Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker Visa

1. Mandatory Graduate-Level Roles Only (RQF 6+)

From 22 July 2025, only roles at Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 6 or above (i.e. UK bachelor’s degree-level or higher) are eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship 
Approximately 111–180 occupations previously eligible under RQF 3–5 have been removed from Appendix Skilled Occupations 

Transitional protections apply to:

• Workers already on a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 (regardless of skill level) 

• Those with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before that date, even if the visa is granted later 
   

2. Significant Raise in Salary Thresholds

The minimum salary requirements have increased across all sponsorship categories, effective 22 July 2025 

No transitional salary relief: applicants must meet new thresholds, even for extensions, regardless of when employment began 

Going rates for individual SOC codes have been updated (e.g. Mechanical Engineers from £42,500 → £46,800; HR Managers from £49,400 → £52,900) 

3. Care Worker Sponsorship Banned for Overseas Applicants

From 22 July 2025, adult social care and senior care worker roles (SOC 6135/6136) are no longer eligible for new overseas Skilled Worker visas

Current overseas care workers may extend, switch jobs, or settle until 22 July 2028, after which no extensions will be permitted in that sector 

4. Temporary Shortage List & Immigration Salary List

Lower-skilled roles (RQF 3–5) may still qualify until end‑2026 if they appear on:

• the expanded Immigration Salary List, or

• the new Temporary Shortage List 

These roles cannot sponsor dependants, and employers must demonstrate a workforce plan to reduce reliance on foreign labour 

The MAC will review the list in 2026: most exemptions will expire or become stricter thereafter