UK Government to Remove Reduced Visa Thresholds by 2026

The UK government has published its Immigration Salary List, indicating that 24 occupations will lose their reduced skills and salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa route by December 31, 2026. This change will impact workers and employers across various sectors, including construction, arts, healthcare, and fishing.

Notably, care workers and home carers, along with senior care workers, will have their reduced-threshold status removed later, on July 22, 2028. However, strict conditions apply to these roles; only sponsors registered with the Care Quality Commission and actively engaged in regulated activities can sponsor workers.

Private households and individuals, unless operating as sole traders, are not eligible to sponsor these roles. It is crucial for workers and employers to review their timelines to ensure applications are submitted before the deadlines take effect.