On 22 July 2025, the UK implemented the first phase of sweeping immigration reforms to curb net migration and promote higher-skilled hiring The Economic Times+15Financial Times+15Squire Patton Boggs+15. As part of this reset:
- Skill threshold raised to RQF 6 (degree level) – Most jobs below graduate level are now ineligible The Sun+14Squire Patton Boggs+14GOV.UK Assets+14.
- Salary thresholds increased – The general minimum is now £41,700 pa, new-entrant minimum £33,400, and hourly minimum approximately £17.13 House of Commons Library+6Squire Patton Boggs+6Electronic Immigration Network+6.
- Care worker route closed to new overseas applicants – Care roles are off-limits unless applicants are already in the UK on a relevant visa Financial Times+6Business Today+6The Financial Express+6.
- Temporary Shortage & Immigration Salary Lists – Some lower-skilled roles remain eligible under time-limited lists until the end of 2026 Work Permit Cloud+15GOV.UK Assets+15GOV.UK+15.
✅ Who is Still Eligible?
1. Graduate-level roles (RQF 6+)
These include managerial, professional, and technical occupations such as:
- Finance managers, engineers, IT specialists, marketing managers, architects, scientists, teachers, health professionals, senior analysts, etc.
2. Time-limited lower-skilled roles (RQF 3–5)
Under the Temporary Shortage List (valid until 31 Dec 2026):
- Managers in logistics (SOC 1243)
- Directors in consultancy (1258)
- Laboratory technicians (3111) Fox Williams+11GOV.UK Assets+11The Financial Express+11
Other professions may qualify via the Immigration Salary List, offering a salary concession for recruitment-critical roles Financial Times.
3. Transitional provisions for existing visa holders
Workers already on the Skilled Worker route in lower-skilled roles (RQF 3–5) before 22 July can continue renewing and switching roles within approved codes The Financial Express+9GOV.UK Assets+9Electronic Immigration Network+9.
🛠 What Employers & Candidates Should Do
- For new hires: Confirm the role meets RQF 6+ or falls on the shortage lists; ensure salary meets the new thresholds.
- For current sponsored employees: Check if their roles meet new criteria; advise them to apply or switch before 22 July to benefit from transitional protection Davidson Morris+14Fox Williams+14Electronic Immigration Network+14.
- Plan ahead: Lower-skilled roles will be ineligible after 2026 unless permanent changes are approved. Use the Temporary Shortage List window proactively.
🧩 Summary Table
| Category | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RQF 6+ Graduate Roles | ✅ | Managerial, professional, technical, etc. |
| RQF 3–5 (Shortage) | ✅ Until 31 Dec 2026 | Limited list of occupations |
| Other RQF 3–5 | ❌ | No new sponsorship allowed |
| Care workers | ❌ | Entry closed to new overseas applicants |
📌 Bottom line: New Skilled Worker visas are now strictly for graduate-level professionals, with some mid-skilled roles allowed only under temporary exemptions through late 2026. Care workers from abroad are excluded entirely.
💡 Thinking of hiring or moving to the UK?
✅ Double-check SOC codes, RQF levels, and salary compliance.
✅ Act before 22 July where transitional protection applies.
✅ Speak with immigration specialists to navigate this overhaul.