This new discount is for certain categories of workers (e.g. graduates).

Workers who are not already on the skilled worker route and considered new entrants can get either: 

  • A reduced salary of £30,960 
  • The reduced going rate for the role  

You must pay them whichever is higher. Hiring new entrants and using this discount could help you save money for up to four years. 

The table below shows who can get the new entrant discount.

People aged under 26 at the date of applying  Anyone aged under 26 and looking for sponsorship for a skilled worker role. 
People in postdoctoral position in some SOC 2020 occupation codes (gov.uk)
  • 2111 Chemical scientists 
  • 2112 Biological scientists 
  • 2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists 
  • 2114 Physical scientists 
  • 2115 Social and humanities scientists 
  • 2119 Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified 
  • 2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline 
  • 2311 Higher education teaching professionals 
People working towards a recognised professional qualification in a UK regulated profession (gov.uk)

This could be someone training to:

  • Be a teacher
  • Work in healthcare
  • Be a legal practitioner
People working towards full registration or chartered status with a professional body

This includes a wide range of professions. For example, it could be:

  • An engineer
  • An accountant
  • A technician

As part of professional development, they might work to become chartered with their regulatory body.

People with either: 

  • Student leave to remain  
  • A student visa that expired less than two years ago and they have not held any other permission since 

They need to have finished a relevant course or expect to finish within three months. 

 Someone who switched to a Graduate visa after finishing their studies. They found a job with an organisation that has a sponsor licence. They want to stay with the business when their Graduate visa ends. They will only be able to be sponsored on the new entrant discounted salary for up to four years, including their time on their Graduate visa.