If you hold a Skilled Worker visa in a role below degree level, the most important date this year is 31 December 2026. That is when the Immigration Salary List (ISL) is due to close. As an OISC-regulated adviser at Visaway Immigration, I’m already hearing from worried care staff, technicians and employers. This guide explains what is changing and what to do next.
The ISL lets certain shortage occupations be sponsored at a lower salary threshold. Since 22 July 2025, the Skilled Worker skill level threshold has risen from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6, with the ISL and a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) acting as temporary exceptions for some sub-degree roles. The ISL entries all carry a removal date of 31 December 2026.
The July 2025 reforms also raised the general salary threshold to £41,700. ISL roles benefited from a reduced threshold of £33,400, but only until the list closes.
Your position after 2026 depends mainly on when you were first sponsored in your RQF 3–5 role. The Home Office position, as reported by NHS Employers on 1 October 2026, is that workers first sponsored in RQF 3–5 roles before 22 July 2025 are covered by transitional arrangements, while those first sponsored on or after that date will not be able to extend or change employment in those roles once the ISL closes.
| First CoS before 22 July 2025 | First CoS on or after 22 July 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Extend your visa | Transitional rules continue to protect you | Not possible in an RQF 3–5 role after 31 Dec 2026 |
| Change employer | Generally possible within your occupation | Not possible in an RQF 3–5 role after 31 Dec 2026 |
| Dependants | Existing transitional protections apply | Generally cannot bring dependants in a sub-degree role |
| Settlement (ILR) | Subject to the rules in force and any earned settlement changes | Subject to the same, and you must qualify before your permission ends |
| Best route to stay | Keep your status and plan ahead | Move into an RQF Level 6 role |
Important: the ILR rules may change. Home Office proposals on earned settlement could alter the qualifying period and criteria, so please don’t rely on old settlement thresholds without checking.
Sub-degree roles most likely to be hit include:
Care workers (SOC 6135 / 6136) have an extended timeline. Sources indicate that in-country protection for care workers runs to 22 July 2028.
Who is not affected? Workers in RQF Level 6+ (degree-level) jobs are outside the ISL cliff edge. Some NHS roles may also be treated differently, so check your exact SOC code and pay arrangements with an adviser.
The TSL allows some RQF 3–5 roles to be sponsored for a limited time. Two cautions:
So don’t assume your job will stay sponsorable in 2027. Wait for confirmed announcements and check the official list.
NHS Employers notes that visa applications can still be submitted after 31 December 2026 where they rely on a valid CoS assigned before the closure date. That doesn’t mean you should leave it late. Delays with sponsor paperwork, salary checks or Home Office processing can cost you your window.
If you’re a sponsored worker:
If you’re an employer or sponsor:
When does the Immigration Salary List close?
On 31 December 2026, unless the government changes this.
Can I still extend my Skilled Worker visa after the ISL closes?
If you were first sponsored before 22 July 2025, transitional arrangements should protect you. If you were first sponsored on or after that date in an RQF 3–5 role, you will generally not be able to extend in that role.
Can I change employer after 2026?
Under the same rules, the answer depends on your first CoS date, as above.
Will the Temporary Shortage List save my job?
Not necessarily. TSL entries are also time-limited and are under review.
Can my family join me?
For new sponsorship in RQF 3–5 roles from 22 July 2025, dependants are generally not permitted. Get advice before you apply.
Every case turns on dates, SOC codes and salary details, and a small mistake can be costly. Our team can review your situation and help you plan before the deadline.
Book a consultation with Visaway Immigration today.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reflects the position at the date of publication. Immigration rules change often. Visaway Immigration advisers work within the scope of their IAA/OISC regulated level. Always check gov.uk for the latest rules.
