Education shortages: immigration rules for overseas teachers in the UK

In recent years, there has seen a shortage of teachers in the UK. For those wishing to pursue a teaching career in the UK, there are several routes available.

Key UK work visa route for teachers

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa route permits a wide range of roles within the teaching profession to be sponsored by employers holding a sponsor licence. The Skilled Worker visa route is an attractive option, as it enables teachers to bring dependants to the UK and provides a pathway to settlement after five years of residence.

Eligible education jobs which qualify for sponsorship include nursery, primary and secondary school teacher roles, head teachers and principals, as well as roles in further education, such as lecturers, teachers and tutors.

In addition to securing a job offer in an eligible role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be paid at least the minimum salary threshold, determined by the specific role and by national pay bands.
• Meet the English language requirement (currently level B1 CEFR in speaking, listening, reading and writing – this will increase to level B2 in January 2026).
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival in the UK (unless your employer certifies maintenance).
• Provide a criminal record certificate from any country in which the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years, if applying from outside the UK.

In May 2025, the UK Government introduced an Immigration White paper, proposing changes to the Immigration Rules aimed at reducing net migration. The key change affecting professionals in the education sector so far is the upcoming increase in English language requirement from B1 to B2 CEFR, effective from January 2026. A further consultation is expected at the end of 2025 on the proposed changes to extend the qualifying residence period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five to ten years under the Skilled Worker route.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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