gobordaGlobal mobility intelligence
Business & investmentPublishedHigh impactVerified

UK Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations: Updated Eligible Occupations and Going Rates

🇬🇧 United KingdomWork Permits1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations defines eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and associated going rates for the Skilled Worker (SW), Global Business Mobility (GBM), and Scale-up (SCU) routes. It specifies salary thresholds based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data and an hourly minimum of £17.13. Going rates are calculated per year based on a 37.5-hour working week and must be pro-rated for other working patterns. For Skilled Worker settlement applications, only the full 'going rate' column applies; the reduced rates (70%, 80%, 90%) do not.

Overview

The UK government has published an updated Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations. This instrument details the eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and associated going rates, including reduced rates for specific Skilled Worker points options. These revised thresholds apply to the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes, influencing salary requirements for visa applicants in these categories.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Prospective Skilled Worker applicants
  • Existing Skilled Workers extending their permission
  • Employers sponsoring overseas workers
  • Sponsors using the Global Business Mobility routes
  • Scale-up sponsors and workers
  • Workers in occupations affected by transitional arrangements
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Education professionals
  • Workers whose occupation codes have changed under SOC 2020
  • Immigration advisers assessing sponsored-work eligibility
  • Skilled Workers preparing for settlement

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before the major changes in 2025, the UK used an older system for jobs and salaries under the Immigration Rules. Changes made on 1 July 2025, in a document called HC 997, greatly updated Appendix Skilled Occupations. This included the structure of Tables 1–2b and how the required pay rates were calculated. Those changes took effect from 22 July 2025. The old system did not have the current structure that started after July 2025. This current structure includes: Table 1, which uses average earnings data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); Table 2, which uses the 25th percentile of ASHE data; a minimum hourly rate of £17.13 for Table 1 and £12.82 for Table 2; and separate tables that show different types of jobs for people moving between visa categories (transitional occupations). There were also bigger differences in which jobs were skilled enough for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The July 2025 changes meant fewer lower-skilled jobs were available for new applicants. However, they kept access for some existing Skilled Worker visa holders. The current Appendix still protects these people who are moving between visa categories (transitional protections).

After

The Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations lists eligible job codes from the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020. It also sets out the required pay rates for the Skilled Worker (SW) visa, Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa, and Scale-up (SCU) visa. The document sets salary limits based on average earnings data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). It also has a minimum hourly rate of £17.13. Required pay rates are calculated each year based on a 37.5-hour working week. You must adjust the rate for other working patterns. For Skilled Worker settlement applications, only the full 'going rate' column applies. The reduced rates (70%, 80%, 90%) do not apply.

This update gives employers and applicants a clear system. It helps them find the salary limits for specific skilled jobs. This affects who can get a visa and if they follow the rules. Employers must now make sure that job offers meet the exact required pay rates or relevant percentages for each job code from the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020. They must also adjust for different working hours. People applying for or extending their visas under these routes must check their future salary meets the new standards. These standards are specific to their job and can change based on their application type, such as a first application or a settlement application. Not following these rules could lead to visa refusals. This would affect hiring and career progress.

Explained simply

Imagine you want to work in the UK, and your job needs a special kind of visa. The government has updated a list that tells you exactly what jobs are allowed and how much money you need to earn for that job. This list has different pay levels, like targets, for different types of visas and situations. It also sets a minimum hourly wage you must get. So, if your job is on this list, you need to make sure your salary meets the required amount, otherwise, you can't get the visa.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v10Effective 3 Aug 2026PublishedHigh impact
    UK Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations: Updated Eligible Occupations and Going Rates

    The Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations lists job codes from the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020. It also shows their required pay rates for people applying for a Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility visa, or Scale-up visa in the UK. These required pay rates are based on average earnings data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). There is a minimum hourly pay rate of £17.13. The rates are for a 37.5-hour working week. You must adjust the rate if the working week is longer or shorter. For Skilled Worker settlement applications, only the full required pay rate applies. You cannot use the reduced percentage rates in these applications. This appendix shows the detailed pay thresholds and eligible jobs for these visa types.

Other routes in this country

1 / 6