UK Skilled Worker Salary Thresholds 2026: New £33,400 / £41,700 Rules for Indian Graduates

If you finished a UK degree and want to switch from the Graduate route to a Skilled Worker visa in 2026, the salary maths just changed. Here is the clean version.

The 2026 Numbers

• General threshold: approximately £41,700 per year (or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher).
• New entrant / recent graduate discount: approximately £33,400 per year — typically available if you are switching from the Graduate route or are under 26.
• You must clear both the threshold and the specific going rate for your job code.

Graduate-Route Switch Checklist

1. Confirm your employer holds a valid sponsor licence.
2. Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with your salary and SOC code listed.
3. Check your offered salary clears the higher of ~£33,400 (new entrant) or the occupation going rate.
4. Verify your job sits on the eligible occupation list.
5. Apply to switch in-country before your Graduate visa expires — do not let it lapse.
6. Prepare passport, BRP/eVisa, CoS reference, and financial evidence.

Timeline (typical)

• Employer issues CoS: 1–2 weeks
• Online application + biometrics: same week
• Standard decision: approximately 3–8 weeks; priority service often within 5 working days.

Realistic INR Costs

• Application + Immigration Health Surcharge: a large outlay, usually ₹3,00,000–₹6,00,000+ depending on visa length.
• Document attestation and translation in Mumbai: approximately ₹8,000–₹15,000.
• Professional consultation: ₹10,000–₹25,000.

Insider Tips Most Miss

• The going rate beats the headline threshold — a job advertised at £33,400 can still fail if its SOC code demands more.
• Switch early; a lapsed Graduate visa can force a costly out-of-country reapplication.
• Keep ITR and Mumbai bank statements consistent — discrepancies trigger queries.

Need hands-on help from Andheri, Malabar Hill, or Navi Mumbai? The team at Visa Agents in Mumbai handles CoS reviews and salary checks, backed by SmotVisa visa consultants. Read more on the blog.

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