What is the Going Rate?
The going rate is a crucial aspect of the UK's Skilled Worker visa system. It refers to the minimum salary set for specific occupations, ensuring that wages are competitive and fair within the industry. This benchmark is essential for determining visa eligibility, as applicants must meet or exceed the going rate for their particular job role to qualify for sponsorship.
The role of the going rate is pivotal in the Skilled Worker visa application process. It serves as a safeguard against underpayment, ensuring that foreign workers are compensated appropriately in comparison to their UK counterparts. The going rate must be met even if it exceeds the general salary threshold of £41,700 per year. This means that an occupation might pay above the general threshold but still require a higher salary to meet its specific going rate.
Understanding the going rate is vital for securing a Skilled Worker visa. Employers must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that reflects the appropriate salary level. For those exploring opportunities, our platform offers access to all 4524 live verified sponsorship jobs on GradSponsor, where you can find roles that meet these requirements. Ensuring your job offer aligns with the going rate is a key step in the visa application process, helping to avoid potential pitfalls and delays.
| Threshold | Annual salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| General Skilled Worker | £41,700 |
| Health & Care roles | £25,000 |
| New entrant (early career / recent graduate) | £33,400 |
General Salary Threshold vs. Going Rate
The general salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is set at £41,700 per year. However, meeting this threshold is not always sufficient. Each occupation has its own 'going rate', and you must earn whichever is higher: the general threshold or the job's specific going rate. This ensures that workers are paid appropriately for their role and skill level.
In some cases, the going rate can indeed be higher than the general threshold. For example, care workers have a going rate of £23,200, which falls below the general threshold. However, for those applying under the Health and Care visa, the salary floor is £25,000, which means care workers must meet this specific requirement. It's crucial to understand these nuances to ensure your application aligns with the correct salary criteria.
For individuals seeking sponsorship in care roles, it's important to note that sponsorship of new overseas applicants closed on 22 July 2025. Those already in the UK on another visa can still transition into care roles under transitional arrangements until 22 July 2028. Ensuring your CV accurately reflects your eligibility and salary expectations is vital, and you can use our free AI CV check to refine your application and discover matched sponsored jobs.
New Entrant Rate Explained
A new entrant is typically someone at the beginning of their career, such as a recent graduate. The Skilled Worker visa offers a lower salary threshold for these individuals, allowing them to qualify with either £33,400 or 70% of the occupation's going rate. This provision helps new entrants gain valuable work experience in the UK at a more accessible salary level.
The new entrant rate can be utilised for up to 4 years in total. This period includes any time spent on a Graduate visa, which permits recent graduates to work unsponsored for a limited time. It's important to plan your career trajectory with this limit in mind, as the reduced rate cannot be extended beyond the 4-year cap.
For those interested in care roles, it's worth noting that sponsorship for new overseas applicants in these positions will close on 22 July 2025. However, there remains an opportunity to switch into care roles under transitional arrangements for those already in the UK on a different visa. Understanding these timelines is crucial for navigating your pathway to a Skilled Worker visa successfully.
Impact on Health and Care Workers
As of 22 July 2025, sponsorship for new overseas applicants in care worker and senior care worker roles has been closed. This change affects those looking to enter the UK for the first time in these positions, meaning they must seek other visa routes or roles. However, transitional arrangements allow individuals already in the UK on another visa to switch into care roles until 22 July 2028. This offers a crucial pathway for those already residing in the UK to transition into these essential roles.
For those able to switch to care roles under the transitional arrangements, understanding salary requirements is vital. The Health and Care visa sets a salary floor of £25,000 per year, which must be met or exceeded. However, the going rate for care workers is set at £23,200. Since the Health and Care visa salary floor is higher, it takes precedence, and applicants must ensure their role meets this requirement.
It's important to note that even with these specific salary requirements, a UK employer must hold a Home Office sponsor licence to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa. Potential applicants should verify this by consulting the public register of licensed sponsors. For those looking for live Senior Care Worker sponsorship jobs, exploring available opportunities can be a useful step in securing a suitable role.
How Employers Use the Going Rate
Employers play a critical role in ensuring that they meet the going rate for a position when sponsoring a worker under the Skilled Worker visa. The going rate is not just a guideline; it is a legal requirement that complements the general salary threshold of £41,700 per year. Employers must ensure the salary offered is the higher of these two figures, as failing to meet the correct threshold can lead to visa application rejections.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential for any Skilled Worker visa application. This document, issued by the employer, confirms that the job offer is genuine and that the salary meets the necessary requirements. It effectively links the job to the immigration process, ensuring that both the employer and the applicant adhere to the legal standards set by UK immigration.
Employers must also be listed on the Home Office's sponsor licence register to issue a CoS. This public register confirms that the employer is authorised to sponsor overseas workers, providing reassurance to applicants about the legitimacy of the job offer. For those seeking opportunities, such as support worker roles, checking this register is a crucial step in the application process, ensuring that their prospective employer has the necessary approval to sponsor their visa.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A frequent mistake when applying for a Skilled Worker visa is miscalculating the salary requirements. The general salary threshold stands at £41,700 per year, or the job's specific going rate, whichever is higher. Failing to meet the correct threshold can lead to a visa refusal, as your application must satisfy the higher of these two figures. This is crucial because even if your salary exceeds the general threshold, it might not meet the going rate for your occupation.
Another common error involves confusion between different salary categories, such as the new entrant rate and the general threshold. The new entrant rate is £33,400 or 70% of the going rate, applicable for up to four years, including time on the Graduate visa. This rate is intended for early career professionals and recent graduates, but using it incorrectly can jeopardise your visa eligibility. Ensure you qualify as a new entrant before applying this rate.
Always verify salary figures and going rates with reliable sources like gov.uk. Employers must hold a Home Office sponsor licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, a mandatory document for your visa application. By cross-checking these details, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your application aligns with UK immigration rules.
Next Steps for Applicants
To ensure your job meets the required going rate, start by confirming the specific rate for your occupation. The going rate is crucial because it determines whether your salary qualifies for the Skilled Worker visa, alongside the general salary threshold of £41,700 per year. If your job's going rate is higher than this threshold, you must earn at least that amount. You can find the going rate for your job on the official gov.uk page.
Next, verify that your employer is eligible to sponsor your visa. Only UK employers with a Home Office sponsor licence can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a prerequisite for your visa application. The register of licensed sponsors is publicly accessible on gov.uk. This is a critical step, as applying for a visa without a valid CoS will lead to a refusal.
For further guidance, consult the official UK government resources. They provide comprehensive details on salary requirements, visa conditions, and other eligibility criteria. If you're uncertain about any aspect of your application, visiting gov.uk is advisable to ensure you're following the most current regulations.