Skilled Worker Visa Rule Changes

Skilled Worker Visa Rule Changes

The UK government introduced major Skilled Worker visa rule changes on 22 July 2025. These updates affect the skill level requirements, minimum salary thresholds, and eligibility lists for applicants and employers.

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa  or sponsoring someone these changes could affect your plans. Here’s everything you need to know, explained in plain English, with official UK government sources.

1. Higher Skill Level Requirement

From 22 July 2025, most Skilled Worker visa jobs must be at RQF Level 6 (degree level) or above.

• Previously: RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) jobs could qualify.

• Now: Only degree-level roles are eligible, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List.

Example:
A retail manager role (RQF Level 3) would no longer qualify unless it is on one of the approved lists.

2. Increased Minimum Salary Threshold

The general salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas has risen:

3. Temporary Shortage List – Special Exceptions

Some medium-skilled roles (below RQF Level 6) can still qualify if they are on the Temporary Shortage List.

• This list is for roles facing serious UK labour shortages.

• Applicants can use it to apply even if they don’t meet the higher skill requirement.

4. Immigration Salary List – Lower Salary Rules

The Immigration Salary List provides reduced salary thresholds for certain shortage roles.

• Updated on 22 July 2025 to reflect the new skill rules.

• Being on this list can make it easier for employers to sponsor workers.

5. Supplementary Employment (Second Job) Rules

If you are already on a Skilled Worker visa, you may take a second job for up to 20 hours per week, but only if:

• It is at a higher skill level, or

• It is on the Immigration Salary List.

Special transitional protection:
If your first Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 22 July 2025 and you have had continuous permission since, you may continue supplementary work in medium-skilled jobs listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

6. Transitional Provisions – Old Rules May Still Apply

You can still be assessed under the old rules if:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 22 July 2025, or

• You applied before this date (for jobs not requiring a CoS).

This means some applicants and sponsors may still benefit from the previous thresholds until their visa renewal.

Before and After – At a Glance

What This Means for Applicants and Employers

For Applicants:

• Check your job’s RQF level before applying.

• Use the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List if you don’t meet RQF 6.

• Apply before the deadline if you qualify under transitional rules.

For Employers:

• Review your sponsorship plans  many roles will no longer qualify.

• Update recruitment strategies to attract eligible candidates.

• Consider applying for roles to be added to shortage lists

What to Do Next

Check your role’s eligibility:

• Skilled Worker visa: eligible jobs and codes

Review the updated lists:

Immigration Salary List

• Temporary Shortage List

Read the full rule change document:

• Statement of Changes HC 997