One of the biggest misconceptions among recent graduates is that they can't afford UK visa sponsorship because salaries for entry-level roles are too low. The standard Skilled Worker threshold of £38,700 puts sponsorship out of reach for many junior roles — but the New Entrant rate changes this.
If you qualify, you only need to earn £30,960 (or 70% of the going rate for your role, whichever is higher). That's a significant difference, and it opens the door to sponsorship in your early career. This guide explains exactly who qualifies, how long the reduced rate lasts, and what you need to do to make the most of it.
💡 Why this matters for graduates seeking sponsorship
Many graduates on the Graduate visa are looking for a sponsored role before their post-study work rights expire. The New Entrant rate means you don't need to wait for a senior salary offer — you can get sponsored at an entry-level salary and build your career from there, as long as you plan your salary progression carefully.
1. What is the New Entrant rate?
The UK government created a lower salary threshold for workers who are at the start of their careers. Rather than requiring the full standard salary, new entrants can be sponsored at a reduced rate — recognising that entry-level salaries are typically lower and that workers at this stage need time to progress.
Both thresholds apply per year, before tax, for a full-time role (37.5 hours per week minimum). The key rule is always: whichever figure is higher — the fixed floor or the percentage of the going rate — applies.
| Threshold type | Fixed minimum | Going rate rule | Example: Software Developer (going rate £49,400) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (from April 2024) | £38,700 | 100% of going rate | £49,400 applies (higher than £38,700) |
| New Entrant | £30,960 | 70% of going rate | £34,580 applies (70% of £49,400, higher than £30,960) |
✅ Important: the floor works both ways
For roles where 70% of the going rate falls below £30,960 — for example, Graphic Designers (going rate £30,960, so 70% = £21,672) — the £30,960 floor applies instead. This means you cannot be sponsored below £30,960 under any circumstances, even as a new entrant.
2. Who qualifies as a new entrant?
You qualify as a new entrant if you meet at least one of the following criteria at the date of your visa application. You do not need to meet all of them — any single one is sufficient.
Your age at the date of your visa application is what counts — not your age at the start of the role.
This is the most commonly used route for recent graduates. If you are currently on a Student visa or the UK Graduate route visa (post-study work), and your qualification was awarded within the last 2 years, you qualify. The 2-year window runs from your award date — not from when you started your Graduate visa.
For example: a trainee solicitor, trainee accountant, or foundation doctor in a role where the qualification is part of the structured training programme.
Academic research positions directly following a PhD qualification.
If your previous UK visa was a Government Authorised Exchange (Tier 5) visa, you may qualify.
💡 Most useful route for recent graduates: criterion 2
If you graduated from a UK university and are currently on the Graduate route visa (or still on a Student visa), criterion 2 is almost certainly your route. You automatically qualify for the new entrant rate when switching to a Skilled Worker visa — as long as you apply within 2 years of your qualification award date. Note: "Graduate visa" here refers specifically to the UK Graduate route post-study work visa, not a graduate visa from another country.
3. How long does the New Entrant rate last?
The reduced rate is not permanent. You can use the new entrant rate for up to 3 years on the Skilled Worker visa. After that, when you extend your visa, you must meet the full standard salary threshold — £38,700, or the going rate for your SOC code if that is higher.
Key timings to understand
- •New entrant period: Up to 3 years from when you first get the Skilled Worker visa.
- •If you qualified on age (under 26): The concession runs for 3 years on the Skilled Worker visa — NOT until you turn 26. You do not lose it when you turn 26 mid-visa.
- •At your first extension: You must be earning the full standard salary. If you are still in the first 3 years, the new entrant rate still applies. If it has been more than 3 years, the full rate applies regardless.
- •Salary progression required: Plan for your salary to reach £38,700 (or the going rate) before your 3-year new entrant period ends.
⚠️ Don't leave this until the last minute
Before you accept a sponsored role at the new entrant salary, ask your employer directly: “Will my salary reach £38,700 (or the going rate for my SOC code) within 3 years?” If the answer is no or uncertain, think carefully — you could find yourself unable to extend your visa when the new entrant period ends. Get any salary progression commitments in writing before you sign.
4. Which jobs qualify at the new entrant rate?
The new entrant rate does not change which jobs are eligible for sponsorship — the same list of SOC codes applies as under the standard route. The difference is only in the salary threshold. Any occupation on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list can use the new entrant rate.
