Starting April 10, 2025, the UK has introduced a major expansion to its Skilled Worker visa program, opening up visa eligibility to hundreds of new job roles across a wide range of sectors. The update is one of the most significant changes to the country’s immigration system in recent years and is designed to help ease ongoing labor shortages while attracting skilled professionals from around the world.
The revised list, published by the UK Home Office, now includes jobs in healthcare, education, tech, engineering, creative fields, skilled trades, and more. The goal is to make the visa system more inclusive and better aligned with the country’s workforce needs.
What’s New? More Jobs Across More Sectors
Some of the newly added roles include:
- Tech & Digital: Software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, DevOps engineers, and UI/UX designers.
- Healthcare & Care Work: Doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, mental health specialists, and senior care workers.
- Engineering & Construction: Civil, electrical, mechanical, and aerospace engineers, plus skilled trades like welders, electricians, and plumbers.
- Education: Teachers in early years, primary, secondary, and specializations like STEM and languages.
- Creative Industries: Musicians, animators, photographers, performers—and even influencers.
- Business & Finance: Accountants, project managers, HR professionals, actuaries, and marketing specialists.
- Skilled Trades: Chefs, tailors, upholsterers, stonemasons, and marine engineers—many of whom are now eligible for sponsorship.
Each eligible job is tied to a specific occupation code to help applicants and employers navigate the system. Tools like the updated CASCOT system are available to assist in matching job titles to the correct codes.
Who’s Still Not Eligible?
While the update is wide-ranging, some roles are still excluded from sponsorship, including:
- Hospitality jobs like bar staff, waiting staff, and fast-food workers
- Retail jobs, including cashiers and shop assistants
- Most warehouse and courier positions
- Domestic roles such as cleaners, housekeepers, and au pairs (with limited exceptions)
Why This Matters
With sectors like healthcare, tech, and construction facing growing skills gaps, the UK government sees this move as a way to strengthen the economy and support struggling industries. It’s also a major opportunity for international workers looking to build a career in the UK.
“From hospitals to tech companies, more UK employers are now able to bring in the skilled talent they need,” said Angela Moss, an immigration advisor based in London. “It’s a win-win—for businesses and for jobseekers.”
Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes. Most Skilled Worker visa holders can bring their partner and children with them. Dependents are allowed to work or study in the UK while living with the main applicant.
How to Apply
Here’s what applicants need to do:
- Get a job offer from an employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.
- Check that the role appears on the eligible occupation list.
- Meet English language and salary requirements.
- Apply through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
You can find sponsored job listings on platforms like Indeed UK, GOV.UK’s Find a Job, LinkedIn, and https://sponsorshipjobsuk.co.uk.
Looking Ahead
This expansion is expected to be the first of several changes. Experts say further updates to visa rules, salary thresholds, and shortage occupation lists are likely later this year.
For now, the message is clear:
If you’ve got the skills, the UK is ready to welcome you.
For full details, visit the official announcement:
Skilled Worker Visa Eligible Occupations – GOV.UK
