Over 180 UK Jobs to Lose Visa Eligibility This Month, Here’s What RQF Level 6 Means.

The UK has introduced stricter rules for Skilled Worker visas from this month. According to the most recent Statement of Changes, the minimum requirements for the majority of job roles under this visa have been raised.

Instead of accepting qualifications at the old A-level equivalent (RQF Level 3), the UK will now require applicants to meet the RQF Level 6 standard, which reflects graduate-level learning.

This will remove a significant number of roles from the eligibility list, especially those viewed as lower-skilled, unless they fall under shortage occupation categories.

The Home Office explained that these adjustments support a broader plan to lower net migration and prioritize higher-qualified applicants. All sponsorships and new visa applications from that date will need to meet the updated conditions, as confirmed in the official government immigration update.

The new rule centers on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, or RQF. This system is used across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to organize academic and work-related qualifications into levels from Entry to Level 8.

Level 6 is the point that usually represents bachelor’s degrees and some vocational diplomas. It is a benchmark for roles that demand a higher level of expertise in a specific field. UK Government now expects most sponsored roles to meet this standard to align immigration more closely with long-term workforce planning.

When someone reaches RQF Level 6, it typically indicates that they have earned a vocational award at that level or an honours bachelor's degree. According to the UK government's qualification guide, individuals at this level should be capable of handling complex tasks using detailed subject knowledge and should be able to make decisions with a high degree of autonomy. Level 6 also represents the stage where learners can critically evaluate theories, research information, and apply findings to real-world situations. These abilities are not just academic; they’re also considered valuable by employers looking for people who can take on meaningful roles with accountability.

With this new rule in place, hundreds of roles will no longer meet the visa requirements. Positions like care workers, teaching assistants, retail supervisors, and many administrative roles will not qualify unless they appear on the updated shortage occupation list or have transitional protections. 

A full list of affected roles was released by the UK government, showing that over 180 job titles would be excluded unless they meet the new skill and salary levels. Examples include dental technicians, ambulance staff, and even some roles in engineering support. Unless these roles are restructured or reassessed to meet Level 6 criteria, they will no longer be valid for visa sponsorship starting July 22.