Understanding RQF Level 6 jobs is now essential for anyone seeking a UK Skilled Worker Visa. Following major policy changes on 22 July 2025, the minimum skill level for most sponsored roles increased from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (bachelor's degree equivalent). This guide explains what RQF Level 6 means, which jobs qualify, how to check if your occupation is eligible, and what happened to the approximately 180 roles that were removed from the eligible list.
Understanding RQF Level 6 Jobs for UK Skilled Worker Visa
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the UK's official system for categorising qualifications by difficulty and complexity. For the Skilled Worker Visa, the RQF level determines whether a job is considered "skilled" enough to qualify for sponsorship. Since July 2025, the baseline has shifted significantly upward.
What is RQF Level 6?
RQF Level 6 corresponds to bachelor's degree level qualifications, including undergraduate degrees, graduate diplomas, and degree apprenticeships. It is now the minimum skill level required for most Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship in the UK, replacing the previous RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) threshold.
It is important to understand that the RQF level refers to the job role, not necessarily the applicant's personal qualifications. A job classified at RQF Level 6 is one that typically requires degree-level skills and knowledge to perform, as determined by the UK government's occupation classification system.
RQF Levels Explained
*Except roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage List (TSL), or under transitional provisions for existing visa holders.
RQF Level 6 Jobs List UK 2026
RQF Level 6 jobs eligible for UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship include professional roles such as software developers, accountants, engineers, nurses, teachers, marketing managers, and financial analysts. The full list is published in Table 1 of the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Jobs at RQF Level 6 and above are primarily found within three Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) major groups: managers and directors (SOC 1), professional occupations (SOC 2), and associate professional and technical occupations (SOC 3). Here are examples of eligible occupations by sector:
Technology & IT
- SOC 2134: Programmers and software development professionals
- SOC 2133: IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
- SOC 2135: Cyber security professionals
- SOC 2136: IT project managers
Finance & Business
- SOC 2421: Chartered and certified accountants
- SOC 2423: Finance and investment analysts
- SOC 1132: Marketing, sales and advertising directors
- SOC 2424: Business and financial project management professionals
Engineering & Science
- SOC 2121: Civil engineers
- SOC 2122: Mechanical engineers
- SOC 2123: Electrical engineers
- SOC 2111: Chemical scientists
Healthcare
- SOC 2211: Medical practitioners (doctors)
- SOC 2231: Nurses
- SOC 2215: Dental practitioners
- SOC 2217: Pharmacists
For healthcare roles, applicants may also consider the dedicated Health and Care Worker Visa route, which offers reduced fees and faster processing.
Appendix Skilled Occupations Explained
The Appendix Skilled Occupations is the official UK government document listing all jobs eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, along with their SOC codes, RQF levels, and minimum salary requirements. Table 1 contains the main list of eligible occupations for new applicants from July 2025 onwards.
The Appendix Skilled Occupations is divided into several tables, each serving a different purpose. Understanding which table applies to your situation is critical for determining eligibility.
What Happened to RQF Level 3 Jobs?
Approximately 180 occupations at RQF Levels 3-5 were removed from general Skilled Worker Visa eligibility on 22 July 2025. Some remain available through the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage List (TSL). Existing visa holders in these roles have transitional protections until approximately July 2028.
The July 2025 policy change significantly reduced the number of eligible occupations. Roles that previously qualified at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) are no longer open for new overseas sponsorship unless they appear on one of the exception lists.
Exception Lists for RQF Level 3-5 Jobs
- Immigration Salary List (ISL): Some shortage occupations at RQF 3-5 remain eligible with salary concessions. Valid until 31 December 2026.
- Temporary Shortage List (TSL): Time-limited list for mid-skill occupations in demand. Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued before 31 December 2026.
- Care Workers (SOC 6135, 6136): Removed from general eligibility but transitional provisions allow in-UK switching until 22 July 2028.
Transitional Provisions for Existing Visa Holders
If you were granted Skilled Worker status in an RQF Level 3-5 role before 22 July 2025, you benefit from transitional protections:
- Continue working in your current role
- Extend your visa in the same occupation
- Switch employers within the same occupation code
- Apply for ILR after completing the qualifying period
These transitional rights generally remain available until approximately July 2028, though the government may review this. However, no new Certificates of Sponsorship can be assigned for RQF 3-5 roles to applicants outside these provisions.
How to Check Your Job's RQF Level
To check if your job qualifies, find its SOC code and look it up in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations. If the job appears in Table 1, it meets the RQF Level 6 requirement. You can use the ONS Occupation Coding Tool to identify the correct SOC code for your role.
