The UK Government has confirmed that it will be reinstating RQF 6 as the skills threshold for jobs that can be sponsored in the skilled worker visa category, amongst other changes which we examine briefly below .
These changes will take effect from 22 July 2025 (subject to parliamentary approval).
Key Updates at a Glance
- Skill Threshold Raised to RQF Level
6
The minimum skill level for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route will return to RQF Level 6 (graduate level).
Most roles at RQF Levels 3–5 will no longer be sponsorable after 22 July 2025.
- Reduction in Eligible
Occupations
Around 180 roles will be removed from the list of eligible occupations. Only roles listed on the new Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List will remain eligible at sub-degree level (RQF 3–5), on a time-limited basis.
- No Dependants for RQF 3–5
Roles
Workers in sub RQF 6 roles will not be able to bring dependants unless they are already in the route before 22 July 2025.
- Salary Thresholds Updated
Revised salary thresholds now reflect 2024 ONS data. These apply across the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes.
- Appendix Skilled Occupations Restructured
Occupations are now presented separately by RQF level, clarifying eligibility and going rates.
Adult Social Care: Route Closure and Phase-Out
- New overseas applications for care workers (codes 6135 and 6136) will be closed.
- In-country switches into these roles will be permitted until
22 July 2028, subject to strict conditions:
- Minimum of 3 months' employment with the sponsor prior to CoS issuance.
- Employers will no longer be required to offer roles to displaced Skilled Workers first.
Transitional Provisions
- Workers already in the Skilled Worker route before 22 July 2025
can:
- Continue to renew their visas
- Change employers
- Take supplementary work below RQF Level 6
- No transitional exemptions apply to updated salary thresholds.
Action Required:
Sponsors should urgently review existing and pipeline sponsorships, particularly for roles below RQF Level 6.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
