UK Skilled Worker Visa: Full list of jobs removed

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As of 22 July 2025, the UK government has implemented sweeping immigration reforms, tightening the criteria for Skilled Worker visas. These changes include raising the skills threshold to RQF Level 6, meaning only degree-level jobs now qualify for new overseas Skilled Worker sponsorship. As part of this reform, 121 job roles, many of which previously qualified at the mid-skill level (RQF 3–5), have been officially removed from eligibility.

These roles are not listed on either the new Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, effectively making them ineligible for new sponsorship.

Why Were These Jobs Removed?

According to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the goal is a “complete reset” of the immigration system to reduce net migration and build a workforce rooted in domestic skills. She stated:

“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down… to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK.”

The removed jobs cover a wide range of industries: hospitality, childcare, trades, creative arts, agriculture, health associate roles, and administrative work.

Who Is Affected?

New visa applicants looking to come to the UK to work in these 121 occupations.

Employers who regularly sponsor workers in these roles must now look for alternatives or invest in domestic recruitment.

Current Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK who wish to switch to one of the excluded roles could face challenges unless they meet transition rules.

Full List of Excluded Skilled Worker Occupations (as of 22 July 2025)

These jobs are no longer eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK’s immigration rules: