UK Skilled Worker Visa After the New Immigration White Paper (2025–2026): Key Changes Explained

The UK Government’s Immigration White Paper 2025 has introduced the biggest reforms to the Skilled Worker visa in recent years.
With higher salary thresholds, stricter skill requirements, and changes to occupation lists, many applicants and employers are now asking:

“Am I still eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa after the new White Paper?”

Lets find out….

What Is the UK Immigration White Paper 2025?

The Immigration White Paper outlines the UK government’s long-term strategy to:

• Reduce net migration
• Focus on highly skilled, graduate-level jobs
• Reduce reliance on overseas labour for medium-skilled roles
• Increase wages and skills investment in the UK workforce

Many of these proposals have already become law from July 2025, with more changes coming in 2026.

1. Higher Skill Level Requirement (RQF Level 6)

What changed?

• The minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visas has increased from:
  • RQF Level 3 (A-level)
    – RQF Level 6 (degree-level roles)

What this means

• Only graduate-level occupations now qualify in most cases
• Around 180 occupations were removed from eligibility
• Many administrative, care, retail, and technical roles no longer qualify

Transitional protection

• If you were already sponsored before 22 July 2025, you may:
  • Extend your visa
  • Change employers in the same occupation
• These protections are temporary and may end in future reviews

2. Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold Increased

New minimum salary (from 22 July 2025)

• £41,700 per year (up from £38,700)

Important rule

Applicants must be paid the higher of:

• The general salary threshold
  OR
• The occupation’s going rate

Reduced salary routes (still available)

• New Entrants
• PhD-level roles
• STEM PhD roles

Even discounted routes now have higher minimums than before

3. Immigration Salary List (ISL) Is Being Phased Out

Previously, the Immigration Salary List (ISL) allowed lower salary thresholds for shortage roles.

What’s new?

• ISL is being gradually phased out
• Fewer roles benefit from reduced salaries
• Employers must increasingly meet full salary requirements

4. Temporary Shortage List (TSL) Introduced

What is the Temporary Shortage List?

The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) allows limited exceptions for:

• Certain RQF Level 3–5 roles
• Critical labour shortages
• Time-limited approval (currently until end of 2026)

Important restrictions

• Dependants may not be allowed
• Roles can be removed at short notice
• Salary discounts may still apply but are limited

5. English Language Requirement Increasing in 2026

New rule (from January 2026)

• Minimum English level increases to B2
• Applies to:
  • Skilled Worker applicants
  • Extension applicants in many cases

This change reflects the government’s push for higher integration and workplace communication standards.

6. Impact on Graduate Visa Holders

Graduate visa holders face significant challenges under the new rules:

• Many entry-level roles are now ineligible
• Salaries often fall below £41,700
• Fewer employers are willing to sponsor due to higher costs

Early career planning is now essential for international graduates.

7. Higher Costs for UK Employers

Employers sponsoring Skilled Workers now face:

• Higher salary commitments
• Immigration Skills Charge increases
• Greater compliance obligations

These costs cannot be passed to the employee

As a result, sponsorship is increasingly reserved for high-value, specialist roles.

8. Key Dates You Must Know

9. Practical Eligibility Checklist (Post-White Paper)

Before applying, ensure:

Your job is RQF Level 6 or on TSL
Salary meets £41,700 or going rate
Employer holds a valid sponsor licence
You meet English language requirements
Your occupation is still eligible at the time of application

10. How This Affects Settlement (ILR)

While the 5-year ILR route remains, future reviews may introduce:

• Higher salary thresholds for settlement
• Stricter employment continuity rules
• Greater scrutiny of job progression

Early compliance is critical for long-term UK residence.

Final Thoughts

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is now more selective than ever.
The new Immigration White Paper clearly signals a shift toward:

• Fewer visas
• Higher salaries
• Graduate-level roles only

If you’re planning to switch, extend, or apply, professional guidance is now more important than ever.

Need Help Navigating the New Skilled Worker Rules?

Immigration rules are changing rapidly. A personalised eligibility assessment can save time, cost, and future refusals.ind out……