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Many people believe every Skilled Worker visa applicant must earn the same minimum salary.

That’s not always the case.

Some applicants may qualify for a salary discount, meaning they can be sponsored on a lower salary if they meet specific criteria.

You may be eligible if you:

✅ Are applying for a role on the Immigration Salary List

✅ Are a new entrant to the labour market (for example, recent graduates or those under a certain age who meet the eligibility rules). New entrants can usually be sponsored on 70% of the occupation’s going rate.

✅ Hold a relevant STEM PhD. If your PhD is in a STEM subject relevant to the role, the requirement is typically 80% of the going rate.

✅ Hold a PhD that is relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you have a relevant PhD, you may qualify at 90% of the going rate.

However, your salary must still meet the minimum threshold for your occupation and satisfy the Skilled Worker visa rules.

For example, if the going rate for a Human Resources Manager is £52,900:

✅ Standard Skilled Worker applicant

• Must be paid 100% of the going rate
• Minimum salary: £52,900

✅ New entrant

• Can be paid 70% of the going rate
• 70% of £52,900 = £37,030
• As this is above the new entrant minimum salary threshold of £33,400, £37,030 would be the minimum salary required.

✅ Relevant PhD

• Can be paid 90% of the going rate
• 90% of £52,900 = £47,610

✅ Relevant STEM PhD

• Can be paid 80% of the going rate
• 80% of £52,900 = £42,320

A lower salary doesn’t automatically mean you’ll qualify.

Understanding whether you’re eligible for a salary discount could significantly increase your chances of finding a suitable sponsored role.

Have you checked whether your occupation qualifies for a Skilled Worker salary discount?