Blog

Germany Opportunity Card 2026: The 6-Point Test for African Job Seekers Heading to Berlin and Munich

The Germany Opportunity Card 2026 (Chancenkarte) gives African professionals up to 12 months to land a German job offer — provided they hit 6 points across language, qualifications, age, work experience and ties to Germany. With Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Stuttgart actively hiring nurses, IT engineers, electricians and HVAC technicians, the points system has become the most flexible single-applicant route for African talent into the EU.

What changed in the Germany Opportunity Card for 2026?

The Opportunity Card replaced the older job-seeker visa in June 2024 and remains the standard route in 2026. The points system gives points for German A2 (1 point) up to C1 (3 points), English B2 (1 point), professional experience (2-3 points), age under 35 (2 points) or 35-39 (1 point), partner accompanying (1 point), and prior legal residence in Germany (1 point).

Basic eligibility — the entry ticket before counting points — requires either a recognised foreign university degree or a vocational qualification of at least 2 years, plus German A1 or English B2. African applicants whose qualifications are not on the Anabin database can have them assessed by ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen).

The financial proof is €1,091 per month for 2026. Most applicants use a Sperrkonto (blocked account) at Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Coracle or Expatrio holding 12 × €1,091 = €13,092. A signed employment contract or Verpflichtungserklärung from a German sponsor are accepted alternatives.

The official policy details are published by the official Make it in Germany Opportunity Card portal, which African applicants should bookmark before lodging any documents.

Who is affected by the Germany Opportunity Card 2026?

Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Cameroonian, South African, Senegalese, Tanzanian and Egyptian engineers, IT professionals, registered nurses, electricians, HVAC technicians, and skilled tradespeople with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience. Recent African graduates of German programmes are also eligible.

Francophone applicants from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and the DRC face an extra step: their English-language B2 score may need supplementing with German A2 to clear the 6-point threshold, since francophone professionals often lack English certification.

Key requirements, fees and deadlines

Documents required: passport, recognised qualification (degree certificate, transcripts, or vocational diploma plus ZAB statement), language certificates (Goethe Institut, telc, ÖSD or Cambridge/IELTS), CV, motivation letter, proof of funds (Sperrkonto confirmation), travel and health insurance, and biometric photo.

Apply through the German embassy serving your country of residence — Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Pretoria, Cairo or Dakar — or use the new digital portal at digital.diplo.de. Processing takes 4-12 weeks. The Chancenkarte fee is €75 for the application; expect additional costs for ZAB recognition (€200) and apostille.

  • Recognised degree or 2-year vocational qualification for the Germany Opportunity Card 2026
  • German A1 or English B2 baseline; more language earns more points
  • Total of 6 points across language, experience, age and German ties
  • €1,091/month financial proof — usually €13,092 in a Sperrkonto
  • Application fee €75 plus ZAB recognition fee where qualifications are not on Anabin

For applicants comparing routes side by side, our European Researcher Visas 2026 comparison walks through documents and timelines in detail.

Need help with your application?

Travel Expore helps African applicants — from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cape Town, Yaoundé, Dakar and beyond — navigate this process end-to-end, from documents to consulate appointments. Start your free eligibility check at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Why Germany Opportunity Card 2026 matters for African applicants

The Germany Opportunity Card 2026 is the cheapest legal route into the EU labour market for African professionals without a sponsor. Compared to the EU Blue Card’s €50,700 salary requirement, the Chancenkarte costs roughly €13,000 in funds and lets the applicant arrive first, network and negotiate offers locally.

Holders can take a 2-week trial job or part-time work up to 20 hours per week, which produces the German tax records that strengthen any subsequent EU Blue Card or skilled worker residence permit. Many African Chancenkarte holders convert within 6 months of arrival.

Independent reporting from the German Federal Foreign Office Chancenkarte data sheet confirms how this update is reshaping decisions for African families and professionals planning a 2026 move. Our Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa 2026 guide covers the parallel process from the African applicant’s side.

Frequently asked questions about the Germany Opportunity Card 2026

What is the points threshold for the Germany Opportunity Card 2026?

You must reach a total of 6 points across language skills, professional experience, age, qualifications and prior ties to Germany. The basic eligibility (recognised qualification + A1 German or B2 English) does not count toward the 6 points.

