The UK Skilled Worker Visa landscape has undergone significant changes in 2025. Whether you are planning to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, worried that your occupation has been removed from the eligibility list, or exploring how to change employers under the Skilled Worker route, the updated rules—especially the July 2025 occupation list revision—play a critical role in determining your next steps.
1. Can You Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
Yes — you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 as long as your current immigration status allows in-country switching and your new job meets all eligibility requirements.
To switch successfully, you must have:
- A job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- A role that meets the current Skilled Worker skill and salary thresholds
- English language capability at the required level
- Ability to meet the financial/maintenance rules
Key 2025 Update:
From 22 July 2025, the UK raised the minimum skill level for new Skilled Worker visas from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (degree level) for most new applications.
This means switching to a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 depends heavily on:
- When your CoS is issued
- Whether your occupation still appears on the updated list
- Whether you fall under transitional protections for pre-July 2025 visa holders
2. What Happens If Your Job Was Removed From the Occupation List?
The July 2025 rule changes resulted in over 100 occupations being removed from general Skilled Worker eligibility. Many mid-skill roles (previously eligible under RQF 3–5) were no longer included.
If your job is removed from the list:
- New applicants cannot get sponsorship under the standard Skilled Worker route.
- Employers cannot issue new CoS for these roles unless the job appears on:
- The Immigration Salary List (ISL), or
- The Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
Examples of affected roles:
- Chefs
- Care workers
- Restaurant managers
- Retail supervisors
- Some construction and manufacturing roles
But here’s the crucial part :
If you already had a Skilled Worker visa or CoS before 22 July 2025, you may still extend, renew, or change employers using transitional arrangements, even if your job has now been removed.
This stops disruption for existing migrants while phasing out certain roles gradually.
3. Skilled Worker Visa Employer Change Process (2025)
If you are already on a Skilled Worker Visa and want to change employer in 2025, you must apply for a visa update before starting your new job.
When must you apply?
You need a new visa application if:
- You are changing employer
- Your role changes SOC code
- Your pay or duties substantially change
- You are promoted into a new occupation code
Process to change employers:
- Get a new job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Receive a new Certificate of Sponsorship
- Apply online to update your Skilled Worker Visa
- Wait for approval before starting the new role
- Provide biometrics (if required)
Important in 2025:
If your current visa was issued before July 2025, you may still qualify for transitional rules allowing you to switch employers even if:
- Your role is now removed
- Your occupation is below RQF 6
- Your salary is below the updated thresholds
This makes it easier for existing visa holders to move jobs without losing eligibility.
4. Updated Occupation List — UK Skilled Worker Visa (July 2025)
The 22 July 2025 update brought the biggest overhaul to the Skilled Worker route since Brexit.
Key Changes Included:
- Skill threshold increased to RQF 6 for most new visas
- Removal of many mid-skill roles from the eligibility list
- Introduction of a more focused Immigration Salary List (ISL)
- A Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for critical but low-skill roles
- Higher salary thresholds for new Certificates of Sponsorship
What remains eligible?
Most professional, managerial, technical, and STEM roles continue to qualify, including:
- IT, cloud, and data engineering
- Healthcare professionals
- Engineering and architecture
- Scientific researchers
- Finance, audit, legal, and consulting roles
Conclusion: What These 2025 Changes Mean for You
The UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 has become more selective, with stricter skill and salary rules. However:
You can still switch to the Skilled Worker Visa if your role meets current criteria.
If your job has been removed, you may still qualify under shortage lists or transitional protections.
Changing employers remains possible — but requires a fresh application and CoS.
The July 2025 occupation list update is now the central reference point for all new applications.
FAQ Section
1. Can I still switch to a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
Yes, you can switch in 2025 if your current visa allows in-country switching and your new job meets the eligibility requirements. If your occupation was eligible before July 2025, you may still be protected under transitional rules.
2. What happens if my job was removed from the UK occupation list?
If your job has been removed, employers generally cannot sponsor new Certificates of Sponsorship unless your role appears on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
However, existing Skilled Worker Visa holders may still be able to extend or change employers under transitional protections.
3. Can I change employers while on a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
Yes. But you must submit a new Skilled Worker Visa application with a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship before starting the new job.
4. What changed in the July 2025 Skilled Worker Visa update?
The July 2025 update increased the required skill level to RQF 6, raised salary thresholds, and removed many mid-skill jobs from eligibility unless they appear on shortage lists.
5. Do transitional arrangements apply to all Skilled Worker visa holders?
Transitional protections generally apply to individuals whose visa or CoS was issued before 22 July 2025. It allows them to extend, renew, or switch employers even if their occupation is now removed.
6. Does my salary need to meet new 2025 thresholds?
If your CoS is issued after 22 July 2025, the updated salary rules apply.
If issued before, older salary rules may still apply under transitional arrangements.
7. How do I know if my job is still eligible?
You must check the updated occupation list (Jul 2025) and verify whether your SOC code appears under:
- Standard eligible occupations
- Immigration Salary List (ISL)
- Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
8. What if my employer loses their sponsorship licence?
You will receive a curtailment notice and must either find another licensed sponsor or switch to a different visa route within the given timeline.
9. Can students and graduates switch to a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025?
Yes — students and Graduate Visa holders can still switch as long as they meet the updated skill, SOC code, and salary requirements.
10. Can dependants remain in the UK if I change employers?
Yes. Dependants are unaffected as long as the main applicant maintains continuous Skilled Worker Visa status.