The UK Government has confirmed significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa programme, with the general salary threshold increasing from £38,700 to £41,700 from 22 July 2025. This change presents fresh challenges for manufacturers across Northern Ireland already facing acute skills shortages.
Rising Thresholds, Rising Pressures
Many local manufacturers depend on migrant labour to fill vital roles — including welders, technicians, and machine operators. With the increased salary requirements, employers face greater difficulty in recruiting and retaining international staff in these key positions.
Although welders are currently included on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) — which allows for more flexible visa requirements — other occupations may not be covered. In such cases, understanding the correct Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code is essential to determine eligibility.
Meeting with Stakeholders – Not Yet Held
A meeting was proposed to bring together key stakeholders — including the Department for the Economy, NI Skills Council, and employer representatives — to discuss the implications of the Skilled Worker visa changes and agree on a regional response. However, this meeting did not take place as planned before the 22 July deadline, leaving many questions unresolved.
MNI continues to engage with partners to ensure employers’ voices are heard, and we will work to reschedule this meeting in the coming weeks.
Understanding the MAC’s Role
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has clarified that it was not commissioned in advance to provide advice on the new salary thresholds. As an independent advisory body, MAC responds to formal commissions from the Home Secretary, and does not play a role in the implementation or communication of policy changes.
While the MAC understands the concerns raised by employers in Northern Ireland, it advises that immediate questions or requests for information be directed to the Home Office. Employers can do this by emailing public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk, with the subject line: ‘F.A.O. Economic Migration Policy’.
Salary Rules in Detail
For roles not at RQF level 6 (graduate level), visa eligibility may still be possible if they are listed on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List. However, the salary requirement depends on when the worker obtained their initial Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
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If issued before 4 April 2024: The worker may qualify under a lower salary threshold.
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If issued on or after 4 April 2024: The new, higher threshold applies.
Examples:
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SOC 1243 – Managers in Logistics:
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New visa: £44,900
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Renewals (pre-2024 CoS): £37,300
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SOC 3111 – Lab Technicians:
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New visa: £33,400
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Renewals (pre-2024 CoS): £25,000
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Roles on the Immigration Salary List may be eligible for a 20% salary discount against the general threshold, again depending on the date the initial visa was issued.
MAC’s Forward Look
While MAC had no role in the recent uplift, it has now been commissioned to undertake a review of both the Temporary Shortage List and Skilled Worker salary thresholds, with findings due in mid-2026. Any resulting policy changes would not take effect until late 2026 or 2027.
As part of this commission, MAC will host UK-wide stakeholder consultations, including input from Northern Ireland employers and officials. MNI will participate in these sessions and will ensure that our sector’s needs are clearly represented.
Important Links and Resources
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Temporary Shortage List (TSL):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-temporary-shortage-list -
Immigration Salary List (ISL):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-immigration-salary-list -
Immigration Rules: Skilled Worker Visa Changes (July 2025):
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6863a3ea08bf2f5376121a67/E03394848_-HC_997–Immigration_Rules_Changes__Print_Ready.pdf
Contacting the Home Office (Economic Migration Policy):
Email: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
Subject: F.A.O. Economic Migration Policy
Manufacturing NI remains committed to supporting local employers through these regulatory changes. We encourage all members to familiarise themselves with the new visa rules and get in touch with any queries or feedback.