All affected colleagues and their line manager have been contacted already. Please review the key changes below and ensure any affected team members are informed. 

Key Changes  

Higher Salary Thresholds 

• Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes are increasing; 

• The general threshold rises from £38,700 to £41,700; 

• Some transitional arrangements may apply to existing Skilled Workers and those issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before 22 July 2025; 

• Based on current salary scales, Grade 6.34 will be the minimum level for new Skilled Worker sponsorships (unless a reduction can be applied e.g. relevant/STEM PhD, but salaries must be at least £33,400 after reduction). 

• A 30% discount remains for new entrants (under 26 or recent graduates), but salaries must be at least £33,400; 

Increased Skill Level Requirement

• The minimum skill level for sponsorship is now RQF Level 6 (degree level); 

• This change removes 100–180 occupations from general sponsorship eligibility; 

Changes to Shortage Occupation Lists 

• The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will no longer apply to new Skilled Worker applicants. 

• A new Temporary Shortage List replaces the ISL for RQF 3–5 roles critical to the UK’s industrial strategy. 

• No salary discounts apply for roles on this new TSL list.