Going Rate
The "going rate" is the minimum annual salary a UK employer must pay a sponsored Skilled Worker for a specific occupation — calculated from official earnings data and set per SOC code in the Home Office's immigration rules.
In This Article
- What is the going rate?
- How is the going rate calculated?
- General threshold vs going rate
- Going rate examples by occupation (2025/2026)
- Discounts on the going rate
- 2025/2026 updates
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Frequently asked questions
- Related terms
What is the Going Rate?
When a UK employer sponsors a worker on the Skilled Worker route, the salary offered must meet two minimum thresholds simultaneously:
- The general threshold — a single floor that applies to all Skilled Worker roles.
- The going rate — a per-occupation minimum specific to the worker's SOC code.
The worker must be paid whichever of these two is higher. In many technical and professional roles, the going rate exceeds the general threshold, making it the binding constraint.
How is the Going Rate Calculated?
The going rates are derived from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), published each year by the Office for National Statistics (most recently updated April 2024). The Home Office typically sets going rates at the 25th percentile of median earnings for each SOC code — meaning the salary is at the lower quartile of what full-time employees in that occupation typically earn.
This ties sponsorship salaries to real market data — not arbitrary government figures. The practical effect: sponsored workers can't be undercut on pay versus domestic hires doing the same job.
General Threshold vs Going Rate
| Threshold | Current rate (from April 2024) |
|---|---|
| General threshold (all roles) | £41,700/year |
| Universal hourly minimum | £17.13/hour |
| Going rate | Varies by SOC code |
The worker must earn the higher of the general threshold or their SOC code's going rate.
Example: A software developer (SOC 2136) has a going rate above £41,700. The employer must pay the developer-specific rate, not just the £41,700 floor.
Example: An HR manager (SOC 1135) may have a going rate below £41,700. The employer must still pay at least £41,700.
Going Rate Examples by Occupation
| Role | SOC Code | Going Rate (approx. 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software developer | 2136 | ~£49,400/year |
| Nurse (adult) | 2232 | ~£35,392 (ISL rate) |
| Civil / structural engineer | 2121 | ~£44,200/year |
| Financial analyst | 3534 | ~£42,300/year |
| HR Manager | 1135 | ~£40,800/year |
| Chef (head chef) | 5434 | ~£30,960/year |
Note: These are indicative figures. Always verify against the current Appendix Skilled Occupations in the Immigration Rules.
Discounts on the Going Rate
For roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), employers can pay a salary that is 20% below the going rate. This discount was introduced when the Shortage Occupation List was abolished in April 2024.
Additionally, certain transitional options (Options F–J) allow existing workers who were sponsored before April 2024 to be sponsored at lower rates during extensions, provided they haven't changed roles.
See Immigration Salary List for the current list of qualifying occupations.
2025/2026 Updates
The going rates were substantially revised in April 2024 using updated ASHE data, increasing minimum salaries across most occupations. A worker sponsored at the old thresholds may face a higher bar at visa renewal if their salary hasn't kept pace.
The general threshold itself rose from £26,200 (pre-April 2024) to £41,700 — an increase of nearly 60% — making salary compliance one of the most significant changes to the sponsorship system in years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an outdated going rate. Rates are updated periodically. Always check the current Appendix Skilled Occupations rather than relying on older HR guidance.
- Confusing going rate with market rate. The going rate is a legal minimum — not a benchmark for what the role is worth in the market.
- Forgetting the hourly minimum. If an employee's annual salary converts to less than £17.13/hour based on 48-hour weeks, they fail even if the annual figure looks correct.
- Not accounting for part-time workers. Going rates are expressed as annual full-time equivalents. Part-time workers must be paid the proportional equivalent per hour, not a reduced annual figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the going rate apply to existing employees being sponsored for the first time?
Yes. Going rate requirements apply whenever a CoS is assigned — whether for a new hire or an existing employee who now needs sponsorship.
Can employers include bonuses or overtime to meet the going rate?
Generally no. The going rate must be met through guaranteed basic salary. Discretionary bonuses, commission, and overtime do not count toward the minimum.
What happens if the employer pays below the going rate?
The visa application will be refused. If it's discovered after a visa is granted, the sponsor may face a compliance investigation and the worker's leave could be curtailed.
Are NHS doctors and nurses subject to the same going rates?
NHS-employed doctors and nurses are covered by the Health and Care Worker route and subject to NHS pay scales (Agenda for Change or medical/dental terms). Their going rates are set to align with these national pay frameworks.
Related Terms
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