How much money do African applicants need in a Sperrkonto?

€1,091 per month, or roughly €13,092 for a 12-month stay. The funds must sit in an approved blocked account such as Deutsche Bank Sperrkonto, Fintiba, Expatrio or Coracle. The applicant withdraws €1,091 monthly while in Germany.

Can I work on the Germany Opportunity Card 2026?

Yes, but only part-time up to 20 hours per week, plus 2-week trial jobs at potential employers. Once you sign a permanent employment contract you switch to a Skilled Worker visa or EU Blue Card, depending on the salary level.

How long does the Chancenkarte processing take?

4-12 weeks at most German consulates. Lagos, Accra, Pretoria and Nairobi tend to process faster than embassies in francophone West Africa. Submit a complete file with ZAB statement included to avoid avoidable delays.

What happens if I don’t find a job in 12 months?

You must leave Germany unless you switch to another residence title. The Opportunity Card is non-extendable beyond the initial 12 months. Many applicants therefore aim to convert within 6-9 months and use the buffer for the work permit transition.

Key takeaways

  • Germany Opportunity Card 2026 requires 6 points plus baseline qualifications
  • Sperrkonto of €13,092 is the standard financial proof
  • Part-time work up to 20 hours a week is permitted on the Chancenkarte
  • ZAB recognition is essential where qualifications are not on Anabin
  • Convert to Skilled Worker or EU Blue Card before the 12-month limit

Get expert help with your Germany Opportunity Card application

Travel Explore helps Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, South African, Cameroonian, Senegalese, Tanzanian, Rwandan and other African applicants navigate the Germany Opportunity Card 2026 end-to-end. Talk to a consultant at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • €13,092 in a Sperrkonto is the cheapest legal door into the EU labour market.
  • How African nurses and electricians stack 6 points without a job offer.
  • From Lagos to Berlin in 12 months — the Chancenkarte playbook for 2026.

Canada Study Permit 2026: PAL Caps, Master’s Exemption and What African Students Must File

The Canada Study Permit 2026 rules add a 309,670-application ceiling but lift the Provincial Attestation Letter requirement entirely for Master’s and PhD candidates. African applicants targeting Canadian universities now face a sharper bifurcation: graduate-degree applicants get a clearer path, while undergraduate and college applicants must still secure a PAL or TAL through their designated learning institution before IRCC will even start processing.

What changed in the Canada Study Permit for 2026?

From 1 January 2026, IRCC formally exempted Master’s and PhD candidates from the federal study permit cap and the PAL/TAL requirement. Designated learning institutions received clarifying FAQs in January 2026 confirming the change. African graduate applicants now apply with their letter of acceptance, GIC and proof of funds without waiting for a provincial attestation.

Up to 180,000 study permits are expected to be issued under the cap in 2026, with 309,670 application spaces allocated across provinces and territories based on population. Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec carry the largest allocations, while smaller provinces have proportionally fewer slots.

Quebec applicants follow a parallel process via the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), which substitutes for the PAL. The financial threshold for the GIC remains at CAD 20,635 outside Quebec for 2025 intakes; African applicants should confirm the 2026 figure with their DLI before depositing.

The official policy details are published by the IRCC 2026 provincial and territorial allocations notice, which African applicants should bookmark before lodging any documents.

Who is affected by the Canada Study Permit 2026?

Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Cameroonian, South African, Senegalese, Egyptian, Tanzanian and Rwandan undergraduates and college applicants are the most affected, because the PAL/TAL requirement still binds them. So are pathway and ESL applicants who must wait for their DLI to issue an attestation under provincial allocations.

Master’s and PhD applicants from Africa now move faster. African researchers heading to McGill, Toronto, UBC, Waterloo, McMaster, Alberta, Western or Dalhousie can apply as soon as they have their offer and proof of funds, without competing for a provincial slot.

Key requirements, fees and deadlines

Core documents for the Canada Study Permit 2026: a letter of acceptance from a DLI, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (where required), proof of funds (CAD 20,635 GIC plus first-year tuition for non-Quebec applicants), a valid passport, biometrics, medical examination from an IRCC-approved panel physician, and police clearance for African applicants over 18 with relevant residency.

