From PSW to Skilled Worker: Can a £32,000 Salary Qualify for a Visa?

If you’re working in the UK on a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa and considering switching to a Skilled Worker visa, you might be wondering about the salary requirements. Your job’s standard going rate (SGR) is £32,000, but the threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is £38,700. So, do you still need to earn £38,700 to qualify?

The short answer is: Yes, unless you qualify for specific exceptions.

Understanding the Salary Threshold and Standard Going Rate (SGR)

For most applicants, the Skilled Worker visa requires that your salary meets or exceeds the higher of these two:

1. The general salary threshold, which is currently set at £38,700 (though it can vary depending on your role).
2. The standard going rate (SGR) for your job, which may be lower.

If your job’s SGR is £32,000, but you don’t meet any of the exceptions, your salary still needs to hit the £38,700 mark to qualify for the visa. However, the list of SGRs is not irrelevant. It serves as a guide for the minimum salary level that’s generally expected for skilled roles. But in cases where the visa threshold is higher, you’ll need to meet that higher requirement.

When Does the Standard Going Rate Apply?

There are certain exceptions that allow for salaries below the £38,700 threshold, and they apply in specific scenarios:

1. Shortage Occupation: If your job is on the Shortage Occupation List (e.g., roles in healthcare or engineering), the salary threshold may be reduced.
2. New Entrants to the Labour Market: If you’re a recent graduate or early-career worker (within four years of completing your studies), you may be eligible to apply with a lower salary, typically around 70% of the SGR.
3. PhD Level Roles: For jobs requiring a relevant PhD or those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, salary requirements can be lower.
4. High Earners: If you are classified as a high earner (above £73,900), different rules apply.

So What’s the Point of Having a List?

The SGR list serves as a benchmark to ensure that salaries for skilled jobs are fair and competitive. However, the Skilled Worker visa prioritizes high earners and essential roles, so even if your role’s standard salary is lower than £38,700, you may still need to meet the visa threshold unless you qualify for one of the above exceptions.