Important Updates
Important Updates
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

“New Entrants” and the UK Immigration Landscape

February 5, 2024

London

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of [ShanazHaque][Manager][London]

Shanaz Haque

Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9154

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of [ShanazHaque][Manager][London]

Shanaz Haque

Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9154

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of [ShanazHaque][Manager][London]

Shanaz Haque

Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9154

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Shanaz Haque, Ali Ali

Is “new entrant” an option?

Since the beginning of 2024, there has been much discussion surrounding the upcoming changes to UK immigration rules and the higher salary threshold required to sponsor Skilled Workers, arising from announcements made by the Home Office at the end of 2023.

It is also important to highlight existing opportunities about which there has been little talk of change. Amongst those benefits is the approach to new entrants who can be paid a reduced salary for a maximum of four years. This flexibility can be a benefit for businesses seeking top talent and individuals launching careers in the UK. 

The modifications announced by the Home Office do not mention the position of new entrants. While it is impossible to provide any guarantees, it is expected that reduced salary thresholds will continue for this group.

Given the significant increases to the general minimum salary and the going rates, it is likely that the new entrant provisions will have more prominence and should not be forgotten as a crucial option to sponsor a certain cohort.

What is a new entrant?

A new entrant applicant is usually in the early stages of their career and, if they can meet defined criteria, can be paid a reduced salary for a maximum of four years.

Some corporate sponsors usually rely on the new entrant rules when hiring graduates to meet the salary threshold and may sometimes find that, where applicable, annual salary increments may result in their sponsored employees reaching the higher salary amount after four years through natural salary progression.

A Skilled Worker applicant can be a new entrant if they meet one of the below options:

  1. Applicant is under the age of 26 on the date of application;
  2. Applicant is sponsored for a postdoctoral position in certain, limited occupations;
  3. Applicant is working towards a recognised professional qualification in a UK-regulated profession;
  4. Applicant is working towards full registration or chartered status with a relevant professional body for the job for which they are sponsored;
  5. Applicant is switching from Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur);
  6. Applicant’s most recent permission was under Tier 4 (General) or the Student route, and meets the conditions for switching;
  7. Applicant’s most recent permission was under the Graduate route

Additionally, although those on a Graduate visa benefit from falling under the new entrant provisions, time spent on their Graduate visa may limit the length of time they can be sponsored.

As mentioned above, an applicant relying on the new entrant provisions can only be sponsored for four years under the new entrant threshold. This four-year period includes time spent on a Graduate/Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa. In practice, this means that when switching from a Graduate visa to the Skilled Worker route, if the applicant switches at the end of their two-year Graduate visa, they can only be sponsored for two years when relying on the new entrant provision.

They can, of course, look to extend, but at the point of extension, they will no longer be able to utilise the new entrant rates.

Act quickly

While no changes have been officially announced concerning new entrants, amendments are possible. Changes could include:

  1. Increasing the new entrant Skilled Worker minimum salary amount. It is currently £20,960 GBP, and historically this figure is 80% of the experienced worker rate (under current rules, an applicant would need to be paid the higher of this figure and 70% of the going rate for their occupation code).
  2. New entrant Eligibility. The Home Office may also expand or reduce the eligibility criteria for an applicant to be considered as a new entrant.

However, in the absence of express statements by the Home Office, it is impossible to provide certainty on the new entrant rules – meaning that businesses should act quickly to take advantage of the facility while it exists in its current form.

Need to know more?

Should you have questions related to changes in UK immigration rules, please contact Senior Manager Shanaz Haque at [email protected] and Trainee Solicitor Ali Ali at [email protected]. 

This blog was published on 5 February 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of [ShanazHaque][Manager][London]

Shanaz Haque

Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9154

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of [ShanazHaque][Manager][London]

Shanaz Haque

Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9154

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of [ShanazHaque][Manager][London]

Shanaz Haque

Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9154

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.