UK Skilled Worker visa 2026: the new £38,700 salary floor and how to clear it

The salary threshold for new Skilled Worker visa applicants is now £38,700 (or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher). For Nigerian and African professionals, here's what cleared the bar in 2026:

• Senior software engineers (London): £55k-£90k — clear.
• Mid-level data scientists outside London: £45k-£60k — clear.
• NHS roles: exempt from the £38,700 floor — still capped at New Entrant rate.
• Education roles (post-PGCE shortage): exempt.
• Construction site managers: just at the edge — negotiate carefully.

If you're below £38,700 and not in an exempt category, the door is shut on new applications. The pivot is the Global Talent route or pivoting via Ireland's Critical Skills Employment Permit then transferring after PR.