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If you're searching for a UK visa-sponsored job, you may have seen the term "RQF Level 6" appearing more frequently.

But what does it actually mean?

RQF stands for Regulated Qualifications Framework, which is used in England and Northern Ireland to describe different levels of qualifications and the skills and knowledge associated with them.

RQF Level 6 is broadly equivalent to bachelor's degree level.

However, this does not necessarily mean you need a bachelor's degree to be sponsored.

What matters is the skill level of the job itself, rather than simply whether the applicant holds a degree.

Why does RQF Level 6 matter for Skilled Worker sponsorship?

Following changes to the Skilled Worker route, the general skill threshold for new Skilled Worker sponsorship has been raised to RQF Level 6.

This means that, in most cases, a job must now be classified at RQF Level 6 or above to qualify for new Skilled Worker sponsorship.

However, there are important exceptions.

Some jobs below RQF Level 6 can still qualify if they appear on an eligible occupation list, such as the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List, subject to the applicable immigration rules.

How do you know if your job is RQF Level 6?

Every eligible occupation has an SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code.

The occupation code determines:

✅ Whether the job meets the required skill level

✅ Whether it is eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship

✅ The salary going rate that normally applies

So, don't assume that a job qualifies simply because its title sounds professional or requires experience. You need to check the relevant SOC code and Skilled Worker eligibility rules.

Does RQF Level 6 mean you need a degree?

Not necessarily.

This is an important distinction.

A job being classified at RQF Level 6 means the role is considered to require skills at approximately graduate level. It doesn't automatically mean the person doing the job must hold a university degree.

An employer may have its own qualification requirements, but that's separate from the immigration skill-level requirement.

💡 The takeaway

If you're looking for UK visa sponsorship, don't just ask:

"Does this employer sponsor visas?"

Also ask:

"Is my occupation eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the current rules?"

Checking your SOC code, RQF level, salary going rate and any applicable occupation lists before applying can save you considerable time.

If you have been job hunting on UK Visa Jobs, you don't have to worry about the visa eligibility of jobs, as we have checked them for you.

💬 What is your profession? Share it below and tell us whether you've checked its Skilled Worker eligibility.