In a significant overhaul effective 22 July 2025, the UK government has updated its Skilled Worker visa eligibility, impacting many Kenyan applicants and others seeking to work in the UK.

Key Changes to Skilled Worker Visa Rules

  • The minimum skill level for eligible jobs has been raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate degree level).
  • Approximately 180 occupations, including care workers, senior care workers, hospitality staff, and construction roles, have been removed from the sponsorship list.
  • The minimum annual salary threshold has increased from £38,700 to £41,700 (about KSh 7.2 million), with hourly wages rising from £15.88 to £17.13.

Occupations Still Eligible

Despite the cuts, several sectors remain open for sponsorship:

  • Healthcare: Doctors, surgeons, psychiatrists, pharmacists, dentists, midwives, and registered nurses qualify as higher-skilled occupations. Dental nurses and pharmaceutical technicians are medium-skilled.
  • Technology: Software developers, IT directors, cybersecurity experts, and data architects continue to be eligible.
  • Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and production engineers, plus engineering project managers, remain on the list.
  • Education: Teachers at all levels, head teachers, education advisers, and special needs education professionals are eligible.
  • Arts: Musicians, arts producers, and directors are classified as higher skilled, while actors, dancers, and designers fall under medium skilled.

Application of the New Rules

The updated criteria apply to new visa applications with Certificates of Sponsorship assigned from 22 July 2025 onward. Current Skilled Worker visa holders can extend or switch roles within the same occupation code but must meet the new salary thresholds. Notably, these changes do not affect roles listed under the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List.

Applicants unsure about their occupation's eligibility can use the CASCOT coding tool to find their SOC codes and consult the full list published on the UK government website.