RQF Level 6 — In a major shake-up for the UK’s immigration landscape, the rules governing the Skilled Worker visa are being redesigned. As in 2025, a key change came into force: new roles must meet RQF Level 6 (degree level) or above. This change fundamentally alters what counts as “skilled” under the UK’s work visa route and will have far-reaching consequences for employers, sponsors, and international applicants.
The shift signals more than just an administrative update — it’s a redefinition of the UK’s approach to talent, work, and education. Employers must now reassess which positions they can fill from abroad, and international professionals will need to evaluate how their qualifications align with the new expectations. The conversation has moved beyond checklists and job codes; it’s now about what kind of workforce the UK wants to build for the future.
For many, this evolution feels like a recalibration of the relationship between skills and opportunity — a moment that demands both reflection and adaptation. It invites businesses to think strategically about their hiring frameworks and pushes applicants to take stock of their credentials, experience, and long-term plans. The adjustment may be complex, but it also marks a pivotal moment in shaping a more defined, competitive, and forward-looking labour market.
What is RQF Level 6?
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the benchmark used in England (and equivalent for Wales/Northern Ireland) to classify qualification levels. RQF 6 equates broadly to a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Jobs assessed as RQF 6 or higher are understood to involve graduate-level skill, autonomy and responsibility.
For the Skilled Worker visa route, the minimum skill level requirement was RQF Level 3 (approx A-level) or above. However, the government has raised the threshold back to RQF 6, meaning that new sponsored roles must demonstrate graduate-level skill.
This matters because many jobs previously eligible under RQF 3-5 (for example, certain technicians, administrative roles, or mid-level trades) will no longer qualify for the Skilled Worker route (unless specific exemptions or shortage lists apply).
Why did the UK Government raise the baseline to RQF 6?
Several motives lie behind this decision:
1. Ensuring the work visa route remains “skilled”
The government’s White Paper on immigration reform and the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules emphasise that “skilled worker” must truly mean skilled. By raising the skill bar to RQF 6, the UK signals that only occupations of a graduate level or above merit sponsorship under this route.
2. Managing migrations and protecting worker standards
A key part of the rationale was concerns around the growth in visa numbers, especially roles at lower skill levels, and potential risks of exploitation. By restricting eligible roles, the government aims to better manage the influx of international workers and ensure they fill roles that contribute at a higher level.
3. Aligning salary and skills
The change does not stand alone: from the same date, salary thresholds are rising (for example, the general Skilled Worker minimum salary is increasing to £41,700 or the job’s going rate, whichever is higher). By linking higher skill level (RQF 6) with higher salary thresholds, the policy ensures that new entrants under the route genuinely match UK resident equivalents in responsibility and remuneration.
4. Encouraging UK workforce development
By limiting the lower-skill roles eligible for overseas recruitment, the government hopes to encourage training and development of UK-resident workers for those roles. This is part of a broader labour-market strategy.
What does “RQF 6 Skilled Worker visa” mean for applicants?
When we mention the term “RQF 6 Skilled Worker visa”, we’re referring to a Skilled Worker route where the role being sponsored must meet the RQF 6 skill level threshold. This is a key phrase for SEO and helps align with the latest eligibility criteria for 2025.
Here’s how that plays out practically for a candidate:
- You must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a licence to sponsor under the Skilled Worker route.
- The job must be on the eligible occupation list for the route and assessed at RQF 6 or above for new applicants as of 2025.
- The job must meet the relevant salary threshold (for many roles: £41,700 or the job’s going rate).
- For roles below RQF 6, some may still qualify only if they’re on the new Temporary Shortage List or the Immigration Salary List—but note that dependants’ rights may differ.
- If you’re already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa under a role assessed at RQF 3-5 and your Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 22 July 2025, you may still benefit from transitional protection.
- For extension, switching employer, or settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), you’ll need to check carefully whether your role continues to meet eligibility under the old or new rules.
How this impacts international applicants & UK employers?
Applicants
- If you’re applying after 22 July 2025, ensure your job offer is for a role assessed at RQF 6 or higher (unless it’s on the TSL/ISL).
- Check that the salary offered meets the new threshold (£41,700 or the job’s going rate).
