One Week Left: Sponsors Urged to Issue CoS Before UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes
Sponsors have just over a week to assign Certificates of Sponsorship under existing Skilled Worker visa rules, according to reports. Upcoming changes include a salary threshold increase from £38,700 to £41,700 and removal of around 180 occupation codes. From late July, generally only degree-level roles will qualify for sponsorship.
Deadline Approaches for Current UK Skilled Worker Sponsorship Rules
Reports indicate that UK sponsors have approximately one week remaining to allocate Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) if they wish for applications to be evaluated under the present Skilled Worker visa criteria. Immigration lawyer Ashley Fleming highlighted this timeline in The Scotsman, as noted by VisaHQ.
Time-Sensitive Update
Significant rule changes take effect from 22 July 2025, potentially affecting eligibility for many roles. This is general information from VisaHQ and scottishlegal.com; outcomes depend on individual circumstances.
Major Changes to Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
- General salary threshold rises from £38,700 to £41,700
- Approximately 180 occupation codes removed from eligibility lists
- Sponsorship generally limited to roles at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (degree-equivalent)
- Sub-degree level roles may qualify only if listed on the expanded Immigration Salary List (ISL) or new Temporary Shortage List, both set to expire by end of 2026
| Aspect | Current Rules | New Rules (from 22 July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Threshold | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| Occupation Codes | Includes ~180 more codes | Many removed; RQF 6 focus |
| Shortage Lists | Standard ISL | Expanded ISL + Temporary List (expires 2026) |
These adjustments aim to refine the sponsorship scheme, which supports migrants in shortage occupations via approved employers. According to the VisaHQ article referencing scottishlegal.com, employers seeking to sponsor workers in lower-skilled roles face stricter conditions post-change.
Quick Facts on CoS Assignment
General Information Only
Details are based on reports from VisaHQ and The Scotsman. Rules can evolve; always verify with official UK government sources like gov.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a CoS is assigned after the deadline?
Applications submitted post-22 July 2025 typically fall under the updated criteria, per VisaHQ reports citing The Scotsman.
Which roles remain eligible below degree level?
Generally, those on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, both temporary until end-2026, according to the source.
Where can sponsors check occupation codes?
Official lists are maintained on gov.uk; changes remove about 180 codes as flagged by Ashley Fleming.
Sponsors and applicants should monitor official updates, as the rules state specific eligibility tied to salary, occupation, and qualification levels.