Latest UK Skilled Worker Visa News

English Raised to B2 and Skill Level Raised to RQF 6

Two major eligibility changes came into force on 8 January 2026 for all new Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual visa applications:

• English language is now required at B2 (upper-intermediate) level on the CEFR scale, up from the previous B1 requirement. Applicants must pass an approved SELT at B2, or qualify via an exempt route (eligible nationality, English-taught degree etc.).
• Skill level is now RQF Level 6 (graduate level) — up from RQF Level 3 (A-levels). Jobs below graduate level are no longer eligible for the main Skilled Worker route, with a narrow exception for roles on the Temporary Shortage List.

These changes do not apply to existing visa holders simply extending their visa for the same employer and role, provided the role itself still meets the threshold.

Source: GOV.UK Skilled Worker Visa

Immigration Skills Charge Increased to £1,320 per Year

Regulations increasing the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) came into force in December 2025. The charge for medium and large employers increased from £1,000 to £1,320 per year for each sponsored worker. Small and charitable employers pay £660 per year (up from £500).

The ISC is charged per year, per worker, and must be paid upfront by the employer when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. A worker sponsored for 5 years will therefore cost a large employer £6,600 in ISC alone, before visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Source: Sponsor a Skilled Worker (GOV.UK)

Settlement Extended to 10 Years & Overseas Care Recruitment Closed

Two significant rule changes took effect simultaneously on 22 July 2025:

• ILR qualifying period extended to 10 years. Skilled Worker visa holders (and most other points-based system route holders) must now accumulate 10 continuous years of lawful residence before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The previous qualifying period was 5 years. Transitional arrangements may apply for those who already held a visa before this date.
• Overseas social care recruitment ended. Employers can no longer recruit new workers from overseas for social care roles (SOC 6145 — care assistants and home carers). This route had been restricted significantly since early 2024. Existing visa holders in this role are not immediately affected but face a less clear path to renewal.

Source: House of Commons Library — Changes to UK visa and settlement rules

Salary Floor Raised to £25,000

The absolute minimum salary floor for Skilled Workers (including those on the Health & Care visa) was raised from £23,200 to £25,000 on 9 April 2025. This is the absolute bottom — no sponsored worker, even when eligible for all applicable discounts, can be paid less than this amount.

This change affected the care sector particularly hard, with many roles historically at the lower end of the salary scale now requiring a higher guaranteed minimum pay.

Temporary Shortage List (TSL) Replaces Shortage Occupation List

The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) was introduced in 2025, replacing the old Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The TSL applies only to a limited number of sub-degree (RQF 3–5) roles under strict, time-limited and conditional arrangements. Key differences from the old SOL:

• TSL roles are more restricted and subject to tighter conditions
• Fewer roles are included than the old SOL
• Time-limited — employers cannot rely on TSL inclusion indefinitely
• The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is conducting a two-stage review, with full implementation expected mid-2026

Employers and applicants relying on shortage designation should not assume a role will remain on the TSL. Check the current list regularly.

Source: Immigration Salary List (GOV.UK)