Many people from other countries still dream of working in the UK without a university degree. This dream is possible, but it has become much harder because of big changes to UK immigration rules in 2024 and 2025. The UK government now wants mostly highly skilled and high-paid workers. If you do not have a degree and want to work in the UK, you need to know the new rules clearly. This simple guide will help you understand which visas you can use, which jobs are possible, and how much salary you need in 2025/2026.
Decoding the UK Immigration Reset: RQF Level 6 and Beyond
The most important thing to know is the RQF level. RQF means Regulated Qualifications Framework – it shows how skilled a job is.
From July 2025, almost all sponsored jobs must be at RQF Level 6 or higher. RQF Level 6 is the same as a bachelor’s degree. Before, many jobs at RQF Level 3 (same as A-level or school leaving certificate) could get sponsorship. Now those jobs cannot.
The Critical Exceptions for Non-Degree Roles
The new rule removed more than 100 normal-skill jobs from the sponsorship list. But some important exceptions still exist. These are the only real chances for people without a degree:
- The Immigration Salary List (ISL) – This is the new name for the old Shortage Occupation List. Jobs on this list have big shortages in the UK, so the government gives special permission. These jobs can be RQF Level 3, 4 or 5, but they get a lower salary rule.
- Health and Care Worker Visa – This visa is separate, but it is also getting stricter. Simple care assistant jobs from overseas are now almost impossible (closed in July 2025). Only senior or special care jobs may still work.
Critical: The New Salary Thresholds You Must Meet
Money is now the biggest problem. The salary rules are very high.
| Visa Type | Minimum Salary (from July 2025) | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Skilled Worker Visa | £41,700 per year | Must be £41,700 OR the normal salary for that job (whichever is higher) |
| Job on Immigration Salary List (ISL) | £33,400 per year | Must still pay the full normal salary for the job (often higher than £33,400) |
| Health and Care ISL jobs | £25,000 per year | Must still pay the full normal salary for the job |
| New Entrant (under 26 or recent UK graduate) | £33,400 per year | Can get 30% discount – but this discount is almost never for overseas applicants without degree |
Most companies that sponsor people without degrees must pay at least £41,700 unless the job is on the ISL.
Top Non-Degree Careers on the Immigration Salary
If you have no degree, you can only look for jobs that are on the Immigration Salary List right now. Only these jobs give you a chance.
Trades and Technical Specialists
These jobs need good training or many years of experience, but not a university degree.
- Welding jobs with UK visa sponsorship – especially “high-integrity pipe welders” who have 3–5 years of proven experience.
- Chef jobs with UK visa sponsorship – Head Chef, Executive Chef, or experienced Sous Chef in big restaurants or hotels.
- Construction supervisor and senior technician jobs – some special construction and engineering supervisor roles are still allowed.
- Master vehicle technician and mechanic – very skilled car, truck or HGV mechanics can sometimes reach RQF Level 6 with experience and certificates.
- HGV driver jobs with sponsorship – very rare, but a few companies still do it for experienced drivers.
Health and Social Care (Limited Opportunities)
Normal care assistant jobs from overseas are now almost impossible for new people. Only higher roles may work:
- Senior care worker with visa sponsorship – possible if the care home is registered with CQC (England) and you have strong experience and qualifications.
- Nursing assistants in hospitals – some special helper roles for registered nurses may still get Health and Care Visa.
Your Strategy: How to Get UK Visa Sponsorship Without a Degree
- Find companies that can sponsor Only companies with a sponsor licence can give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Tip: Go to the official UK government website and download the full list of licensed sponsors. Search for “Skilled Worker” category.
- Collect strong proof of your skills Your experience and certificates must show you are at least RQF Level 6 standard. Get your foreign qualifications checked by ECCTIS (official UK service) so the employer believes they are good enough.
- Make a very strong CV and interview UK employers want to see numbers and results. Example: Instead of “I worked as a welder”, write “Coded welder with 6 years experience, completed 150+ high-pressure pipe projects with zero faults, hold TIG/MIG certificates”.
- Look at other visa options if Skilled Worker Visa is too hard
- Youth Mobility Scheme (age 18–30 or 35, only for certain countries) – you can work freely for 2 years, no sponsor needed.
- Seasonal Worker Visa – short visa for fruit picking or poultry work (6–9 months only).
(Insert Infographic Suggestion: A simple, flow-chart style infographic titled “UK Visa Sponsorship Path for Non-Graduates” showing:
- Is the job on the ISL? → Yes → 2. Salary at least £33,400 + full going rate? → Yes → 3. Company has sponsor licence? → Yes → 4. You get Certificate of Sponsorship → Apply for visa.)
Conclusion: Focus on Niche and Skill
The UK made the rules much stricter, but the door is not completely closed. If you have real high-level skills and many years of experience in a job that is on the Immigration Salary List, you still have a chance. Start today by:
- Checking if your exact job title and code is on the current ISL
- Finding licensed sponsor companies in that job area
- Preparing strong proof of your skills and experience
Good luck! The path is narrow, but skilled and patient people are still moving to the UK every month.
Official list of UK companies that can sponsor: Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules because they can change quickly.
Disclaimer:
This information is correct as of late 2025 and is only for education. Always check the official Home Office website before you apply.