The UK Skilled Worker Visa: Facilitating Global Talent Mobility
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to attract, relocate, and retain talented skilled workers across borders is a critical pillar of global business success. As HR managers and global mobility specialists know all too well, ensuring that an international organization’s workforce can move smoothly and compliantly—regardless of where opportunities arise—is essential.
The UK’s Skilled Worker visa offers a powerful tool to streamline international talent mobility, making the UK an accessible and attractive destination for skilled professionals worldwide.
Why the UK Skilled Worker Visa Matters for Global Mobility
This immigration route provides a simplified process compared to its predecessor, the Tier 2 (General) visa. It offers a clear pathway for employees to work legally in the UK, along with flexibility and options for long-term settlement.
In January 2021, the minimum skill level for the Skilled Worker route was lowered from RQF Level 6 (degree level) to RQF Level 3 (A-level). This change allowed many more UK employers to sponsor workers in lower-skilled roles under the route, regardless of formal qualifications.
However, this policy change may not last. The white paper published on May 12th, 2025, proposes raising the skill threshold back to RQF Level 6 as well as increasing existing minimum salary levels. Consequently, approximately 180 occupations that were previously eligible will no longer qualify under the Skilled Worker route. Existing visa holders will still be able to renew, change jobs, and work in roles below RQF Level 6, but new applicants and those switching routes will need to meet the higher standard.
Implications for Sectors and Employers
This shift could significantly impact sectors that rely heavily on low-skilled migrant workers. Industries such as hospitality, retail, logistics, and services—those that have benefited from relaxed skill requirements—may face new recruitment challenges.
These sectors often find it difficult to recruit locally for lower-skilled or specialized roles. Recognizing this, the government intends to introduce measures to enable limited overseas recruitment in specific circumstances.
Specifically, for occupations with skill levels RQF 3-5 (below degree level), access to the Points-Based Immigration system will be permitted only on a temporary, time-limited basis. This will occur where the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) advises that such access is justified—typically in sectors vital to the UK’s industrial strategy or critical infrastructure.
To support this, a Temporary Shortage List will be established. Only occupations listed on this list will be eligible for immigration routes below RQF Level 6. Sector inclusion will depend on meeting criteria such as:
- Having a clear workforce strategy focused on maximizing UK recruitment
- Demonstrating committed efforts to increase domestic hiring
- Including detailed training and skills development plans, in partnership with organizations like Skills England and devolved governments
- Addressing issues like worker exploitation and ensuring fair employment practices
The MAC will review these workforce strategies before advising the Home Secretary on sector eligibility, considering factors such as the sector’s growth ambitions, collaboration with government agencies, and the strength of their skills development plans.
Skilled Worker Considerations and Adjustments for Employers
Once the skill and salary thresholds increase, employers will need to review and potentially adjust their international recruitment strategies. Typically, organizations that predominantly employ highly skilled workers on high salaries may find these changes less impactful. However, even in these cases, some adjustments are advisable:
- Review Current Workforce Profiles: Ensure that existing and prospective overseas hires meet the new skill and salary requirements. This may involve updating job descriptions, salary structures, and recruitment criteria.
- Align Recruitment Strategies: Shift focus towards roles that meet the higher skill threshold, and ensure that job offers are compliant with the new salary minimums.
- Monitor and Manage Talent Pipelines: Develop contingency plans to avoid over-reliance on overseas workers in roles that no longer qualify under the revised criteria.
- Engage with Immigration Specialists: Consider partnering with experts to navigate the evolving landscape, ensuring compliance and optimizing talent acquisition processes.
- Promote Domestic Talent Development: Invest in training and skills development programmes to grow UK-based talent pools, reducing dependence on overseas recruitment in the long term. This is particularly relevant since the government has indicated that even occupations at RQF Level 6 and above might face restrictions if overdependence on overseas talent persists.
Employers that proactively address these considerations will be better positioned to adapt to the changing immigration landscape, maintaining a resilient and compliant international workforce.
Future Outlook
Despite the planned policy refinements, the Skilled Worker visa will remain a cornerstone for facilitating international talent movement. For HR and mobility leaders, understanding and leveraging this route is vital for building agile, diverse, and resilient workforces. Given the recent ‘Plan for Change’, a period of adjustment will be necessary for both sponsors and assignees; however, this won’t come as a surprise to many, as immigration policy is always evolving.
Sensibly, the government recognises the importance of this particular immigration route. While the bar may be raised, the Skilled Worker visa will still be available for those seeking to hire top talent from abroad—an essential tool in today’s competitive global landscape.
Support you can Trust
Smith Stone Walters is on hand to answer any questions you may have. Our company is now part of Envoy Global. The leading corporate immigration services provider committed to delivering a better way for companies to manage global immigration.
Our immigration experts can assess your assignees’ eligibility for this visa and guide them individually through the entire application process. To find out how we can help, please contact us today.
