UK Tightens Skilled Worker Visa Rules, Drops 121 Job Roles — Nigerians Among Those Hit Hard

In a sweeping overhaul of its immigration system, the United Kingdom government has officially removed 121 job roles from eligibility under the Skilled Worker visa route, a move expected to impact thousands of prospective migrants — including a significant number of Nigerians.

Effective from 22 July 2025, the reforms raise the required skill level to RQF Level 6, meaning only degree-level occupations now qualify for new overseas sponsorship. Roles previously classified at mid-skill levels (RQF 3–5), such as hospitality managers, care workers, and retail supervisors, are no longer eligible for visa sponsorship.

The excluded occupations span several industries, including hospitality, agriculture, trades, healthcare, childcare, the creative sector, and administrative roles. These jobs have also been delisted from both the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List, making them ineligible under the new framework.

‘A Complete Reset’ — UK Government Justifies Policy Shift

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the reforms as necessary to reduce net migration and encourage local workforce development.

“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down and ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK,” she said.

Who’s Affected?

• New applicants hoping to work in any of the 121 excluded roles.
• Employers who previously relied on foreign talent for these mid-skill positions.
• Current visa holders in the UK looking to switch roles or renew their status may now face stricter requirements or ineligibility.

What Can Workers Do?

Affected individuals are advised to:

1. Check their job code using the UK’s ONS CASCOT tool to confirm eligibility.
2. Review salary thresholds carefully, especially if their original Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued before 4 April 2024.
3. Seek legal advice, particularly for health workers, students switching visas, and those whose current visa may soon expire.

The decision has already sparked widespread concern among migration experts and advocacy groups, who fear the move could worsen existing shortages in certain sectors, particularly care and hospitality, and limit opportunities for skilled migrants from countries like Nigeria.

As the UK recalibrates its immigration priorities, many affected workers are now left weighing their options — or looking elsewhere entirely.