Common Myths and Mistakes About the Immigration Salary List

Common Myths and Mistakes About the Immigration Salary List

The immigration salary list is a key part of the Skilled Worker visa system, but it is often misunderstood. Many workers and employers assume it allows low pay across the board, or that it applies uniformly to all jobs and regions. In reality, the list has specific rules, regional restrictions, and a hard minimum salary floor. Here we debunk the most common myths and highlight mistakes to avoid.

Myth 1: The immigration salary list means any salary is acceptable

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking that if a job is on the immigration salary list, the employer can pay almost any amount. In fact, the list only reduces the visa salary threshold to 80% of the usual minimum rate – but there is still a minimum. For most occupations on the list, the standard rate is around £33,400 to £40,400 per year, and the lower rate is around £25,000 to £31,300. Crucially, from April 2025, an absolute minimum salary floor of £25,000 applies to all Skilled Worker visas, regardless of the list. This means even if the lower rate for a job is below £25,000 (e.g., care workers at £25,000 exactly), you cannot be paid less than £25,000. The floor was raised from £23,200 to £25,000, as confirmed in the Review of Salary Requirements report.

Additionally, the statutory National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage still apply. For example, a care worker on the list must be paid at least £12.71 per hour (if aged 21+) in addition to meeting the visa salary threshold. Always check both the immigration salary list rates and the statutory minimum wage for your age.

Myth 2: The list is the same for all UK regions

Another common mistake is assuming the immigration salary list applies UK-wide. In reality, some occupations are restricted to specific areas. For example, fishing boat masters (SOC 1212) qualify only in Scotland. Chemical scientists in the nuclear industry (SOC 2111) are also Scotland-only. Boat and ship builders (SOC 5235) are Scotland-only. Other occupations, like bricklayers and care workers, are UK-wide. If you apply for a job in England that is only on the list for Scotland, you will not get the reduced threshold. Always check the “Areas of the UK which qualify” column in the official table.

Myth 3: All jobs within an occupation code are eligible

The immigration salary list often specifies only certain job types within a broader occupation code. For instance, under SOC 2115 (social and humanities scientists), only archaeologists are included. Under SOC 3414 (dancers and choreographers), only skilled classical ballet dancers or contemporary dancers meeting specific standards and endorsed by UK arts bodies qualify. Under SOC 5213 (welding trades), only high integrity pipe welders with three or more years’ relevant experience are eligible. Assuming your job title is covered just because the code appears on the list is a mistake. You must read the detailed description in the GOV.UK guidance.

Myth 4: The lower rate always applies

The immigration salary list has two columns: “standard rate” and “lower rate”. The lower rate is only available to those who qualify – typically workers who received their first certificate of sponsorship before a certain date (4 April 2024 for the current rules). If you are a new applicant after that date, you must meet the standard rate. Many people mistakenly assume they can use the lower rate. Check which rate applies to your situation.

Myth 5: The list is the same as the old shortage occupation list

The immigration salary list replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024. It is not the same. The old list had different salary discounts and criteria. The new list is based on a reduced threshold of 80% of the usual minimum, and it is updated more frequently. Do not rely on old shortage occupation lists; always refer to the current Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List on GOV.UK.

Myth 6: Part-time workers can ignore pro-rating

All salary thresholds on the immigration salary list are based on a 37.5-hour working week. If you work fewer hours, the salary must be pro-rated accordingly. For example, if the standard rate is £33,400 for 37.5 hours, a part-time worker doing 20 hours per week would need a salary of at least £33,400 × (20/37.5) = £17,813 per year, but still subject to the £25,000 floor and the hourly minimum wage. Employers often forget to pro-rate, leading to visa refusals.

Myth 7: The immigration salary list overrides the National Minimum Wage

No. The immigration salary list only affects visa salary thresholds. All workers in the UK, including those on Skilled Worker visas, are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. For example, a nursing auxiliary on the list has a flat rate of £25,000 per year (both standard and lower). That equates to about £12.82 per hour for 37.5 hours – which is above the NLW of £12.71 for age 21+. But if the pro-rated salary fell below the NLW, the employer would still have to top it up. The statutory minimum wage is a separate legal requirement.

How to avoid mistakes

• Always check the official GOV.UK page for the Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List. Use the CASCOT tool to find your correct SOC code.
• Read the detailed job descriptions – not just the code.
• Check the regional eligibility column.
• Confirm whether you qualify for the standard or lower rate.
• Remember the £25,000 absolute minimum floor (from April 2025).
• Pro-rate salaries for part-time hours.
• Ensure the salary also meets the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age.

For more guidance on pay rates and your rights, visit UK Minimum Wage and pay guides. You can also explore pay data for typical earnings by occupation.

Summary

The immigration salary list is a useful tool for employers and workers, but it comes with strict conditions. The most common mistakes are assuming it allows low pay, ignoring regional restrictions, and misunderstanding which jobs qualify. By checking the official list carefully and remembering the £25,000 floor, you can avoid costly errors. Always consult the latest GOV.UK guidance and seek professional advice if unsure.