salary list ensures that overseas employment aligns with fair market standards while protecting the domestic workforce.
From April 2025 onwards, the new salary framework will significantly affect:
- Employers’ ability to recruit international talent
- Workers’ eligibility for Skilled Worker Visas
- Settlement routes (ILR and citizenship) linked to continuous lawful employment
For both employers and applicants, understanding and complying with these new rules is crucial to avoid delays, refusals, or compliance penalties.
How Primus Solicitors Manchester Can Help
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, our expert immigration lawyers assist both individuals and employers with visa sponsorship, Skilled Worker applications, and salary compliance checks under the UK immigration salary list.
Our services include:
- Advising employers on legal salary thresholds
- Preparing compliant Certificates of Sponsorship
- Reviewing contracts and job offers
- Visa extensions and settlement applications
- Challenging refusals due to salary disputes
With years of experience dealing directly with the Home Office, we ensure that every case meets current UKVI regulations.
Conclusion
The UK immigration salary list is a crucial element of the UK’s immigration system. With the recent 2025 updates, both employers and visa applicants must carefully review their salary offers and job classifications to meet the new Home Office requirements.
Whether you are a company sponsoring a skilled worker or an individual applying for your first UK visa, expert guidance can make all the difference.
Primus Solicitors Manchester offers specialist immigration legal services across the UK — ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and successful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current minimum salary for the Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
The general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers in 2025 is £38,700 per year, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List.
2. What replaced the Shortage Occupation List?
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaced the old Shortage Occupation List in 2025. It specifies roles where employers can sponsor workers at reduced salaries.
3. Do healthcare workers have lower salary thresholds?
Yes. Health and Care Workers have reduced thresholds due to public sector pay scales and essential service status.
4. Can I still qualify if my salary is slightly below the threshold?
Possibly — if your job is listed on the ISL or you qualify as a “new entrant” or PhD holder. Legal advice is recommended.
5. How can Primus Solicitors help with salary-related visa issues?
We provide legal guidance to ensure your salary meets Home Office requirements, assist with sponsorship compliance, and handle appeals for refused applications.
Contact Us – Get Expert Help with the UK Immigration Salary List
If you need help understanding or meeting the requirements of the UK immigration salary list, contact our experienced team today.
📍 Address: First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 Phone: 0161 222 5860
📧 Email: info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
