Skilled Worker Visa: salary & skill thresholds increased
Skilled worker visa update: higher skill & salary thresholds and major occupation list cuts announced
The UK Home Office has rolled out major changes to the Skilled Worker visa route, effective from 1 July 2025. These updates follow the immigration white paper published in May and reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to tightening migration rules and controlling net migration figures.
New skill level requirement – back to RQF level 6
One of the most significant changes is the increase in the skill level required for most occupations under the Skilled Worker visa. The skill threshold, previously lowered to RQF level 3 in 2020, has now been lifted back to RQF level 6. This change aims to reduce the volume of lower-skilled visa applicants, following concerns about potential exploitation and rapid visa growth in lower RQF roles.
As a result, nearly 180 occupations have been removed from the list of eligible roles. While the official statement mentions 111 roles, internal documents confirm the impact is closer to 180, meaning a substantial portion of jobs will no longer qualify for sponsorship.
However, transitional arrangements allow those already in the Skilled Worker route—or those with a CoS issued before the changes take effect—to remain eligible even if their role falls below RQF level 6.
Updated salary thresholds – higher across the board
With the new changes, salary thresholds for Skilled Worker applicants have been revised:
- Option A (standard route): £41,700/year and the going rate for the job
- Option B (PhD relevant subject): £37,500/year and 90% of the going rate
- Option C (STEM PhD): £33,400/year and 80% of the going rate
- Option D (listed on Immigration Salary List): £33,400/year and the going rate
- Option E (new entrant): £33,400/year and 70% of the going rate
- Option F: £31,300/year and the going rate
- Option G (PhD with lower salary): £28,200/year and 90% of the going rate
Transition to the new temporary shortage list
The previous Immigration Salary List will be gradually phased out. In its place, a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is being introduced. Occupations below RQF level 6 will only be eligible for sponsorship if they appear on this new list.
TSL includes various technical, creative, and support roles across industries, such as:
- Logistics managers
- IT technicians
- Translators and authors
- Engineering and CAD technicians
- Vehicle mechanics
- Data analysts
- HR officers
- Designers and media professionals
- And many more
However, roles on the TSL will be time-limited and conditional, with an expiry set for December 2026 (subject to change). The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will conduct ongoing reviews to determine which occupations remain eligible.
Important limitations for TSL roles
Workers in TSL-listed occupations (at RQF 3–5) will not be allowed to bring dependants under the new rules. This does not apply to Skilled Workers already in the route before the changes, or those in RQF 6+ roles.
There are also special provisions for dependants such as children born in the UK or where the main applicant has sole parental responsibility.
Care workers removed from the skilled worker route
From 22 July 2025, care workers (codes 6135 and 6136) will no longer be eligible for new sponsorships. This move follows continued concerns over compliance and labour exploitation in the sector.
However, those already working in care roles and who have been employed for at least 3 months before their CoS was issued can continue under transitional arrangements. They can switch from another visa route and stay until 22 July 2028, after which care worker roles will be removed completely from both the Immigration Salary List and TSL.
What’s ahead?
Further immigration changes are expected by the end of 2025. The Home Office plans to:
- increase the Immigration Skills Charge
- raise English language requirements
- introduce a new family policy framework
For now, there’s no mention of changes to the settlement timeline – but this may still be addressed in future Statements of Changes.
At BS Immigration, we’ve supported Skilled Worker applicants since 2018 through every major reform, and we continue to help our clients navigate these complex updates with confidence. Whether you’re already in the UK or planning your move, our team is here to ensure your immigration journey is smooth, compliant, and successful.