Application fees in 2026 remain CAD 150 for the study permit plus CAD 85 for biometrics. Tuition deposits range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 20,000 depending on the institution; African applicants should send the DLI exactly the amount specified in the PAL request to avoid delays.

  • Letter of acceptance from a DLI with PAL/TAL (undergraduate and college only) for the Canada Study Permit 2026
  • GIC of CAD 20,635 plus first-year tuition deposit
  • Biometrics and medical from an IRCC-approved panel physician
  • Police clearance certificate for African applicants over 18
  • Master’s and PhD applicants exempt from PAL/TAL from 1 January 2026

For applicants comparing routes side by side, our Canada Express Entry 2026 category-based draws walks through documents and timelines in detail.

Need help with your application?

Travel Expore helps African applicants — from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cape Town, Yaoundé, Dakar and beyond — navigate this process end-to-end, from documents to consulate appointments. Start your free eligibility check at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Why Canada Study Permit 2026 matters for African applicants

The Canada Study Permit 2026 cap turns timing into a competitive advantage. African applicants who lodge early in the intake cycle — before provincial allocations fill — have a materially higher chance of approval than those who wait until summer. Top-up tuition deposits to secure a PAL faster.

The Master’s and PhD exemption rewards African applicants willing to invest in graduate-level study. Combining a Canadian Master’s with a Post-Graduation Work Permit and a Provincial Nominee Program nomination remains the most reliable route to permanent residence for African talent.

Independent reporting from the IRCC Provincial Attestation Letter guidance confirms how this update is reshaping decisions for African families and professionals planning a 2026 move. Our Canada Atlantic Immigration Program 2026 covers the parallel process from the African applicant’s side.

Frequently asked questions about the Canada Study Permit 2026

Do African Master’s students need a PAL for the Canada Study Permit 2026?

No. From 1 January 2026, Master’s and PhD candidates are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement and the federal study permit cap. They apply with the DLI letter of acceptance, GIC and proof of funds only.

How many Canada Study Permits will be issued in 2026?

Up to 180,000 study permits are expected to be issued under the cap in 2026. IRCC has allocated 309,670 application spaces to provinces and territories, distributed by population, to reach that target.

What is the GIC requirement for African students?

CAD 20,635 in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating Canadian financial institution, held in the student’s name. The GIC is released over 12 months in monthly instalments to fund living expenses outside Quebec.

How does Quebec work under the new rules?

Quebec uses a Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) instead of a PAL. African students applying to Montreal universities apply for the CAQ first through the Quebec immigration portal before submitting the federal study permit application.

Can African students apply for an open work permit for spouses?

Yes, but only spouses of Master’s, PhD, professional degree (MD, JD) and certain pilot-programme students qualify for a spousal open work permit under the 2026 rules. Spouses of college and undergraduate students do not.

Key takeaways

  • Canada Study Permit 2026 has a 309,670 application cap with PAL/TAL gating
  • Master’s and PhD applicants exempt from PAL/TAL from 1 January 2026
  • GIC of CAD 20,635 plus first-year tuition is the financial floor
  • Quebec uses CAQ, not PAL, but the GIC equivalent applies
  • Apply early in the intake cycle to beat provincial allocation limits

Get expert help with your Canada Study Permit application

Travel Explore helps Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, South African, Cameroonian, Senegalese, Tanzanian, Rwandan and other African applicants navigate the Canada Study Permit 2026 end-to-end. Talk to a consultant at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • Master’s and PhD students from Africa skip the PAL queue entirely in 2026.
  • Why early Canada Study Permit 2026 applicants beat the cap by months.
  • GIC of CAD 20,635 is the new financial floor — here’s the smart way to fund it.

UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026: The £41,700 Floor and Per-Pay-Period Compliance for African Hires

The UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026 floor is £41,700 a year — or 100% of the role’s going rate, whichever is higher. From 8 April 2026 sponsors must hit that threshold in every individual pay period, ending the practice of annual averaging. For African professionals targeting roles in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Belfast, getting the salary structure right is now the single most important compliance check before signing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

What changed in the UK Skilled Worker Salary for 2026?

Since 22 July 2025 the standard Skilled Worker general threshold has been £41,700 a year. The previous £38,700 figure no longer applies. Sponsors must compare the gross annual salary against both the general threshold and the SOC-code-specific going rate, and pay whichever is higher.

