A bright new chapter has opened for skilled professionals in the UK with RQF Level 6 and recent changes. The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) provides a clear and standardized way to compare qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, from entry level to the advanced heights of levels. Think of it as the UK’s official yardstick for education and skills, making it easy to see how one qualification stacks up against another.
As of 22 July 2025, a major update has reshaped the Skilled Worker visa landscape: RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) has become the minimum requirement for most Skilled Worker roles. This marks a significant shift, as earlier rules allowed applicants in certain professions to qualify with lower-level roles at RQF 3–5. The new benchmark now reflects the UK Government’s focus on attracting highly skilled talent, supporting long-term economic growth, and aligning immigration with the country’s skills agenda.
For many applicants, this change is more than just a line in the policy rulebook; it’s a practical adjustment that could influence career plans, job applications, and even whether sponsorship from a UK employer is possible. Understanding how your qualifications fit into the UK qualifications framework RQF is not only essential but also empowering: it ensures you can confidently apply for opportunities knowing you meet the right level.
So, whether you’re a graduate planning to move to the UK, a professional already working here, or an employer keen to recruit international talent, understanding RQF Level 6 in 2025 could be the key to unlocking your next opportunity.
What Is the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)?
Established to simplify the way UK qualifications are categorised, the RQF spans Entry Level through Level 8. Level 6 sits at graduate level, encompassing bachelor’s degrees, graduate diplomas, or equivalent professional qualifications. It serves as a key benchmark for both academic and vocational progression.
RQF Level 6 Examples:
– Bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, BEng, etc.)
– Graduate diplomas or certificates
– Professional qualifications at the graduate level.
Why RQF Level 6 Matters More Than Ever in 2025?
Immigration Rules Have Changed– As confirmed by the latest statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, effective 22 July 2025, the UK has raised the skill threshold for most Skilled Worker visa roles to RQF Level 6.
Previously, during the post-Brexit adjustment, the threshold had been lowered from RQF Level 6 to RQF Level 3 to smooth the end of free movement. The recent changes reverse that, meaning about 180 occupations previously eligible under lower skill levels are no longer automatically available for sponsorship.
What Counts as RQF Level 6 Under the New Rules?
From 22 July 2025:
- Most new Skilled Worker job offers must be at least graduate-level (RQF 6), or
- Be included on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), or
- Appear on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
There are transitional arrangements—roles at lower RQF levels (3–5) continue to be available for those already sponsored or who had successful applications before the change.
How to Know If Your Qualifications or Job Role Meet RQF Level 6?
The RQF level requirement applies to the role itself, not necessarily your academic qualifications. A job must require skills typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
1. Understand Your Job’s Skill Level.
The RQF level requirement applies to the role itself, not necessarily your academic qualifications. A job must require skills typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
2. Check the Home Office’s Skilled Occupations Tables.
The Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations now separate roles into tables based on RQF level.
3. Use the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
Even if an occupation is below graduate level, it may still qualify if included on:
- The Immigration Salary List, or
- The newly introduced Temporary Shortage List.
4. For Employers: Verify Qualifications for Non-UK Degrees.
Use services like UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) to compare overseas qualifications to UK RQF levels. Employers must document how they assessed the candidate’s qualifications, an important compliance requirement.
5. Stay Mindful of Transition Periods.
Transitional provisions allow existing sponsored roles at RQF 3–5 to continue until under review (typically until 2028), but no new sponsorships in those roles after 22 July 2025.
Key Sections from UK government Visas & Immigration
The official updates as of July 2025:
- The skill threshold for Skilled Worker roles has returned to RQF Level 6.
- Transitional protections apply for current visa holders and sponsorships in place before the change.
- Updated Appendix Skilled Occupations now distinguishes eligible roles by RQF Level 6+ and lower-level categories.
- Employers must assess and record that job roles match the required RQF level or appear on approved lists (ISL, TSL).
- The Temporary Shortage List, published 22 July 2025, offers a pathway for medium-skilled jobs to be sponsored if they are listed there.
Why RQF Level 6 Matters: 2025 and Beyond?
1. Targeting High-Skill Migration
By raising the minimum to RQF Level 6, the UK aims to attract high-skilled professionals, reducing reliance on medium-skill roles and focusing on value-adding talent.
2. Ensuring Fair Salaries and Work Conditions
Graduate-level roles typically offer better pay and working conditions — reinforcing the migration system as equitable and sustainable.
3. Encouraging Employer Responsibility
Companies must be diligent in verifying qualifications and justifying sponsorships — making them more selective and strategic in hiring.
4. Transitional Relief—but Not Forever
Existing workers in lower-skilled roles have time to adjust, but the long-term shift is clear: the UK is steering towards a more highly skilled workforce.
What Readers Should Do Now?
If You’re an Applicant:
- Check your job’s RQF level: Does it require graduate skills? If not, is it included in ISL or TSL?
- Have your qualifications assessed via UK ENIC if necessary.
- Act quickly if your role is below Level 6—applications post-22 July 2025 must align with new rules.
If You’re an Employer:
- Audit your sponsored roles—ensure they meet RQF 6 or appear on the ISL or TSL.
- Keep documentation of how job roles and candidate qualifications were matched to RQF levels.
- Plan for roles that may drop off eligibility—consider upskilling roles or moving into eligible occupation codes.
If You’re an Educator or Adviser:
- Guide students or clients toward Level 6-or-above qualifications if UK Skilled Worker routes are their goal.
- Highlight how post-graduate diplomas or professional certifications may help meet the RQF 6 threshold.
Take Away!
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) isn’t just a mouthful of letters; it’s the educational backbone propping up the UK’s immigration policy. With the Skilled Worker visa rules refreshed as of 22 July 2025, RQF Level 6 has now taken centre stage as the new baseline for most roles, a polite nudge that graduate-level migration is the order of the day.
Now, before you feel uncertain about whether your degree, diploma, or professional experience meets the requirement, it is important to note that checking your job against the updated RQF threshold is a straightforward process. It involves matching your role with the corresponding level in the framework and ensuring it aligns with the new Skilled Worker visa criteria.
There are still some important transitional exceptions and shortage lists in place, designed to ensure that certain occupations remain accessible under the new rules. The key is to understand where your role sits within these categories. If you are unsure whether your occupation qualifies, you can check using the SOC code or job title against the updated Appendix tables. This step will provide clarity and help you confirm whether your role meets the Skilled Worker visa requirements. And for ongoing updates, guidance, and clear explanations, don’t forget to follow Skilled Worker Mag — your reliable companion through the evolving UK visa landscape.
