RQF Level 6 Jobs List for UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 Onward
RQF Level 6 Jobs List for UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 Onward: A Comprehensive Guide
The RQF Level 6 jobs list for UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 onward defines the graduate-level roles that will be eligible for sponsorship under the UK’s Skilled Worker immigration route. Following major reforms to the Skilled Worker Visa system effective from 22 July 2025, the UK Government raised the minimum required skill level to RQF Level 6 (degree level or equivalent) for most new overseas applicants. This article explains what that means, highlights key eligible occupations, and offers practical insights for international job seekers and employers alike. (WestBridge Business Immigration)
What Is the RQF Level 6 Requirement?
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the UK’s system for categorising qualifications and associated job skill levels. RQF Level 6 corresponds to bachelor’s degrees, graduate diplomas, or equivalent qualifications and is now the minimum skill threshold for most new Skilled Worker Visa jobs. (Lace Law)
Under the updated rules, occupations below RQF Level 6 (previously eligible at RQF levels 3–5) will no longer be sponsorable unless they appear on other temporary shortage or salary exemption lists — which themselves will not be permanent. (London Mail)
Why the Shift to RQF Level 6 Matters
Stronger Focus on High-Skill Employment
The RQF Level 6 jobs list focuses on roles requiring graduate-level skills, aligning the visa system more closely with economic priorities and high-value sectors in the UK. Jobs traditionally at lower skill levels (such as care assistants, hospitality roles, and some technical support jobs) are being phased out of general eligibility unless they fall under defined exemptions. (NationBetter)
Impact on Employers and Applicants
From January 2026 onward:
- Only jobs at RQF Level 6 or above will automatically qualify for new Skilled Worker Visa applications. (UK Job Hunters)
- Roles below this threshold may be temporarily eligible only if included on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). (MAK 25)
- The TSL is set to expire by 31 December 2026, after which eligibility for lower-level roles is expected to end. (UK Job Hunters)
Core Examples from the RQF Level 6 Jobs List
The official Skilled Worker Visa: Eligible Occupations and Codes document lists many occupations that meet RQF Level 6 criteria. Some typical examples include: (GOV.UK)
Professional and Managerial Roles
- Chief executives and senior officials (SOC 1111) – senior business leaders. (GOV.UK)
- Production managers and directors in manufacturing and construction (SOC 1121, 1122). (GOV.UK)
- Financial managers and directors (SOC 1131). (GOV.UK)
Technical and Specialist Professions
- IT professionals and software developers — core digital economy roles. (GOV.UK)
- Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.) — graduate-level accredited engineers. (GOV.UK)
- Accountants and auditors — finance professionals with recognised degrees. (GOV.UK)
Healthcare and Education
Many healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and allied health specialists still qualify under the Skilled Worker Visa where RQF level and pay thresholds are met. (GOV.UK)
Teachers and educational leadership roles also typically meet RQF Level 6 criteria. (GOV.UK)
⚠️ Note: The Home Office publishes a full list of all eligible occupations and their SOC codes on GOV.UK, and employers should always check the latest version before applying. (GOV.UK)
How Salary and Skill Combine in Eligibility
Holding a job on the RQF Level 6 jobs list for UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 onward is necessary but not sufficient on its own — visa applicants must also typically meet minimum salary thresholds. Under current rules:
- The general minimum salary is £41,700 per year or the specific going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. (RLegal)
- Some PhD-level roles and new entrant discounts can slightly modify this requirement, but the requirement for the job to be RQF Level 6 remains central for new applications. (Reiss Edwards)
Transitional and Temporary Exceptions
While the core RQF Level 6 requirement applies to most new applications, there are temporary exceptions through:
- The Immigration Salary List
- The Temporary Shortage List
These lists allow certain roles below RQF Level 6 to still be sponsored — for example, some technician or support professions — but without permanent dependent visa rights and only until late 2026. (MAK 25)
Planning for 2026 and Beyond
For international job seekers targeting work in the UK:
- Focus on careers that are intrinsically RQF Level 6 or higher.
- Confirm the specific SOC code eligibility and salary requirements before applying.
- Work closely with employers to ensure the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) aligns with the current Skilled Worker Visa criteria.
For employers:
- Audit vacancies against the official RQF Level 6 jobs list.
- Review pay scales to meet minimum thresholds.
- Monitor updates to the Skilled Worker Visa occupational list and government salary guidance, which can change based on UK policy. (GOV.UK)
Summary
The RQF Level 6 jobs list for UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 onward reflects the UK Government’s intention to prioritise higher-skill, degree-level roles in its immigration system. With the requirement now set at RQF Level 6 for most new overseas hires, graduates and professionals in fields like engineering, IT, finance, healthcare, and management stand to benefit from clearer eligibility criteria — as long as they also meet salary and sponsor requirements. Continuous monitoring of official occupation lists and immigration rule updates remains essential for both applicants and sponsoring employers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
RQF Level 6 Jobs List for UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 Onward
1. What does RQF Level 6 mean for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
RQF Level 6 refers to jobs that require graduate-level skills, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. From 2026 onward, most new Skilled Worker Visa applicants must be sponsored in roles that meet this skill level to qualify for the visa.
2. When will the RQF Level 6 requirement fully apply?
The transition began in July 2025, with full implementation expected from 2026 onward. After this point, jobs below RQF Level 6 will generally no longer qualify for sponsorship unless they fall under specific temporary exemption lists.
3. Are jobs below RQF Level 6 completely removed from eligibility?
Not immediately. Some roles below RQF Level 6 may still be eligible through:
- The Immigration Salary List (ISL)
- The Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
However, these exemptions are time-limited and are expected to end by 31 December 2026.
4. Do existing Skilled Worker Visa holders need to meet RQF Level 6?
In most cases, existing visa holders are protected by transitional arrangements. This means they may be able to extend or change employers under previous rules, provided they remain in eligible roles and meet salary requirements.
5. What types of jobs are included in the RQF Level 6 jobs list?
Common RQF Level 6 roles include:
- Engineers and IT professionals
- Accountants and financial analysts
- Healthcare professionals (such as doctors and registered nurses)
- Teachers and education professionals
- Managers and senior business roles
Each job must also meet the correct SOC code and salary threshold.
6. Is having a degree mandatory to qualify?
Not always. While RQF Level 6 is equivalent to a degree, the visa is based on the skill level of the job, not strictly the applicant’s qualifications. Some applicants may qualify through professional experience if the role itself is classified at RQF Level 6.
7. What is the minimum salary requirement for RQF Level 6 jobs?
The general minimum salary requirement is £41,700 per year, or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. Some exceptions apply for new entrants or PhD-level roles, but the RQF Level 6 skill requirement still applies.
8. Can dependants join Skilled Worker Visa holders under RQF Level 6 roles?
Yes. Jobs that meet the RQF Level 6 requirement generally allow visa holders to bring dependants. Some temporary shortage roles below RQF Level 6 may restrict dependant eligibility.
9. How can employers check if a job meets RQF Level 6?
Employers should:
- Identify the correct SOC occupation code
- Confirm the role is listed as eligible on the official GOV.UK Skilled Worker Visa occupation list
- Ensure the salary meets or exceeds the required threshold
10. Will the RQF Level 6 jobs list change in the future?
Yes. The UK Government reviews immigration policy regularly. While RQF Level 6 is expected to remain the standard from 2026 onward, specific occupations, salary thresholds, and exemptions may change, so checking official guidance is essential.