From 8 April 2026 the Home Office will check pay-period compliance, meaning a monthly salaried worker must receive at least the threshold every month, not on average across the year. Bonuses, allowances and one-off payments cannot patch a quiet month.

Lower thresholds remain available: Immigration Salary List roles, new entrants under 26, recent graduates and PhD-holders in shortage roles can qualify at £33,400 or 70-80% of the going rate. The minimum hourly rate of £17.13 (based on a 48-hour week) still applies to most Table 1 occupations.

The official policy details are published by GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa salary guidance, which African applicants should bookmark before lodging any documents.

Who is affected by the UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026?

Nigerian software engineers, Ghanaian accountants, Kenyan registered nurses, Cameroonian project managers, Senegalese mechanical engineers, South African data scientists, Tanzanian researchers and Egyptian doctors are the largest African cohorts on Skilled Worker visas. So are graduates of UK Master’s programmes switching from the Student route.

Family members under Appendix FM — partners and dependent children — are indirectly affected because their permission is tied to the principal’s. If the principal’s salary drops below threshold in any pay period after 8 April 2026, the entire family’s permission can be jeopardised on renewal.

Key requirements, fees and deadlines

Before signing a job offer, African applicants must verify three salary numbers: the £41,700 general threshold, the going rate for the SOC code (look up the latest Appendix Skilled Occupations table on GOV.UK), and the hourly rate of £17.13. The CoS must reflect the highest of the three across every pay period.

Sponsor licences are scrutinised more aggressively in 2026, with random compliance audits and record-keeping checks. Applicants should ask the prospective employer for a copy of their sponsor licence number, the rating (A or B), and confirmation that the SOC code on the CoS matches the actual job duties.

  • £41,700 general threshold or 100% going rate for the UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026
  • £17.13 minimum hourly rate based on a 48-hour week for most Table 1 roles
  • Per-pay-period compliance from 8 April 2026 — no annual averaging
  • £33,400 reduced floor for Immigration Salary List, new entrants and recent graduates
  • A-rated sponsor licence required — verify the licence number on GOV.UK

For applicants comparing routes side by side, our UK Skilled Worker Sponsor List 2026 explainer walks through documents and timelines in detail.

Need help with your application?

Travel Expore helps African applicants — from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cape Town, Yaoundé, Dakar and beyond — navigate this process end-to-end, from documents to consulate appointments. Start your free eligibility check at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Why UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026 matters for African applicants

The UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026 framework rewards African applicants who target shortage occupations (engineering, IT, healthcare) where the £33,400 reduced floor and lower going rates apply. It penalises those who accept generic management roles where the going rate often sits well above £41,700.

Per-pay-period compliance changes the negotiation. African candidates should ask employers to model the salary across 12 months including any commission or bonus structure, and confirm which payments count as ‘guaranteed gross salary’ under sponsor guidance. Variable pay does not count toward the threshold.

Independent reporting from the Davidson Morris Skilled Worker minimum salary update confirms how this update is reshaping decisions for African families and professionals planning a 2026 move. Our UK Health and Care Worker Visa 2026 update covers the parallel process from the African applicant’s side.

Frequently asked questions about the UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026

What is the UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026 threshold?

£41,700 a year for the general route, or 100% of the SOC-code going rate, whichever is higher. The minimum hourly rate is £17.13 based on a 48-hour working week.

What is the lower threshold for new entrants and shortage roles?

£33,400 a year, or 70-80% of the going rate, applies to new entrants under 26, recent UK graduates within 2 years, PhD-holders in relevant shortage roles, and roles on the Immigration Salary List.

What changes on 8 April 2026?

Sponsors must hit the salary threshold in every individual pay period rather than averaging across the year. A single under-threshold month risks compliance action and visa curtailment, even if the annual salary is fine.

Do bonuses count toward the UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026 threshold?

Generally no. Only guaranteed gross basic salary counts. Discretionary bonuses, commission, overtime and allowances are excluded from the threshold calculation. Always check the SOC code’s going rate for the latest definition.

Can African applicants switch from Student to Skilled Worker at the new threshold?

