The technology sector remains broadly covered, with software developers, IT directors, cybersecurity professionals, and data architects continuing to qualify as Higher Skilled. Within the creative industries, musicians, arts producers, and directors hold Higher Skilled classification, while actors, dancers, and designers are generally placed at the Medium Skilled level. How the UK's new rules applyThe revised requirements cover new Skilled Worker visa applications where a Certificate of Sponsorship was assigned on or after 22 July 2025. Individuals who already hold a Skilled Worker visa under the previous rules may still apply to extend their stay or switch roles within the same occupation code, though the updated salary thresholds will apply at that point. The changes do not affect roles listed on the Immigration Salary List, which replaced the former Shortage Occupation List in April 2024, or positions appearing on the Temporary Shortage List.