- Step 1: Obtain your job description from your prospective employer
- Step 2: Use the ONS Occupation Coding Tool to identify potential SOC codes
- Step 3: Check Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations
- Step 4: Verify the salary meets or exceeds the going rate for that SOC code
- Step 5: Confirm your employer holds a valid sponsor licence
For international qualifications, you can use UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) to compare your overseas qualifications to UK RQF levels. However, remember that the RQF level requirement refers to the job role, not necessarily your personal qualifications—though these often align in practice.
- RQF Level 6 (bachelor's degree equivalent) is now the minimum for most Skilled Worker sponsorship
- The minimum salary threshold increased to £41,700 from July 2025
- Approximately 180 RQF Level 3-5 occupations were removed from general eligibility
- Existing visa holders in lower-level roles have transitional protections until ~2028
- Check Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations to verify your job's eligibility
For complete guidance on the Skilled Worker Visa application process, visit the official gov.uk Skilled Worker Visa page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RQF Level 6 in the UK?
RQF Level 6 is the sixth level of the Regulated Qualifications Framework, corresponding to bachelor's degree level qualifications. This includes undergraduate degrees, graduate diplomas, graduate certificates, and Level 6 NVQs. From July 2025, jobs must be classified at RQF Level 6 or above to qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, unless listed on an exception list.
What are examples of RQF Level 6 jobs?
RQF Level 6 jobs include professional roles such as software developers, accountants, civil engineers, nurses, doctors, teachers, financial analysts, marketing managers, architects, and lawyers. These are typically managerial, professional, or associate professional occupations that require degree-level knowledge and skills. The full list is available in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Do I need a degree to get a Skilled Worker Visa?
The RQF level requirement refers to the job role, not necessarily your personal qualifications. However, in practice, most RQF Level 6 jobs require degree-level qualifications or equivalent professional experience. Some roles may accept significant professional experience in lieu of formal qualifications, but this depends on the specific occupation and employer requirements. Check with your prospective employer and the specific occupation requirements.
What happened to RQF Level 3 jobs for Skilled Worker Visa?
Approximately 180 occupations at RQF Levels 3-5 were removed from general Skilled Worker eligibility on 22 July 2025. Some remain available through the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List until 31 December 2026. Existing visa holders in these roles have transitional protections allowing them to continue, extend, and switch employers until approximately July 2028.
What is the minimum salary for RQF Level 6 jobs?
The general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker Visa is £41,700 per year from July 2025. However, you must also meet the "going rate" for your specific occupation, which may be higher. Lower thresholds apply for PhD holders (£34,830) and certain shortage or new entrant roles. Check the detailed salary requirements in Table 4 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations.
How do I check my job's RQF level?
To check your job's RQF level: 1) Identify the SOC code that matches your job description using the ONS Occupation Coding Tool; 2) Look up the SOC code in Table 1 of the Appendix Skilled Occupations on gov.uk; 3) If the job appears in Table 1, it meets RQF Level 6 requirements. Jobs not listed in Table 1 are generally not eligible for new Skilled Worker sponsorship.
What is the Appendix Skilled Occupations?
The Appendix Skilled Occupations is an official UK government document within the Immigration Rules that lists all occupations eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. It includes SOC codes, job titles, minimum salary requirements (going rates), and indicates which tables apply to different applicants. Table 1 is the main list for new applicants from July 2025 onwards.
Can I still apply for a care worker visa in 2026?
Care worker roles (SOC 6135 and 6136) were removed from out-of-country Skilled Worker eligibility. However, transitional provisions allow in-UK switching for workers already employed by their sponsor for at least 3 months, until 22 July 2028. New applications from outside the UK are no longer accepted for these roles. Consider the Health and Care Worker Visa for other healthcare positions.
Is chef an RQF Level 6 job?
Standard chef roles (SOC 5434) are classified at RQF Level 3, which is below the current minimum threshold. However, certain senior culinary positions or roles that appear on the Immigration Salary List may still be eligible. Check the latest Appendix Skilled Occupations to confirm whether your specific chef role qualifies. Catering managers (SOC 1223) at higher skill levels may have different eligibility.
Can I get extra points for having a PhD?
Yes, holding a PhD (RQF Level 8) can earn you extra points in the Skilled Worker Visa points system. You receive 10 additional points for a PhD relevant to the job, or 20 points for a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job. PhD holders also benefit from a lower salary threshold of £34,830. The PhD must be from a genuine institution and relevant to your sponsored role.