On 22 July 2025, the Home Office made significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa route. The changes represent Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the governments ‘Plan for Change’ which aims to ‘deliver a complete reset of the UK immigration system to restore proper control and order… and to build n immigration system that serves the need of the British economy and people’.

Some of the key changes made include:

• The creation of the Temporary Shortage List to replace the immigration salary list. only allowing time-limited access below degree level.

• The raising of the skills threshold to RQF 6 for those new to the route, removing 111 former eligible occupations.

• Closing the social care worker visa route to overseas recruitment.

The skills threshold has been raised to RQF Level 6

The skills threshold has been raised to RQF Level 6 which is degree level. This means that employers will no longer be allowed to sponsor overseas workers for roles that are classified as ‘medium skilled’ (RQF Level 3-5) unless they are on the new Temporary Shortage List. As a result of the skills threshold increase, over 180 previously eligible roles have been removed.

Some roles that are no longer eligible and are not on the Temporary Shortage List include:

• SOC 5312 – Bricklayers and Masons
• SOC 8149 – Construction Operatives
• SOC 1231 – Healthcare practice managers
• SOC 6132 – Ambulance Staff (non paramedics)
• SOC 6133 – Dental nurses
• SOC 1231 – Healthcare and Practice managers
• SOC 1223 – Restaurant managers

What if I fall below RQF Level 6?

If your occupation falls below RQF Level 6, you may be eligible for a limited time visa in line with the new Temporary Shortage List.

Transitional arrangements laid out within the White Paper exempts workers who are already on the Skilled Worker visa route. Therefore, visa holders who are already in the UK in an occupation below RQF 6 can continue to be sponsored in these occupations, renew their visas and change employment.

New Temporary Shortage List for occupations below RQF Level 6

Under the new policy, occupations listed below RFQ 6 are only eligible for work visa applications if they are listed on the Temporary Shortage List.

The Immigration Salary List has been replaced by the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). The new Temporary Shortage List is an interim measure, therefore, for the time being, it will contains occupations listed below RFQ Level 6 that are still eligible for sponsorship and Skilled Worker visas. This is because the government has identified ‘short term’ shortages within these occupations.

Below, we have listed some of the RFQ 3,4 and 5 occupations that are listed on the Temporary Shortage List:

• SOC 8133 – Energy plant operatives
• SOC 5213 – Welding trades
• SOC 1258 – Directors in consultancy services
• SOC 3111 – Laboratory technicians
• SOC 33113 – Engineering technicians
• SOC 3132 – IT user support technicians
• SOC 3414 – Dancers and choreographers
• SOC 3544 – Data analysts

Who qualifies for the TSL?

The Immigration Salary List has been replaced by the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). The Immigration Salary List contained occupations eligible for Skilled Worker visas in fields that were identified as having labour shortages.

Under the new policy, occupations listed below RFQ 6 are only eligible for work visa applications if they are listed on the Temporary Shortage List.

The Temporary Shortage List is an interim measure, therefore, for the time being, it will contains occupations listed below RFQ Level 6 that are still eligible for sponsorship and Skilled Worker visas. This is because the government has identified ‘short term’ shortages within these occupations.

Below, we have listed some of the RFQ 3,4 and 5 occupations that are listed on the TSL:

• SOC 8133 – Energy plant operatives
• SOC 5213 – Welding trades
• SOC 1258 – Directors in consultancy services
• SOC 3111 – Laboratory technicians
• SOC 33113 – Engineering technicians
• SOC 3132 – IT user support technicians
• SOC 3414 – Dancers and choreographers
• SOC 3544 – Data analysts

What other changes are coming?

Longer wait for Settlement

Under the current system, individuals qualify for settlement based on the length of time they have spent in the UK. However, this criteria is set to change. The government is set to reform the current rules by introducing an ‘Earned Settlement’ model. Individuals will have to ‘earn’ their right to Settlement in the U.K through long term contribution to the country.

Under this model, citizenship and Settlement rules with be reformed by expanding the Points Based system. The expansion of the Point-Based System to increase the standard qualifying period to Settlement to ten years. However, shorter pathways will continue to be offered to those who qualify for the 5 year route. Individuals will have the opportunity to reduce the new 10 year period based on the Point Based contributions to the U.K.Stricter language requirements

Applicants and visa holders may have to demonstrate progression in their English language proficiency over time when they apply for visa extension or settlement.E-identity cards

A new electronic identity system for overseas nationals will be introduced to replace the current system of Biometric Residence Permit cards.

How can we help you?

Thomas Chase Immigration offer immigration assistance to individuals and families.

If you have questions or concerns or you would like straightforward immigration advice, or help with applying for a visa, Thomas Chase Immigration can help. Our processes are tried and tested. We offer an individual touch when assisting you and presenting the matter to the Home Office. Contact us at info@thomaschaseimmigration.com.