The Skilled Worker visa, the thresholds and the deadlines
FreeThe United Kingdom rebuilt its work visa rules across 2025 and 2026, and the changes were not cosmetic. The skill bar went up, the salary floor went up, one whole route closed, and two shortage lists expire at the end of this year. If you are reading older advice, almost all of it is wrong.
The Skilled Worker visa as it stands
The minimum skill level rose from RQF 3 to RQF 6, degree level, on 22 July 2025, removing roughly 180 occupations from eligibility. People already holding the visa kept transitional protection.
| Option | Salary floor | Going rate | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | £41,700 | 100% | Standard applicant |
| B | £37,500 | 90% | PhD relevant to the job |
| C | £33,400 | 80% | STEM PhD relevant to the job |
| D | £33,400 | 80% | Job on the Immigration Salary List |
| E | £33,400 | 70% | New entrant |
| K | £25,000 | Going rate | Specified health and education occupations |
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The routes that need no sponsor, English, and settlement
FreeDone-for-you résumés for abroad are written in the target country's format by a writer who knows its norms, with LinkedIn and portal profiles to match.