The UK Government has introduced another set of important changes to the Skilled Worker visa route, further tightening eligibility criteria and reshaping the landscape for both migrants and employers.
Under the revised rules, the minimum salary threshold has been raised to £41,700 per year, a substantial increase designed to prioritise higher-earning roles. At the same time, the skills threshold has been lifted to RQF Level 6, restricting eligibility to graduate-level positions and above.
Perhaps most notably, overseas recruitment for care workers through the Skilled Worker visa route has now ended. This move is expected to place additional pressure on a sector that has relied heavily on international recruitment to fill persistent staffing gaps.
The Government has provided a degree of continuity through transitional protections until 2028. Migrants already employed in the UK under the Skilled Worker route who do not meet the new salary or role requirements will still be able to extend their visas and apply for settlement under the existing rules until that date.
Mr Garth Coates, Principal Partner and Senior Solicitor at Garth Coates Solicitors, commented:
“These new measures represent a decisive shift in the Government’s approach. Employers, particularly within health and social care, will feel the impact of losing access to overseas staff. For individuals, the higher thresholds mean that planning a long-term route to settlement will require even greater care.”
Ms Michele Martin, Partner and Senior Solicitor, added:
“Whilst transitional protections offer some reassurance, these will only last until 2028. Businesses and migrants alike should seek early, tailored advice to ensure they remain compliant and can take full advantage of the options still available.”
The Skilled Worker visa continues to be one of the UK’s most significant immigration routes, with no overall cap on numbers. However, the combination of increased salary and skills requirements, together with restrictions on recruitment in lower-paid sectors, will inevitably reduce the volume of successful applications.
Garth Coates Solicitors is monitoring developments closely and remains available to guide both employers and individuals through the complexities of these evolving rules.
For more information on immigration policies and legal assistance, please contact Garth Coates Solicitors at www.garthcoates.com or call +44 (0)20 7799 1600.
