News29 January 20262 min read
Home Office rules raise Skilled Worker skill requirements to graduate level and boost salary thresholds significantly. Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes also see hikes to £52,500 and £39,100. Changes largely effective from 22 July 2025, per recent parliamentary updates.
The Home Office has outlined major revisions to the Immigration Rules, described as the most substantial since Brexit. These updates, laid before Parliament recently, generally target higher-skilled migration by adjusting eligibility criteria across popular routes.
This summarises reports and is not legal or immigration advice. Rules can change; consult official Home Office guidance or professionals for individual circumstances. According to VisaHQ citing WestBridge Immigration Services (28 January 2026).
| Visa Route | New Salary Threshold |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (general) | £41,700 |
| Global Business Mobility | £52,500 |
| Scale-up | £39,100 |
These adjustments reflect a shift towards graduate-level roles and higher earnings, as detailed in Home Office statements. Most provisions take effect from 22 July 2025, though some may vary.
Employers and applicants typically need to meet these updated criteria for sponsorship and applications. The rules state that lower-skilled roles face greater restrictions under the new framework.
Review the full Immigration Rules on gov.uk, as occupation lists and thresholds are subject to ongoing review.
The rules generally require RQF Level 6 or higher, per Home Office updates reported by VisaHQ.
Most from 22 July 2025, according to parliamentary statements.
Over 100 occupations like chefs have been removed, focusing on graduate-level roles.
Always verify with official sources, as interpretations can differ.
Home Office rules raise Skilled Worker skill requirements to graduate level and boost salary thresholds significantly. Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes also see hikes to £52,500 and £39,100. Changes largely effective from 22 July 2025, per recent parliamentary updates.
The Home Office has outlined major revisions to the Immigration Rules, described as the most substantial since Brexit. These updates, laid before Parliament recently, generally target higher-skilled migration by adjusting eligibility criteria across popular routes.
This summarises reports and is not legal or immigration advice. Rules can change; consult official Home Office guidance or professionals for individual circumstances. According to VisaHQ citing WestBridge Immigration Services (28 January 2026).
| Visa Route | New Salary Threshold |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (general) | £41,700 |
| Global Business Mobility | £52,500 |
| Scale-up | £39,100 |
These adjustments reflect a shift towards graduate-level roles and higher earnings, as detailed in Home Office statements. Most provisions take effect from 22 July 2025, though some may vary.
Employers and applicants typically need to meet these updated criteria for sponsorship and applications. The rules state that lower-skilled roles face greater restrictions under the new framework.
Review the full Immigration Rules on gov.uk, as occupation lists and thresholds are subject to ongoing review.
The rules generally require RQF Level 6 or higher, per Home Office updates reported by VisaHQ.
Most from 22 July 2025, according to parliamentary statements.
Over 100 occupations like chefs have been removed, focusing on graduate-level roles.
Always verify with official sources, as interpretations can differ.