The United Kingdom Skilled Helpers Visa Salary Review 2026 marks a important shift in how international talent is appreciated and controlled. Following the landmark reforms of late 2025 and the activation of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), the “price of entry” to the UK labor market has reached a record high.
For many, the jump to a £41,700 general threshold is just the beginning. With latest per hour pay floors and the coming removal of the Immigration Salary List (ISL), both companies and candidates must guide a complex scenery where salary is directly connected to compliance and agreement rights.
Primary Salary Thresholds (2026 Standards)
The basic salary rules use data from jobs in the UK. This data comes from a survey called ASHE.
- £41,700 General Threshold This is the normal minimum salary for most new Skilled Worker visas in 2026. You must pay at least this amount or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher.
- Going Rates for Jobs Each job has its own minimum pay, called the going rate. Right now, it is often the median pay, which is the middle amount. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) suggests changing it to the 25th percentile. This means a lower amount for some jobs to help businesses.
- Hourly Rate Rule There is a minimum hourly pay of about £17.13. This stops employers from making people work too many hours to reach the yearly salary.
- Lower Rate for Some Workers If you had a Skilled Worker visa before big changes in 2024 or 2025, you may use a lower salary when you extend. This can be around £31,300 in some cases.
These rules make pay fair. The government updates them with new job data.
Discounted Rates & Tradeable Points
Some people can get lower salary rules. But these discounts are limited now.
- New Entrant Rate Young workers or recent graduates can have a lower salary. It is often around £33,400. This helps people start their careers.
- Immigration Salary List (ISL) The ISL has jobs in shortage. For these jobs, you can pay 80% of the normal rate. But the ISL will end by December 31, 2026. After that, a new Temporary Shortage List will start. It may not have discounts.
- PhD Discount If you have a PhD in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM), you can get a discount. You pay 80% or 90% of the going rate in some cases.
- Health and Care Jobs Healthcare workers have special lower rates. It can be £29,000 to £31,300 or based on national pay scales.
These lower rates help key jobs. But rules are strict to stop misuse.
Compliance & Enforcement Entities (2026)
The government checks salary rules more now. A new Fair Work Agency (FWA) starts in April 2026. It checks pay and work rights.
- Wage Checks The FWA looks at tax data to see if real pay matches what is on the visa papers.
- Job Title Checks Inspectors watch for fake high job titles. The real work must match the salary.
- No Deductions for Visa Costs It is illegal to take visa fees from a worker’s pay if it makes pay too low.
- New Job Codes All jobs use new SOC 2020 codes. Old codes will cause rejection.
Employers must be careful. Bad rules can mean fines or loss of sponsor rights.
Settlement & Long-Term Financial Planning
Salary rules affect if you can settle in the UK forever. This is called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- High Pay Path If you earn over a high amount, like £50,000 or more, settlement may be easier.
- Proof of Pay For ILR from April 2026, you must show you met salary rules all the time.
- English Language Rule From January 8, 2026, new work visa applicants need B2 level English. This is higher than before. It is like A-level standard. For settlement, it may also be B2 now.
Think ahead about pay and English tests. Good planning helps for long stay.
In 2026, Skilled Worker visa costs more and has more rules. The goal is fair work and good skills. Check official sites for latest news. Rules can change. Many jobs need degree level now. Shortage lists are temporary.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Check official government sites or talk to experts before you decide anything.