For most roles in the Skilled Worker category, the skill level required has been increased from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6. RQF Level 6 represents degree-level jobs. This is new requirement and does not apply to those who are already in the UK on Skilled Worker visas,
although we gather that the transitional arrangements for such individuals will not remain in place indefinitely.
The requirement for the job to be RQF Level 6 applies to visa applicants (i.e. individuals applying from overseas), and those entering the route for the first time. This results in a reduction of about 180 occupations from the main Skilled Worker list.
The Salary levels increased (again!). This reignites the debate as to whether companies can continue being competitive at a global level and attracting foreign talents without affecting profitability.
The minimum salary level for the Skilled Worker visa has been increased to £41,700. For the
Global Business Mobility Senior or Specialist Worker visa it has been increased to £52,500 as a minimum. As always, the rate for the role is the relevant rate if this is higher. These have also been increased.
Prior to the changes coming into force, the government had announced that there would not be transitional provisions for those already in the UK on work visas in relation to salary. This has not been the norm to date (despite what the government has said). In fact, there are transitional provisions in relation to salary for those who received their Skilled Work visas before 4 April 2024 and have continued to hold a Skilled Work visa since. For such individuals, the minimum salary threshold is £31,300, or the going rate for the role if this is higher.
Changes on the horizon for shortage occupations. Jobs in shortage in the UK are currently represented by the Immigration Salary List. This is being replaced by a Temporary Shortage List. In the meantime, the Immigration Salary List has been expanded with certain roles at RQF Levels 3-5 which are in shortage, and there is also an interim Temporary Shortage list. There will be several conditions attached to jobs in the Temporary Shortage List including the inability to bring dependants if being sponsored in a role at NQF Levels 3-5 (medium skilled) for the first time post 22 July 2025.
New operations in the US. The way UK visa applications are made in the US has changed. It seems the US is following suit with the rest of the world and will no longer being using the Department of Homeland Security’s Application Support Centres and will henceforth be using the centres run by VFS Global for biometric enrolment and passport submission. Although this removes the cumbersome requirement of sending passports to New York, there will be considerably less VFS Global centres which will increase travel times for some and potentially wait times for an appointment.
There are several other changes brought in recently including visa vignettes no longer being issued for main applicants on work and study routes, with applicants being invited to register for a UKVI account immediately to obtain their eVisa. Some harsh sanctions have also been introduced for Sponsors who have shown themselves to consistently abuse the Sponsorship system.
The complexity of the new rules show that it is imperative to obtain advice on a case by case basis and as always, it is important to remember immigration rules are subject to change with minimal or even with no notice.
Please contact us should you have any questions.
