UK Permanent Residence Salary Threshold 2026: Salary Rules and Exceptions
The UK government has outlined the salary requirements that certain Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa holders may need to meet when applying for permanent residence, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
For many applicants, the key requirement is a minimum annual salary of £41,700 or the applicable going rate for their occupation, whichever is higher.
What Is the UK Permanent Residence Salary Threshold?
Under the published guidance, eligible workers on routes such as the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas may need to demonstrate that they meet the required salary level when applying for settlement.
The standard threshold is:
💷 £41,700 per year, or
💼 The going rate for the applicant’s occupation,
whichever is higher.
This means earning £41,700 does not automatically guarantee that an applicant meets the salary requirement. If the going rate for their occupation is higher, they may need to earn at least that amount.
How Does the Salary Requirement Work?
The required salary is linked to the occupation code associated with the worker’s job. Different occupations have different going rates.
For example, if a worker earns £42,000 a year but the going rate for their occupation is £45,000, they may not meet the standard salary requirement because the applicable going rate is higher.
Applicants should therefore check the going rate for their specific occupation rather than relying solely on the £41,700 figure.
Are There Exceptions?
Yes. The standard £41,700 threshold does not apply in exactly the same way to every applicant.
The government guidance identifies circumstances where different salary rules may apply, including certain workers in:
- Healthcare and education
- Jobs included on the Immigration Salary List
- Skilled Worker routes where the applicant received their first Certificate of Sponsorship before 4 April 2024 and has continuously held permission on the relevant route since then
- International Sportsperson or qualifying T2 Sportsperson routes
- T2 Minister of Religion or qualifying Tier 2 Minister of Religion routes
These applicants may be subject to different salary requirements depending on their circumstances and immigration history.
What This Means for Skilled Workers
For Nigerians and other international professionals working in the UK on eligible work visa routes, understanding the settlement salary rules is important when planning for permanent residence.
If you are approaching your ILR eligibility date, check:
✅ Your current immigration route
✅ Your occupation code
✅ The applicable going rate for your job
✅ Your annual salary
✅ Whether you qualify for an exception or transitional arrangement
✅ The latest UK government settlement guidance
Important
Immigration rules can change, and salary requirements may depend on the specific visa route, occupation and date your sponsorship began. The £41,700 figure should not be treated as a universal requirement for every applicant.
Always check the latest official UK government guidance or obtain regulated immigration advice before submitting an ILR application.
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