- If you are already in the UK under the Skilled Worker route in a lower-level role (RQF 3-5) and sponsored pre-change, you may still be able to extend or switch, but prospects (settlement) may be uncertain.
- Consider career planning: if your role does not meet RQF 6, you may need to upskill or seek roles with graduate-level responsibilities.
- International candidates should engage early with their UK sponsors/employers to ensure the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued before the change date (22 July 2025) if possible. Otherwise, the new rules will apply.
UK Employers/Sponsors
- Sponsors must review all existing licences, roles, sponsorship certificates and job descriptions to ensure compliance with the new RQF 6 threshold.
- For new hires after 22 July 2025: ensure job roles are set at RQF 6 or above, salary thresholds are met, and all documentation (Certificate of Sponsorship, job code, RQF assessment) is in order.
- Where roles are at RQF 3-5 and historically sponsored, employers may need to explore whether they qualify under the TSL/ISL, but be mindful of restrictions (e.g., dependants).
- Employers should anticipate recruitment strategy adjustments: focusing on higher-skilled roles, potentially increasing salary offers, and being aware of transitional arrangements.
Timeline & transitional arrangements
- The new rules come into effect on 22 July 2025.
- The Statement of Changes published 1 July 2025 sets out the details of the rule changes.
- Those already in the Skilled Worker route before this date may benefit from transitional protection for roles at RQF 3-5, including extensions and switching, albeit under evolving terms.
- After 22 July 2025, new applicants must meet RQF 6 or above unless their role falls under approved shortage/temporary lists.
- Salary thresholds are also rising in tandem with this change.
Practical checklist
- For prospective applicants:
- Verify that your job offer is for a role assessed at RQF 6 or above (or check if it qualifies under a TSL/ISL).
- Check salary offer: at least £41,700 (or the going rate for the job) unless exempt.
- Confirm that your employer is a licensed sponsor for the Skilled Worker route.
- Consider whether your qualification or experience meets the skill needs of the role (even though the framework focuses on job skill level rather than just qualification).
- Plan for potential changes: if your current role may not qualify under the new threshold, look for ways to upskill or move into eligible roles.
- For UK employers/sponsors:
- Audit your current sponsored workforce and job roles: which meet RQF 6? Which don’t?
- Update job descriptions, salary offers and sponsorship certificates in line with the new standard.
- Consider whether the roles you plan to sponsor fall under the TSL/ISL and understand the different implications (especially for dependants).
- Ensure your HR and immigration compliance teams are briefed and ready for the changes on 22 July 2025.
- For existing sponsored employees under RQF 3-5, evaluate whether their roles are sustainable under the new regime in future or require transition planning.
The future of the Skilled Worker route
The shift to requiring RQF 6 Skilled Worker visa roles signals a clear change in UK immigration policy: from broader skilled migration to more selective, higher-skill migration. That has implications for how the UK views labour market needs and migration flows.
- It may reduce the number of international workers entering the UK under lower-skill roles.
- It will likely increase competition among international candidates for the remaining eligible roles (graduate-level, higher salary).
- It may also stimulate more investment in domestic training for roles that are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment.
- The policy may evolve further: the temporary shortage list mechanism, future changes to settlement eligibility or dependent rights, or additional reforms may follow.
- International applicants will need to be savvy, proactive and well-informed: the days of easily sponsoring mid-skill roles overseas are waning.
Final Words!
The baseline has been raised, and with it comes a shift in how the UK defines skill, ambition, and opportunity. For employers and applicants alike, this isn’t just a procedural hurdle — it’s a moment of transition. Navigating the Skilled Worker route now requires foresight, flexibility, and a clear understanding of where your qualifications stand. The emphasis on RQF Level 6 underscores the UK’s intent to attract high-value talent, but it also challenges individuals and businesses to evolve with the policy landscape.
Whether you’re refining your recruitment strategy, reassessing your career path, or exploring alternative routes, the key is preparation. Change in immigration policy rarely waits for anyone, and those who adapt early will stand the best chance of success.
For more insights, expert analysis, and the latest updates on UK work visas, follow Skilled Worker Mag — your go-to source for everything shaping the future of skilled migration.
