UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes: What Swiss Workers and Employers Need to Know

The UK government has introduced significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa route with effect from 1 July 2025. These reforms, announced in the Statement of Changes HC 997 and following the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, mark a decisive shift in the UK’s approach to overseas recruitment.

For Swiss skilled workers considering employment in the UK, and for Swiss employers operating in the UK who are recruiting Swiss nationals, these reforms are essential to understand. The new rules raise both the skill level required for sponsorship and the salary thresholds for most eligible roles, while also narrowing the range of occupations eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility: Higher Skill Level Now Required

Under the new rules, jobs that can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route must now be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 or above. This change reverses the earlier lowering of the threshold to RQF Level 3, which had been introduced after Brexit to allow businesses to continue recruiting from the EU, including Switzerland, in a wider range of roles.

The RQF Level 6 requirement means that only graduate-level occupations will now generally be eligible for sponsorship. The new threshold is based on the skill level of the role itself rather than the qualifications of the individual applicant. Occupations that do not meet this level have been removed from the list of eligible jobs for new entrants.

For Swiss citizens who are already in the UK under the Skilled Worker route, or who have been sponsored for a role before the rule changes took effect, the previous rules will continue to apply on a transitional basis. These individuals may still be able to extend their visas, change employers, or apply for settlement even if their role is below RQF Level 6. However, these transitional provisions will be reviewed in due course and are unlikely to remain in place permanently.

Reduction in the List of Eligible Skilled Occupations

The reforms have resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of occupations eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. While the Explanatory Memorandum accompanying the July 2025 Statement of Changes refers to the removal of around 180 occupations, the Home Office has confirmed that at least 111 job types have been removed. These changes particularly affect roles previously considered mid-skilled and are likely to impact recruitment in industries such as hospitality, construction, logistics, and health and social care.

Swiss employers with subsidiaries or business operations in the UK must now review their recruitment strategies and assess whether the roles they wish to fill with Swiss talent continue to meet the required skill level and job eligibility criteria under Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Increase in Salary Thresholds for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants

In addition to raising the skill level, the Home Office has introduced a new structure of salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, with increased minimum salary levels across all applicable categories.

The general salary threshold under what is known as ‘Option A’ has risen to £41,700 per year. To qualify, the salary offered must meet both this amount and the relevant going rate for the job based on its occupation code under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020.

There are also alternative routes to meet the salary requirement for candidates with PhDs, new entrants to the workforce, or applicants filling roles on the Immigration Salary List.

However, each of these alternatives requires a salary of at least £28,200 to £37,500 per year, depending on the route, and must still meet a percentage of the going rate for the role.

For Swiss nationals applying for a Skilled Worker visa, these new salary rules mean that a job offer must not only meet the skills threshold but must also be sufficiently well-paid to qualify. Employers must ensure that salary offers align with the updated requirements if they wish to sponsor a Swiss employee for a role in the UK.

The Temporary Shortage List: A Transitional Pathway for Some Occupations

To allow some flexibility during this transition period, the UK government has introduced an interim Temporary Shortage List, which includes a selection of occupations at RQF Levels 3 to 5 that remain eligible for sponsorship on a short-term basis. These roles have been identified as being in shortage either by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) or by the UK government as part of its Modern Industrial Strategy.

Swiss applicants may still be sponsored for certain technical, construction, creative, and administrative roles, such as engineering technicians, IT support specialists, translators, designers, welders, and vehicle mechanics, provided the occupation appears on the Temporary Shortage List. However, this list is strictly time-limited, with most entries due to be removed by the end of 2026.

It is important to note that visa holders in these roles will not benefit from the same rights as other Skilled Worker visa holders. Notably, they will not be permitted to bring dependants to the UK unless they are already in the Skilled Worker route before the reforms take effect. These restrictions reflect the government’s objective to limit long-term migration in lower-skilled sectors while encouraging employers to invest in the UK-based workforce.

Withdrawal of Care Workers and Senior Care Workers from the Skilled Worker Route

One of the most impactful changes relates to the withdrawal of care workers and senior care workers from the Skilled Worker route. From 22 July 2025, new applications for these roles will no longer be accepted. The Home Office has cited concerns over exploitation and compliance issues within the care sector as the reason for this change.

Swiss nationals who are already in the UK and working for a licensed sponsor in a care role for at least three months prior to the date their Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned may still be eligible to switch into the Skilled Worker route. However, this transitional provision will only be available until 22 July 2028, after which care-related roles will be removed entirely from the Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List.

Swiss citizens currently working in the UK care sector who are considering switching into the Skilled Worker visa route are advised to act swiftly to ensure they do not miss this limited transition window.

Additional Immigration Changes on the Horizon

The July 2025 reforms represent only the first phase of a wider overhaul of the UK immigration system. Further changes expected later this year include an increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which employers must pay to sponsor overseas workers, and a general uplift in English language requirements across visa categories.

The UK government also plans to introduce a new family migration policy framework, which may affect applications involving dependants or family reunification. However, no changes to the five-year route to settlement under the Skilled Worker route have been announced to date.

Swiss nationals and employers should be aware that these upcoming reforms may further impact eligibility and planning for UK immigration and should remain alert to future announcements and updates to the Immigration Rules.

Advice for Swiss Skilled Workers and Swiss Employers Recruiting in the UK

For Swiss skilled workers seeking to relocate to the UK for employment, these reforms present both challenges and opportunities. While the route remains open for highly skilled professionals in graduate-level roles, many mid-skilled occupations are no longer viable options for new visa applicants.

Swiss businesses with UK operations must ensure that any plans to hire Swiss nationals into UK roles are aligned with the new eligibility criteria. This includes confirming that roles meet the updated skill level, reviewing salary offers to ensure compliance with the higher thresholds, and understanding any limitations imposed by the Temporary Shortage List.

Given the complexity of the new rules, Swiss applicants and employers alike are advised to seek professional legal advice to navigate the Skilled Worker visa process and avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.

Speak to Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, our immigration barristers provide expert legal advice to Swiss nationals seeking to live and work in the UK, and to Swiss employers looking to sponsor Swiss workers under the Skilled Worker visa route.

If you require assistance with a Skilled Worker visa application, a UK sponsor licence, or advice on meeting the new salary and skill requirements, please contact our team on +41 21 588 07 70 or via our online enquiry form.