Important Updates
Important Updates
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 2, 2025 | Japan, United States 2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト
October 2, 2025 | United StatesComputer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent
October 2, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 2, 2025 | Japan, United States 2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト
October 2, 2025 | United StatesComputer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent
October 2, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
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 AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration 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
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • 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

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

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.