The salary thresholds for foreign workers differ widely across countries, reflecting each nation’s economic conditions, labor market needs, and immigration policies. Below are some salary thresholds for foreign workers in various countries. Please note that these thresholds are subject to change based on economic conditions, policy updates, and labor market needs.
United States
H-1B Visa: The prevailing wage requirement varies by location and occupation. Generally, it must be the higher of either the actual wage paid to similar workers at the employer’s location or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of employment.
O-1 Visa: No specific salary threshold, but applicants must demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field.
United Kingdom
Skilled Worker Visa: The general salary threshold is £25,600 per year or the “going rate” for the specific job, whichever is higher. There are exceptions for certain roles and shortage occupations where the threshold can be lower.
Global Talent Visa: No specific salary threshold, but applicants must be endorsed as leaders or potential leaders in their field.
Canada
Temporary Foreign Worker Program: The wage offered must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation in the specific region of employment.
Express Entry: No specific salary threshold, but applicants are scored based on their job offer and wages among other factors.
Australia
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa: The minimum salary threshold is AUD 53,900 per year. The job must also meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa: The market salary rate must be met, ensuring that the wage is not less than what an Australian worker would earn in the same position.
Germany
EU Blue Card: The minimum salary threshold is €56,800 per year. For shortage occupations (e.g., scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors, and IT specialists), the threshold is lower at €44,304 per year.
Work Visa: No specific threshold, but the job must comply with the collective wage agreements or the minimum wage regulations in Germany.
Singapore
Employment Pass: The minimum salary is SGD 5,000 per month for new applications (higher for older applicants). For financial services sector jobs, the minimum is SGD 5,500 per month.
S Pass: The minimum salary is SGD 3,000 per month, with a higher requirement for older and more experienced applicants.
Japan
Highly Skilled Professional Visa: No specific salary threshold, but points are awarded based on annual salary, among other criteria, with higher salaries contributing more points.
Work Visa: No specific salary threshold, but the salary must be at least equal to or more than a Japanese worker in a similar position.
United Arab Emirates
Employment Visa: No specific national threshold, but the salary must meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and be sufficient to support the worker and their dependents.
Switzerland
Work Permit: No specific salary threshold, but the salary must be comparable to Swiss wage levels for similar positions and sufficient to support the worker and their family.
Sweden
Work Permit: As of June 18th, 2024, the minimum salary threshold is 28,480 kronor per month, which is 80% of the median salary. Plans are in place to raise this to 100% of the median salary by June 1st, 2025.
