Key Visa Rule Changes Impacting Childcare Roles

1. Raising Skill Requirements to RQF Level 6 (Degree-level)

From 22 July 2025, all newly sponsored Skilled Worker roles must be classified at RQF Level 6 or above. This introduces a sharp cutoff: most nursery, pre‑school, and childcare support roles (typically RQF Levels 3-5) will now no longer qualify for sponsorship, unless they appear on specific temporary lists. 

2. Limited Exceptions via Temporary Shortage or Immigration Salary Lists

Roles below RQF Level 6 may still attract sponsorship only if they are included on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) or Immigration Salary List (ISL). These lists are time-limited, guiding inclusion until a hard expiry:

• Most eligible roles will be removed by 31 December 2026 at the latest.

• New visa holders in these roles cannot bring dependants, except under rare eligibility like sole parental responsibility.

3. Adult Social Care Route Closure Applies to Childcare-Adjacent Roles

The Health and Care Worker visa route (covering SOC 6135/6136) closes to new overseas applicants on 22 July 2025. That reduction also impacts many childcare roles that overlap or were previously classified under care-related SOC codes.

• In‑country switching or renewals will remain possible until 22 July 2028, but only for individuals already employed for at least three months in those SOC categories.

Implications for Nursery Employers

• Nursery practitioners, assistants, and early years support staff (typically SOC codes under RQF‑3/4/5) will largely be ineligible for new overseas recruitment unless:

  • The role is on the TSL or ISL, and CoS is assigned by the end of 2026.

  • Or the individual is already in the UK and switching in-country before July 2028.

• Dependants cannot be brought in for recruits in these lower-skilled roles-introducing staffing and retention challenges.

• Roles at RQF Level 6 and above-for example, early years teachers or qualified lead practitioners-remain eligible for sponsorship, but must meet degree‑level criteria.

Nurse Sector Workforce Risks & Strategic Response

• With nursery roles no longer qualifying under Skilled Worker rules, nurseries that have historically depended on migrant staffing may face critical shortages-especially in lower‑paid positions that domestic recruitment often struggles to fill.

• Providers should audit reliance on sponsorship and evaluate which roles might still qualify.

• There is an urgent need to invest in domestic recruitment and workforce development-including training up staff to RQF 6‑level roles, offering apprenticeships, and strengthening pay/benefits to attract UK-based applicants.

• Where overseas recruitment is possible (e.g. via TSL-listed roles before expiration), employers should assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) by 21 July 2025 to secure eligibility.

  
  

  
  

  Source: Amicus Law+12website+12Bevan Brittan+12., GOV.UK