Step 1: New Skill Level Requirement & Transitional Arrangements
• Skill level rises from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6
Skilled Worker occupations now must generally meet RQF Level 6 (equivalent to bachelor's degree or above). This reduces eligible occupations by about 180.
• Occupations split into two tables:
○ RQF Level 6+ occupations: Tables 1, 2, 3
○ RQF Levels 3-5 occupations (now restricted): Tables 1a, 2aa, 3a
• Transitional provisions protect existing workers:
○ Those granted Skilled Worker status before 22 July 2025 in lower-level occupations (RQF 3-5) can continue to renew, switch jobs, and take supplementary employment within these roles, provided continuous residence.
○ New applicants after 22 July 2025 must meet the higher skill requirement or qualify under the new salary-based exceptions (see Step 2).
It is important to note that the transitional rules will be reviewed and may change, so continuous monitoring is of utmost importance.
Step 2: Updated Salary Thresholds and Shortage Lists
• Salary thresholds increased across all Skilled Worker categories:
○ Standard minimum salary (Option A) increased to £41,700 per year
○ Relevant PhD salary to £37,500
○ New entrant threshold to £33,400
○ Lower options (e.g., Option F) also increased accordingly
○ Hourly rate minimum is now £17.13
• Two occupation shortage lists introduced:
○ Expanded Immigration Salary List: includes some lower-level roles in shortage; valid until 31 Dec 2026 (care workers to 22 July 2028).
○ Temporary Shortage List: new, time-limited list for important mid-skill occupations (RQF 3-5), valid only if the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued before 31 Dec 2026.
• Impact:
○ Applicants for occupations on these lists may benefit from salary concessions or eligibility despite the higher skill level rule.
○ The lists may be shortened or extended depending on compliance and labour market conditions.
Step 3: Dependent Restrictions & Social Care Occupations
• Dependants' eligibility is restricted if the Skilled Worker role is below RQF 6, except for:
○ Care workers and senior care workers sponsored under rules before 11 March 2024
○ Skilled Workers in RQF 3-5 roles granted before 22 July 2025, with continuous residence
○ Various exemptions for dependent children born in the UK or under sole parental responsibility
• Adult social care route changes:
○ New entry clearance applications for care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) are only allowed if the applicant is already in the UK and switching or extending permission until 22 July 2028.
○ Entry clearance from abroad for these roles is effectively closed, reflecting government policy to restrict new overseas recruitment but allow internal switching and transitional arrangements.
• Additional safeguards:
○ Clarification on role 6131 (Nursing auxiliaries and assistants) limits eligibility to settings with registered nurse roles.
○ Absences without pay over 4 weeks may affect permission but neonatal care added as an acceptable reason.
Summary:
• Post-22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker applicants must generally qualify at RQF 6 or via approved shortage lists.
• Salary thresholds have increased significantly and must be met.
• Dependants face tighter restrictions if the main applicant's role is below RQF 6, except in specific circumstances.
• Care sector roles have a distinct, restricted entry pathway until mid-2028, allowing only extensions or switches within the UK.
Clients with current Skilled Worker status below RQF 6 should be reassured by the transitional protections but advised to plan ahead for eventual change