managing the global duty market in 2026 requires more than just a refined CV. As nations tighten up their migration policies, the “minimum price tag” for a work visa has become a moving target. Govts are more and more shifting away from flat minimums toward “indexed” limits that adjust yearly with rising prices and local wage growth.
Whether you are aiming for the UK’s Skilled Worker route, Australia’s new Skills in Demand system, or the EU Blue Card, missing the salary mark by even a few dollars can lead to an immediate visa rejection. This guide breaks down the essential 2026 salary requirements you need to know to secure your international career.
United Kingdom: Skilled Worker Visa (2025–2026 Update)
The UK has fully transitioned to a multi-tiered threshold system. In 2026, the focus is on “Going Rates”—the median salary for specific job codes.
Main Rules
- Basic Minimum Salary: Most jobs need at least £41,700 a year.
- Health and Care Jobs: Some can be lower, like £25,000 to £31,300, if special rules apply.
- Job Type Salary: You need the higher of the basic minimum or the normal pay for your job code.
- Hourly Minimum: You must get at least £17.13 per hour.
- Lower for Some People: If you are young, new graduate, or have PhD in science, you can have lower rules.
- Special Jobs List: Some jobs have lower rules until end of 2026. Check if your job is on the list.
These rules help UK workers get fair pay too. Most jobs now need university level skills.
Australia: Skills in Demand Visa
Australia has a new visa called Skills in Demand. It has three parts to help the country get needed workers.
Main Rules
- Basic Level (Core Skills): You need at least $76,515 AUD a year.
- High Expert Level (Specialist Skills): For top jobs, minimum $141,210 AUD. This gives fast visa help.
- Important Jobs Level: For some key jobs, you can earn less.
- Yearly Change: The numbers go up every July with average wages.
- Fair Pay Check: Your boss must show you get the same pay as an Australian in the same job.
This new system is better for quick needs.
Germany & EU: Blue Card and Opportunity Card
Germany likes IT and science workers. The EU Blue Card rules change with costs each year.
Blue Card Rules
- Normal Minimum: €50,700 a year.
- Shortage Jobs: Lower to €45,934 for jobs like IT, health, STEM.
- IT Workers No Degree: With 3 years experience, use the lower €45,934.
- Opportunity Card: For looking for job. No job salary needed, but show you have about €1,027 per month in bank.
Germany makes it easy for important skills.
USA: H-1B Visa
The US has a lottery for H-1B visas. From 2026, they change to help high pay jobs more.
Main Changes
- Wage Levels: Jobs have levels 1 to 4 by pay. High pay levels get more chances in lottery.
- More Chances for High Pay: Top level gets many extra tries.
- Pay Check: Every job must have normal pay for the area, checked by government.
This helps get better skilled workers.
Canada: Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada uses middle wages in each province to say if job is high or low wage.
How It Works
- High Wage Jobs: Pay must be above the middle wage in province. Rules are stricter now, often need 20% above middle.
- Example in Ontario: Middle wage is higher now, so high wage starts much above that.
- Boss Check: Employer must show no Canadian can do the job at that pay.
Rules change by province. Check your place.
Summary Table: 2026 Basic Salary Rules (Yearly)
| Country | Visa Type | Basic Minimum Salary (About) |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Skilled Worker | £41,700 |
| Australia | Core Skills | $76,515 AUD |
| Germany | EU Blue Card | €50,700 (lower for some jobs) |
| USA | H-1B | Changes by job and place |
| Canada | High Wage TFWP | Above province middle (higher now) |
These are starting amounts. Many jobs need more.
FAQ: Common Questions
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Can bonuses count for the minimum?
No. Most countries want only the basic sure pay. Bonuses do not help.
-
What if rules change after I apply?
You use rules from your apply day. But for new visa or extend, use new rules.
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Is job code important?
Yes! Job code decides your minimum pay. Make sure your work matches a good code.
-
Gross or after tax pay?
Gross, before tax.
Tips for 2026
Here are simple tips to help:
- Check Job Code: Look at code, not just title. Match duties to high pay code.
- Put Gross Pay in Contract: Make sure job letter says clear gross pay high enough.
- Watch Change Dates: In Australia, apply before July if you can.
- Keep Money Proof: Save bank papers and pay proofs.
- Talk to Boss Soon: If pay is near minimum, ask for more before apply.
- Use Government Sites: Always check official pages for new numbers.
- Get Help: If your case is hard, talk to expert.
These tips help avoid mistakes. Many visas refused for small pay errors. Ready for your move? See which country good for your job and pay.
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Disclaimer: This is just info. Not real advice. Check government sites like GOV.UK or others. Rules change. Get help for your case.