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UK Immigration Changes – Skilled Worker Visa Update (November 2025)

Published: November 2025 | UK Immigration Policy Update

The UK Government introduced further immigration system changes in November 2025, tightening the rules around employer sponsorship and limiting access to the Skilled Worker visa. These updates form part of a wider policy direction focused on reducing overseas recruitment for medium-skilled roles and strengthening the domestic workforce.

This page explains the changes and what they mean for UK employers, sponsor licence holders, and migrant workers.

Overview of the November 2025 UK Immigration Changes

The latest policy proposals aim to:
• Restrict sponsorship to higher-skilled occupations
• Reduce reliance on overseas labour in medium-skilled roles
• Increase expectations on employers to recruit and train locally
• Strengthen oversight of sponsor licence holders

These measures are expected to affect a wide range of industries currently using the Skilled Worker route.

Skilled Worker Visa: Changes to Eligible Occupations

Reduction in Sponsorable Job Roles

From November 2025, the UK Government has proposed shortening the list of occupations eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Roles assessed as medium-skilled under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) will no longer be eligible for sponsorship as standard.

Affected RQF Levels

The following skill levels are impacted:
• RQF Level 3 – A-level or equivalent (e.g. skilled trades, supervisors, technicians)
• RQF Level 4 – Certificate of Higher Education
• RQF Level 5 – Foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND)

Employers will only be able to sponsor workers in these roles if an exemption applies.

Exemptions for Medium-Skilled Roles

Limited exemptions may be available where:
• The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) confirms a genuine labour shortage, and
• The sector can demonstrate ongoing efforts to recruit and train workers from within the UK

Exemptions are expected to be restricted, time-limited, and regularly reviewed.

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Roles That Remain Eligible for Sponsorship
• Higher-skilled roles (RQF Level 6 and above) will continue to qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
• These typically include graduate-level, professional, and specialist occupations
• Priority will be given to roles essential to the UK economy

Impact on UK Employers

UK employers and sponsor licence holders should prepare for:
• Fewer roles being eligible for overseas recruitment
• Greater scrutiny of recruitment and workforce planning
• Increased compliance checks linked to sponsor licences

Businesses relying on medium-skilled sponsored workers should review their staffing strategies as early as possible.
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Impact on Migrant Workers

Skilled Worker visa applicants and current visa holders should be aware that:
• Some roles may no longer qualify for sponsorship
• Changing employers may be more complex
• Progression into higher-skilled roles may be essential to long-term eligibility

Professional immigration advice can help reduce the risk of refusal or non-compliance.
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How Our Immigration Advisers Can Support You

Our UK immigration advisers support:
• Employers navigating Skilled Worker sponsorship changes
• Businesses reviewing sponsor licence compliance
• Migrant workers assessing visa options and eligibility

We provide clear, practical guidance in line with the latest Home Office policy updates.

Speak to an Immigration Adviser

If you are affected by the November 2025 UK immigration changes, or need guidance on Skilled Worker visas or sponsor licences, contact our immigration advisory team for up-to-date, practical support.