New visa salary thresholds coming into force in the UK have worried business leaders that a “hike in wages” could deter international graduates from settling in the country.
On April 4, the general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa rose to £38,700, while on April 11, the family visa sponsorship threshold will rise to at least £29,000 a year – the first of three hikes in the figure planned for the next year, announced by home secretary James Cleverly in December 2023.
“New Entrants”, as they are called by the government, will still be eligible for a discount on the £38,700 figure.
These include international graduates applying for the Skilled Worker visa – most routinely after pursuing the Graduate Route for two years – but they will still need to earn at least £30,960 to be eligible, or 70% of the “going rate” for their occupation’s salary – whichever is higher, now confirmed by the government.
