Skilled Worker Visa · sub-route
Postdoctoral researcher
70% of going rate · max 4 years
Sourced from GOV.UK · Updated April 2026The short answer
Postdoctoral researcher is one way to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa. The core rules of the Skilled Worker Visa apply, the specifics that set this route apart are below.
£819Application fee from
£1,035IHS per year
Up to 4 years on this rateInitial leave
5 yrsTo settlement (ILR)
Who qualifies for this route
- Working in eligible occupation code (SOC 2111-2115, 2119, 2162, 2311)
- Postdoctoral research or academic role
Good to know
Maximum 4 years total on this rate.
Other Skilled Worker Visa sub-routes
Standard rate
£41,700 floor · 100% of going rate
ViewNew entrant rate
£33,400 floor · 70% of going rate · max 4 years
ViewImmigration Salary List
£33,400 floor · 100% of going rate
ViewSTEM PhD
£33,400 floor · 80% of going rate
ViewNon-STEM PhD
£37,500 floor · 90% of going rate
ViewSource: GOV.UK, Postdoctoral researcher · Last verified April 2026
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