EXTENSION 2026 - Graphic Designer

Help needed: I am currently on a Skilled Worker visa as a graphic designer, earning £23,000 per year since 2023. My employer is willing to issue a CoS under SOC 2142 (Graphic and multimedia designers) and increase my salary; however, I am unsure what salary I need to meet the required threshold. I have been given two figures—£31,800 and £33,800—but I am unclear which one applies. Could anyone advise on the exact salary required for my visa extension in October? Many thanks.

The Gov.UK website states the going rate for SOC2142 is £33,800. Where have you got the £31,800 figure from?

Sorry, I meant to write £31,300, not £31,800. According to government guidelines, there are lower salary requirements if both of the following apply:

you received your Certificate of Sponsorship for your first Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024, and
you have continuously held one or more Skilled Worker visas since then.

You can be paid whichever is higher of £31,300 or the lower going rate for your occupation when applying to extend or update your visa.

Here is the link for reference: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/ ... april-2024

I believe the required salary is £31,300, as the lower going rate is £26,200 and the guidance states “whichever is higher”. However, I would be very grateful if someone could confirm this. Thank you.