United Kingdom: Statement of Changes Creates Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes

Change

Impact

Increases to skills thresholds.

·       The minimum skills level for the Skilled Worker route will rise from Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 to Level 6 (degree level) unless the role appears on the Immigration Salary List or the new Temporary Shortage List.

·       Individuals sponsored in RQF Level 3-5 roles before July 22, 2025 can continue to extend and switch roles, but this will not be in place indefinitely.

·       Where possible, employers should assign a Certificate of Sponsorship before July 22, 2025 to benefit from the rules currently in place.

·       This is particularly important for RQF Level 3-5 roles that may no longer qualify after this date, where salary increases might be needed, or where workers in RQF level 3-5 roles would usually bring dependants. 

Increases to salary thresholds.

·       Salary thresholds will increase, as indicated in this alert.

·       The going rates for each occupation have also increased, meaning many occupation codes will have an increased going rate which could be significantly higher than the general salary threshold. 

·       Extension applications will also be subject to higher salary thresholds.

• Employers should review projects and rotational schemes to ensure salaries will meet the new skills and salary thresholds. Ensure internal stakeholders are aware if adjustments need to be made.
• Employers will need to factor in the increased salary thresholds and going rates when budgeting for upcoming hires or assignments. 

New Temporary Shortage List.

·       A Temporary Shortage List, encompassing 52 RQF levels 3-5 occupation codes that the Department of Business and Trade and the Treasury have deemed key to the industrial strategy, will remain on the list until December 31, 2026 (but could be moved forward if non-compliance is identified).

• Employers can continue to sponsor foreign workers in these roles but no salary or fee discount is available.
• The Migration Advisory Committee will be commissioned to review the Temporary Shortage List. Although not referred to in the Statement of Changes, industry sectors will be required to have a workforce strategy in place to train UK workers to avoid losing access to the immigration system.

·       Employers should assess if their RQF Level 3-5 sponsored roles are listed on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List, and consider how long they may rely on those routes and plan accordingly. 

Limits on dependants. 

• Skilled Workers sponsored in occupations on either the existing Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List at RQF levels 3-5 will not be able to bring dependants.
• This does not apply to those who were already sponsored in occupations at RQF levels 3-5 in the Skilled Worker route before these changes came into effect. 

·       Where possible, employers should assign a Certificate of Sponsorship before July 22, 2025 to any workers sponsored under RQF Level 3-5 roles for the first time, to ensure dependants can also apply.

·       After July 22, 2025, sponsorship in RQF Level 3-5 roles will become less desirable to applicants seeking to be accompanied by dependants.