UKVI Sponsorship: UK Fishing Sector
12th February 2026
- Categories: Business, Compliance, Consultancy, General, Private, Sponsor licence, Visas
12th February 2026
Fishing Deck Hands
The fishing sector is an industry where UKVI sponsorship changes can quietly cause big operational problems if people don’t see them coming.
This article focuses on the ‘Deck Hand’ role and is designed for fishing vessel owners and operators HR/admin staff supporting recruitment and anyone responsible for compliance, payroll, or workforce planning.
The minimum salary allowable for the Deck Hand role is currently £33,400 per annum. This is due to the fact the role is listed on the Immigration Salary List. Currently, there is no indication that this minimum salary level will be changing before December 2026.
What does this mean?
There is no short-term impact forecasted in relation to salary levels.
The English Language Requirement for individuals new to the Skilled Worker route has recently changed. The new requirement for those qualifying via the Secure English Language Test (SELT) now sits at the higher ‘B2’ level, this is classed as upper intermediate level and the individual should be able to understand complex, technical, or abstract topics.
If a worker is already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and their previous permission required B1, they may not need to meet the higher B2 threshold if they are extending or switching. However, specific circumstances should always be considered before making any immigration application.
The Secure English Language Test (SELT) is not the only way an individual can prove their level of English and qualify for the points required for their visa. Some individuals may also qualify for the English language requirement via their nationality, school qualification and degree level qualifications taught in English.
What does this mean?
This change has already taken place – consider this higher English language requirement and which regions of the world you are looking to recruit from.
The role of ‘Deck Hand’ is currently eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship due to its placement on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
Deck hands (specifically, those on large fishing vessels of 9 metres and above, classified under SOC code 9119) are currently scheduled to be removed from the UK ISL on 31 December 2026.
Whilst the role remains on the ISL, new entrants can enter the skilled worker route with the minimum annual salary of £33,400.
Please note any new entrants to this route as a Deck Hand cannot bring dependents to the UK.
Sponsorship as a Deck Hand may not be possible after 31 December 2026.
If the current rules remain in place, then transitional arrangements for those sponsored as Skilled Workers prior to 22 July 2025 will still be available for those extending and switching.
Those on the skilled worker route prior to 22 July 2025 may still qualify for extensions or switching sponsors with a minimum annual salary of £41,700.
Those on the skilled worker route prior to 04 April 2024 may still currently qualify for extensions or switching sponsors with a minimum annual salary of £31,300 – this concession is only available for applications made on or before 04 April 2030.
What does this mean?
Any direct overseas sponsorship for the Deck Hand role is likely to end on 31 December 2026 (unless new rules are implemented to allow continued overseas sponsorship). Transitional arrangements will still be in place for those sponsored in the Skilled Worker route prior to 22 July 2025.
If you are considering the employment of overseas Deck Hands via the UKVI sponsorship route we recommend you prioritise this now to ensure any overseas workers are onboarded prior to the rule changes.
The Government has confirmed its intention to proceed with a new ‘Earned Settlement’ model.
The standard ILR qualifying period of 5 years is expected to increase to 10 years for most routes.
Whether these changes apply to people already in the UK remains under consultation.
What does this mean?
We do not know if there will be any transitional protection in place for those already in the Skilled Worker route. We are currently unable to provide any advice in relation to future ILR applications. Any individuals who believe they currently qualify for ILR should consider making an application before any new rules are imposed.
The Home Office has increased scrutiny on:
Legal/compliance impacts:
The role is due to be removed from the eligible list on 31 December 2026. Until that time you are still able to sponsor Deck Hands from overseas.
No, once they have their visa in place they can stay in the UK for the duration of their visa (currently a maximum of 5 years), and the rules currently in place also allow those already in the skilled worker route continuously prior to 22 July 2025 to extend their stay further.
Those individuals who have been on the skilled worker route continuously prior to 22 July 2025 will be able to extend and switch sponsors.
This means applicants are assessed under the same unified framework as other visa categories, including mandatory and discretionary grounds.
Criminal convictions and other suitability issues are now considered more consistently, therefore, careful preparation and disclosure are essential.
Yes, however, this would require a new Certificate of Sponsorship as their new job would fall outside of the deck hand role. This new role may require a higher annual salary, but we can assess the job description and advise accordingly.
Those newly sponsored as a skilled worker cannot bring their dependents to the UK. However, any sponsored worker on the skilled worker route continuously prior to 22 July 2025 can make an application for their dependent(s) to join them in the UK.
Yes, there are costs associated with skilled worker visa extensions. Any skilled worker who is switching their role or sponsor, or is extending their current sponsorship, will have to pay the associated Home Office fees. Some of the costs (such as the CoS payment and the Immigration Skills Charge) must be paid by the employer, other costs (such as the Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application fee) can be paid for by the employer or the sponsored worker.
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