Rules that apply in 2026
Applications made in 2026 follow the July 2025 Skilled Worker changes and the January 2026 English change.
Major changes
Higher skill level
Only jobs at RQF Level 6 or above now qualify for new Skilled Worker applications, so 2026 applicants need graduate-level roles or a protected transitional position.
Read the source on GOV.UKHigher minimum salary
The general Skilled Worker threshold moved to £41,700 a year, with the going rate for the specific occupation still applying where it is higher.
Read the source on GOV.UKHigher English level
The English language requirement increased from B1 to B2 CEFR level for new Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual applicants.
Read the source on GOV.UKVisa fees changed
Home Office fees changed on 8 April 2026. The costs guide lists the current Skilled Worker application fees and the health surcharge.
Read the source on GOV.UKCare worker route closed
New social care worker sponsorship closed, while existing sponsored workers in the affected codes can rely on transitional rules for a limited period.
Read the source on GOV.UKGraduate visa shortened
GOV.UK says a Graduate visa lasts 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. It lasts 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
Read the source on GOV.UKTransitional protections
Some people who already hold a visa are covered by transitional protection. Which rules apply depends on when you first got your visa.
Existing Skilled Workers
Workers sponsored before the 22 July 2025 cutoff in now-ineligible medium-skill roles may still extend under transitional rules. The rules on GOV.UK say who is covered and until when.
Health and care workers
Existing social care visa holders can still rely on transitional protection even though new sponsorship has closed.
B1 and B2 English
The higher B2 requirement applies to new affected applications from 8 January 2026. Extensions and other cases can fall under different transitional rules depending on route and application date.
What this means for you
Higher entry bar
New applicants need a job at RQF level 6 or above and a higher salary than under the older Skilled Worker rules.
Timing matters
Which salary and English rules apply depends on when you apply, and on when you first got your visa.
Transitional rules
Some people who already held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 are covered by transitional rules. The rules on GOV.UK say who.