UK Work Visa 2026 – New Rules Skill Levels Salary and Eligibility Explained

UK work visa rules are continuing to change after major reforms that started in mid 2025. Many of the changes will still be in force in 2026. Some proposals in reports or policy papers may come into effect then or be under review. Knowing these changes will help people planning to work in the UK from 2026 or later.

Details About UK Work Visa 2026

Visa Routes for Workers

These are the main visa types under which someone may work in the UK

• Skilled Worker Visa – for people sponsored by a UK employer to do a specific job that meets certain skill and salary thresholds
• Global Business Mobility / Expansion Worker Visa – for employees of companies abroad who are moving to the UK for work for a branch or expansion
• Other visa routes may include Graduate Visas Scale-Up Worker Global Talent etc. These may allow switching into work-visa categories depending on qualifications

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What Changed Mid 2025 That Affects 2026

To know what the 2026 rules will look like it is important to understand the changes that came into force 22 July 2025. Many of them carry into 2026

Key changes included

• Skill level requirement raised: Jobs must now be at least RQF Level 6 (degree level) for most Skilled Worker visa applications. Jobs that are lower skill (RQF 3-5) are mostly no longer eligible unless on a special list
• Higher salary thresholds: The minimum salary you must be paid in many work-visa routes has gone up. For example the general Skilled Worker minimum is now around £41,700
• Temporary Shortage List (TSL) and Immigration Salary List (ISL): These are special lists for certain occupations in shortage particularly for roles below RQF 6 giving limited exceptions. The TSL is time-limited until end of 2026 under current rules
• Dependants restrictions: If someone is applying for a Skilled Worker visa in a job that is on the TSL or ISL at below degree level they may not be allowed to bring dependants. For degree-level (RQF 6+) roles this restriction does not apply
• Social care worker route closure: From 22 July 2025 new applications for care workers and senior care workers are no longer allowed under the Skilled Worker visa. Existing holders may have transitional rights until certain dates

What to Expect in 2026

Given the changes already made here’s what people applying in 2026 should prepare for

1. More occupations removed unless in shortage
   If your job is not degree-level and not on the TSL or ISL you might not qualify. Even some occupations currently on TSL might be removed after the review
2. Higher salary requirements become standard
   New entrants and renewals will need to meet the raised salary minima. There might be smaller discounts for PhD holders or some special occupations but these are conditional
3. Dependants rules stricter
   If you apply under a below-degree role on TSL or ISL in 2026 you may not bring dependants (spouse children) unless exceptions apply. If your job is degree-level you likely will be able to bring dependants
4. Temporary Shortage List under review
   The TSL is limited to December 2026 under current rules. After that roles outside the main Skilled Worker route may lose eligibility if not retained in shortage lists. Employers will need to show domestic workforce strategies
5. English language and other requirements may tighten
   Some proposals suggest raising language standards and tightening other eligibility requirements. It is possible these come fully into force in or after 2026
6. Longer routes to settlement (ILR)
   There are proposals to extend the time required to gain Indefinite Leave to Remain for some visa holders from 5 years to 10 years under new rules. It is not yet confirmed how and when this will apply to people already in migration routes

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What You’ll Need to Qualify in 2026

If you’re aiming to apply for a UK work visa in 2026 you will likely need

• A job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor
• The job must meet the skill level requirement usually at or above RQF Level 6 unless under a valid shortage list
• Must meet the salary threshold for your job and visa category
• Certificate of Sponsorship from employer
• Meet English language requirement
• You must apply within any timeframe allowed
• Have a clean immigration status and pass background checks

Risks and Things to Watch Out For

• If your job type is removed from eligibility you won’t be able to apply under the Skilled Worker route unless it remains on a special list
• Being in a below-degree role means risk of losing ability to bring dependants if new applicants
• TSL roles may expire at end-2026 or be changed
• Updates in policy (salary skill English) may be introduced with little notice under government white papers

Tips If You’re Planning to Apply

• Check whether your occupation is still eligible under Skilled Worker visa in 2026
• Ask your employer to be a recognised sponsor and issue the correct Certificate of Sponsorship
• If your job is below degree level see whether it’s on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List
• Make sure your salary meets or exceeds the required level
• Keep track of policy proposals especially about settlement or ILR
• Consider applying before changes come in if possible but only if rules allow transitional arrangements

Conclusion

UK work visa rules will be stricter in 2026 than they were a few years ago. The government has increased skill levels, salary thresholds and tightened who can get visas in lower-skilled roles. Some exceptions exist via shortage lists. If you’re planning to work in the UK in 2026 you must meet degree-level (RQF 6) qualifications in most cases have a job offer from a sponsor satisfy salary and English requirements and check whether you can bring family or dependants.