CIOs and tech leaders should heed the UK’s latest immigration reforms

Major reforms to the UK’s Skilled Worker visa route took effect on 22 July 2025, modifying eligibility criteria in ways that could reshape hiring strategies across the tech sector.

Under the new rules, the minimum skill level for most sponsored roles has risen to RQF Level 6 (degree level). A limited number of RQF 3–5 roles remain eligible for sponsorship if they appear either on an expanded Immigration Salary List or the new Temporary Shortage List, both of which are time-limited and conditional. Importantly, workers in these lower-level roles can no longer bring dependants with them.

While the tech sector may appear largely protected due to its concentration of highly skilled roles, this perception can be misleading. Essential positions in support, sales, customer success, and operations often fall below the new skill threshold – making them significantly harder (and in some cases impossible) to fill through overseas recruitment.

In a recent article for Tech Monitor, Partner, Zoe Jacob and Associate, Rhona Findlay unpack the latest immigration rule changes and advise tech leaders not to underestimate their practical implications. They advise firms to carry out proactive audits of both current sponsored staff and upcoming hiring plans, particularly for roles within the RQF 3–5 band. Early identification of risk areas will enable companies to adapt strategically, whether through workforce planning or job redesign.

They also stress that Home Office compliance activity is intensifying. As scrutiny of sponsor licence holders grows, even unintentional breaches can result in licence suspension or revocation – jeopardising an organisation’s ability to sponsor staff altogether. In this climate, vigilance and preparation are preparation are critical.

The full article published by Tech Monitor in August 2025 can be found here.