New minimum salary for skilled worker visas comes into effect

The new minimum salary required for people wishing to come to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa has increased by 48% from £26,200 to £38,700.

The rate is effective from 4 April.

The government hopes this new minimum salary requirement will drive down immigration numbers and prevent the undercutting of British workers by employers who look to recruit cheap labour from overseas.

Ministers say this robust approach will prioritise the most talented and highly skilled people from abroad who will add value and contribute significantly to the growth of the economy, whilst encouraging employers to invest in training, upskilling, and recruiting domestic workers.

The minimum income requirement for family visas will also rise, starting at £29,000 from 11 April. By early 2025 this will be increased to £38,700, helping to ensure dependents brought to the UK are supported financially.

The government stresses that immigration is not the long-term answer to skill shortages and that employers should hire and train more British workers.

The Department for Work and Pensions is spending £2.5billion on its Back to Work plan, which it says will help 1.1million people who are long-term unemployed or long-term sick or disabled break down barriers to work.

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