In April 2024, the UK government raised the salary thresholds for skilled worker visas, leaving many employers and international graduates struggling to adjust. But there’s some good news: the ‘New Entrants’ Salary Discounts can help those just starting their careers by offering lower salary requirements.
This has been a key concern for many international graduates. Just last year, they were excited about job opportunities in the UK. Now, with the new salary hikes, many employers are hesitant to hire them. But the new entrants discount offers a way forward.
👥 Who Can Benefit?
The new entrants category, found under Appendix Skilled Worker, allows for lower salary rates for people at the beginning of their careers. Here’s who can benefit:
• Young applicants (under 26)
• Graduates switching from student or graduate visas to skilled worker visas
• People working towards a recognised UK-regulated qualification
• Postdoctoral researchers and higher education teaching professionals
For international graduates, there’s an extra advantage. Even if your visa expires, you still have two years to find a sponsor at the discounted rate, as long as you don’t stay in the UK longer than a visitor.
⚖️ Does It Work?
While the discount provides early-career professionals with some breathing room, there are still challenges:
• After four years, employers will need to pay these workers above the 50th percentile in their profession, making it harder to hire entry-level employees.
• For graduates, this leaves little time to grow their career before the salary requirements rise, leading to tough decisions for both employers and workers.
The new salary hikes have led to a preference for hiring senior staff, making entry-level positions harder to fill. Extending the new entrants period could help ease this issue.
💡 Looking Ahead
For the UK’s higher education sector, attracting international students may become more difficult. The government has kept the graduate visa, but the competition for jobs is fierce. More flexible rules for new entrants could help the UK stay attractive to international talent and support businesses.
Employers need to stay aware of these developments. The new entrants discount is a valuable tool—but is it enough to make a difference? Stay informed with JNS Solicitors ✅
