The new Skilled Worker route now contains strict rules and very complex salary arrangements. Key updates include:

• Significant salary increases: The general salary threshold for those new to the Skilled Worker route is now £41,700 (up from £38,700). The occupation-based going rates have been adjusted to align with market rates, which means most going rates have also increased. Discounted rates apply to those who are eligible.
  
  
• A higher skills threshold: Most roles must now be at the pre-Brexit level of RQF Level 6+ (bachelor degree level). This means that unless a transitional provision applies or unless the role is on a specific occupation list (see next two dot points), it’s no longer possible to sponsor anyone in a medium-skilled role, regardless of salary.
  
  
• A new Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL): The TSL contains only medium-skilled roles at RQF Level 3 to 5 (A-level). Examples of TSL roles include 3113 Engineering technicians, 3520 Legal associate professionals, 3571 Human resources and industrial relations officers. To benefit from TSL, a CoS must be assigned by 31 December 2026. Roles can be added or removed from the TSL before the deadline. The TSL operates alongside a revised Immigration Salary List (ISL) for now.
  
  
• Transitional arrangements apply: Those who have a CoS assigned before 22 July 2025 in a medium-skilled role can continue extend or change employment in a medium-skilled role. This, combined with rule changes from April 2024, mean that there are now two sets of transitional arrangements in play. This makes the salary requirements very complex indeed. The Home Office warns that these individuals cannot extend indefinitely, and settlement eligibility remains uncertain. 
  
  
• Restrictions on bringing dependants: Skilled Workers sponsored with a CoS assigned on or after 22 July 2025 in medium-skilled roles, such as a role on the TSL or ISL, are not allowed to bring dependants unless a transitional provision or another exception applies. Anyone sponsored before 22 July 2025 or who has a pending immigration application before 22 July 2025 can have their dependants join them and/or continue to extend with their dependants thereafter. The restriction does not apply to workers sponsored in degree-level roles. Be aware that the ISL contains a mix of medium-skilled and bachelor degree level roles, so it’s important to check the skill level to confirm their eligibility.
  
  
• Closure of Skilled Worker entry clearance route for carers and senior carers: Applications for in-country switches and extensions made from within the UK are permitted until 22 July 2028, provided the applicant has been legally working for the sponsor for at least 3 months before their CoS is assigned. This will be kept under review.

Other work routes are also impacted by salary increases, including the Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes.

What should you do now?

1. Review your sponsorship pipeline - check role eligibility, salary requirements, and if transitional arrangements apply 
2. Review and update your UK immigration policies
3. Review your recruitment and onboarding workstreams 
4. Ensure HR and legal teams are briefed on the changes and/or provide training  ready to advise staff as needed. Train your internal immigration and HR teams on the changes 
5. Contact your usual LS contact if you need assistance, including if have queries or concerns

What's next?

• White Paper changes: Further changes are expected over the course of 2025 and 2026. You can read more about key changes in our previous article. 
  
  
• Migration Advisory Committee (MAC): The MAC will review the salary requirement and report in January 2026. They will also review the TSL and produce a two-stage report. Stage 1 is due in January 2026 and stage 2 is due in July 2026. There’s limited opportunity for clients to engage.

Need more help?

If you require assistance with an upcoming Skilled Worker application, please get in touch with your usual Lewis Silkin contact.