Preparing your immigration guide
UK visa calculators and immigration tools
Preparing your immigration guide
UK visa calculators and immigration tools
Official visa salary requirements and eligibility data for 2026.
£62,400
Based on 37.5 hour week
£32.00
Minimum per hour
To be sponsored as a Senior police officers (SOC 1172) on a Skilled Worker visa, your employer must pay you whichever is HIGHER:
Verdict: You must be paid at least £62,400 per year (assuming 37.5 hour week).
If you are under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training, you can be paid 70% of the going rate.
New Minimum: £43,680
This job is not on the shortage list, so no specific shortage discount applies unless you are a New Entrant.
The role of Senior police officers (SOC code 1172) is classified as a Higher Skilled occupation at RQF 6 level under the UK's Standard Occupational Classification system. With a going rate of £62,400, this role exceeds the general Skilled Worker threshold of £41,700, meaning the going rate is the binding minimum.
This occupation is not currently on the Immigration Salary List, so the standard threshold of £41,700 or the going rate applies without discount.
As of January 2026, all new Skilled Worker visa applicants for this role must demonstrate B2 English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5-6.5 or equivalent). The hourly rate equivalent for this going rate is approximately £32.00/hour based on a standard 37.5-hour week. This role leads to a pathway to ILR (settlement) after 5 years of continuous residence under current rules — though proposed earned settlement changes may extend this to 10 years from April 2026.
Disclaimer: This data is for guidance only. Home Office rules change frequently. Always verify specific requirements with a qualified immigration adviser.