RQF levels explained
RQF 3
A levels, Advanced apprenticeship
RQF 4
Certificate of Higher Education, HNC
RQF 5
Foundation degree, HND
RQF 6
Bachelor’s degree, degree apprenticeship
RQF 7
Master’s degree, PGCE
RQF 8
Doctorate (PhD)
What the RQF 6 rule means for employers
Since 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker sponsorship must be in an occupation at RQF level 6 or above. Roles at RQF 3–5 — such as many technician, trade and administrative jobs — can only be filled from overseas if they are on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List, and those workers cannot bring dependants. Existing workers sponsored before the change are protected when they extend or change jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What is RQF level 6?
RQF level 6 is the level of the Regulated Qualifications Framework equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or degree apprenticeship. For Skilled Worker sponsorship, it describes the skill level of the job (its occupation code), not the worker’s own qualifications.
When did the RQF 6 requirement start?
The Skilled Worker skill threshold rose from RQF 3 to RQF 6 on 22 July 2025. New sponsorship in occupations below RQF 6 is only possible through the Temporary Shortage List, the Immigration Salary List or the transitional rules.
Does the worker need a degree for an RQF 6 job?
No. RQF 6 refers to the skill level of the occupation. The worker does not need to hold a degree, although the employer must be able to show they have the skills to do the job.
I was sponsored before 22 July 2025 in an RQF 3–5 job. Can I extend?
Yes. Workers who held Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025, and have had continuous permission since, can extend, change employer or change to another RQF 3–5 occupation under the transitional rules.
Are Temporary Shortage List jobs RQF 6?
No. The Temporary Shortage List is made up of RQF 3–5 occupations that can still be sponsored, as long as the certificate of sponsorship is assigned before 31 December 2026. Workers sponsored in these jobs cannot bring dependants.
Official sources
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Worker
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Occupations
- Skilled Worker visa: Temporary Shortage List
Rules and fees checked September 2026. Immigration rules change often — this tool gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on an individual case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or one of the firms listed here.