Below is a table of popular roles with their standard going rates and new entrant equivalents. Where 70% of the going rate falls below the £30,960 floor, the floor applies instead — this is noted clearly.
| Role | SOC | Standard going rate | New entrant rate (70%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 2134 | £49,400 | £34,580 |
| IT Business Analyst | 2133 | £51,700 | £36,190 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 2122 | £42,500 | £30,960 (floor — 70% = £29,750) |
| Graphic Designer | 2142 | £30,960 | £30,960 (floor — 70% = £21,672) |
| Civil Engineer | 2121 | £45,500 | £31,850 |
| Marketing Manager | 2432 | £46,500 | £32,550 |
| Accountant | 2421 | £46,800 | £32,760 |
💡 Always check your specific SOC code
The going rates above are illustrative. You must check the official going rate for your exact SOC code on the Home Office list, as rates are updated periodically. The 70% calculation always applies to the going rate for your specific occupation — not to the £38,700 standard floor.
5. Graduate visa to Skilled Worker visa: the key transition
The Graduate visa (UK Graduate route) gives you 2 years of open working rights after your degree — or 3 years if you completed a PhD. During this time you can work in any job, at any salary, with no sponsorship required. This is the period when most graduates build UK work experience and search for a sponsored employer.
When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa from within your Graduate visa, you automatically qualify for the new entrant rate — as long as your application is within 2 years of your qualification award date. The key distinction here is that the clock starts from your award date, not from when you first got your Graduate visa.
Timeline example
⚠️ Don't wait until your Graduate visa expires
Apply for your Skilled Worker visa while your Graduate visa is still valid and you are within the 2-year window from your award date. If you let your Graduate visa expire or miss the 2-year window, you lose the new entrant qualification under this criterion. Start your job search early — finding a sponsor takes time.
6. What happens after the new entrant period?
After 3 years on the Skilled Worker visa, the reduced threshold no longer applies. When you extend your visa, your employer must pay you at least £38,700 per year — or the going rate for your SOC code if that is higher. This is not negotiable; the Home Office will check your salary against the threshold at extension.
Ask your employer directly: "Will my salary reach £38,700 or the going rate for my SOC code within 3 years?" Get a clear answer. If they cannot commit to a progression plan, the role may not be a safe long-term option for your visa.
If the role doesn't naturally progress to the standard threshold, you have two options: change employers before the 3 years are up (find a sponsor paying the full rate), or change to a different immigration route. Neither is ideal to plan for last-minute.
3 years of UK professional experience typically commands a salary well above the £38,700 threshold in most sectors. For software engineers, accountants, civil engineers, and most other skilled roles, the standard rate is achievable within that window — especially in London and major UK cities.
7. Common mistakes recent graduates make
These four mistakes come up repeatedly among graduates navigating the new entrant route. Each one is avoidable with the right information.
Many graduates don't realise they are eligible for the new entrant rate and give up on sponsored roles prematurely — assuming £38,700 is the only route. It is not. If you are on a Student or Graduate visa within 2 years of your award date, you almost certainly qualify.
If you let your Graduate visa expire before finding a sponsor, or if more than 2 years pass from your award date, you lose the new entrant qualification under the student/graduate criterion. Start your search early — don't assume you have time to spare.
The £30,960 is a floor, not a cap. For many professional roles, 70% of the going rate is significantly higher — £34,580 for software developers, £36,190 for IT business analysts. Always look up your specific SOC code before assuming you can be sponsored at £30,960.
A role paying £28,000 does NOT qualify — even under new entrant rules. The £30,960 floor is an absolute minimum. Always verify the offered salary meets the threshold for your SOC code before signing an offer. Check on the official Home Office tool.
8. How to find employers who will sponsor new entrants
Not every employer on the sponsor licence register will sponsor new entrants. Many organisations only sponsor experienced hires and are not set up to onboard graduates at the new entrant threshold. Targeting the right employers from the start saves significant time.
✅ Be upfront when applying
When applying to roles, you can state clearly: “I am currently on a Graduate visa and eligible for the Skilled Worker new entrant rate — my minimum salary requirement is £30,960 (or 70% of the going rate for the SOC code, whichever is higher).” This signals that you understand the process and sets expectations early. Employers who have never sponsored a new entrant before will appreciate the clarity.
Finding verified sponsor employers
Use Jobsponsor.uk to search live UK job listings from employers who are verified on the Home Office sponsor register. Upload your CV and get matched to sponsored roles that fit your skills, salary band, and SOC code — including employers actively hiring at new entrant salaries.
9. Quick reference — new entrant checklist
Before you apply for a Skilled Worker visa at the new entrant rate, work through this checklist. Every item should be confirmed before you proceed.
Find graduate-friendly sponsors
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