UK’s NEW Skilled Worker Visa: Are YOU Still Eligible in 2025?

 

The UK has implemented a major update to its Skilled Worker Visa rules, effective in 2025. One of the main changes is that the minimum skill level will now be for graduate-standard jobs, classified as RQF Level 6, along with an adjustment in salary requirements. Now, most applicants must secure a job offer for a role that requires a degree and pays at least £38,700 annually, or meets the “going rate” for their profession—whichever amount is higher (qc-immigration.com). For positions that were formerly classified as lower-skilled, the government has increased the absolute salary minimum to £25,000 starting from April 9, 2025; this applies to visa renewals, in-country status changes, and specific jobs permitted under the new regulations (careerical.com).

Despite the overall tightening of regulations, the UK is continuing to maintain a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for positions that remain crucial even if they do not meet the new graduate-level criteria. This includes job titles like HR officers, IT technicians, mortgage administrators, creative professionals, and some engineering technicians. Workers filling these shortage positions can still be sponsored until at least the end of 2026; however, it is important to note that those in these roles are not permitted to bring dependants under the current visa conditions (ft.com).

For candidates hailing from India and Pakistan, this reform highlights the necessity of obtaining a job offer that aligns well with the occupation code and meets the elevated salary standards specified on the updated gov.uk occupation list (gov.uk). While positions on the TSL do provide a temporary avenue, they come with reduced opportunities for family reunification due to the restriction on dependants. Furthermore, the visa regulations for care-sector jobs stipulate a £25,000 salary requirement, apply to both new applicants and those extending their visas, and demand more rigorous compliance standards from employers (visaverge.com).

Employers in the UK are now expected to focus more on developing domestic talent while also sponsoring overseas workers, particularly since the TSL represents only a short-term solution. From 2026, industries offering positions through the TSL will be required to demonstrate credible workforce training initiatives and active recruitment from the local labor market. These changes are intended to reduce reliance on migrant workers and align with wider economic objectives, but they also mean that the Skilled Worker pathway has become more exclusive and competitive.

In conclusion, although the Skilled Worker Visa remains open to individuals from India, Pakistan, and other nations in 2025, the path forward requires enhanced qualifications: a graduate-level position, a solid comprehension of the £38,700 salary threshold (or the going rate), ensuring your job corresponds with a legitimate occupation code, and making sure your position is not excluded by TSL restrictions—especially if you plan to bring family members with you. If your job offer is in the technology, healthcare, engineering, or creative fields, you may still find a viable option. However, for those seeking lower-paid or non-graduate-level positions, careful preparation and timing will be necessary before the TSL expires.