Yes. The new entrant rate of £33,400 covers many recent UK graduates. Applicants should switch within 2 years of completing a UK degree and ensure the SOC code matches their actual duties.

Key takeaways

  • The UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026 floor is £41,700 or going rate — whichever is higher
  • Per-pay-period compliance starts 8 April 2026 — no more annual averaging
  • New entrants and shortage roles qualify at £33,400
  • Verify the sponsor’s A-rating and licence number on GOV.UK before signing
  • Bonuses and commission do not count toward the threshold — only guaranteed basic

Get expert help with your UK Skilled Worker Salary application

Travel Explore helps Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, South African, Cameroonian, Senegalese, Tanzanian, Rwandan and other African applicants navigate the UK Skilled Worker Salary 2026 end-to-end. Talk to a consultant at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • £41,700 is the new floor — but the going rate often beats it.
  • From 8 April 2026, one bad pay period could cost African workers their UK visa.
  • The £33,400 backdoor: how new entrants and shortage roles save African applicants £8,000.

UK Student Visa 2026: New Dependant Rules and the Graduate Route Window for African Students

The UK Student Visa 2026 rules close one door and open another for African students. Taught Master’s and undergraduate applicants still cannot bring dependants — only postgraduate research candidates can — while the 2-year Graduate Route remains available for everyone who applies before 31 December 2026. From January 2027 it shrinks to 18 months for non-PhD graduates, making this academic year a strategic window.

What changed in the UK Student Visa for 2026?

Since 1 January 2024, dependants are restricted to postgraduate research routes only — PhDs, research-based Master’s, and certain government-sponsored scholars. Taught Master’s and undergraduate students cannot bring spouses or children, a rule that hit African applicants from Lagos to Nairobi to Accra particularly hard.

The English language requirement for Graduate Route and Skilled Worker switches rises from B1 to B2 from January 2026, raising the bar for African students transitioning to work. Universities now expect higher IELTS, Pearson PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT scores for both initial entry and post-study transitions.

The Graduate Route itself shortens: applicants who lodge on or before 31 December 2026 still get 2 years of unsponsored work permission. Lodge on or after 1 January 2027 and the grant drops to 18 months for taught and Bachelor’s graduates, with PhDs retaining 36 months.

The official policy details are published by the UK Home Office student visa policy guidance, which African applicants should bookmark before lodging any documents.

Who is affected by the UK Student Visa 2026?

Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Cameroonian, South African, Senegalese, Tanzanian and Ugandan undergraduates and taught Master’s applicants. Also affected are couples where one partner planned to come on the dependant route — that path now requires either the principal applicant to be in postgraduate research or a separate visa category.

Postgraduate research applicants — Nigerian doctoral candidates at Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, UCL or Edinburgh, for example — remain eligible to bring a partner and children. Government-sponsored scholars on Chevening, Commonwealth or specific Foreign and Commonwealth Office awards also keep dependant rights.

Key requirements, fees and deadlines

Core documents have not changed: a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, proof of funds covering tuition plus £1,483 per month outside London or £1,136 per month inside London for up to nine months, an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate where required, TB clearance from an IOM clinic, and a valid English test from a UKVI-approved SELT provider.

Visa fees are £524 from outside the UK and £524 to extend in-country (April 2025 rates). The IHS for students is £776 per year, charged for the full course duration plus the customary post-course buffer.

  • Valid CAS letter from a UKVI-licensed sponsor for the UK Student Visa 2026
  • Maintenance funds of £1,483/month London or £1,136 outside, for up to 9 months
  • B2 English from January 2026 for any subsequent Graduate Route or Skilled Worker switch
  • TB certificate from an IOM-approved clinic in your country of residence
  • Visa fee £524 plus IHS at £776 per study year

For applicants comparing routes side by side, our UK Graduate Route 2026 deep dive walks through documents and timelines in detail.

Need help with your application?

Travel Expore helps African applicants — from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cape Town, Yaoundé, Dakar and beyond — navigate this process end-to-end, from documents to consulate appointments. Start your free eligibility check at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Why UK Student Visa 2026 matters for African applicants

African families spent decades treating the UK Master’s as a family relocation strategy. Under the UK Student Visa 2026 framework, that strategy only holds for research routes. Taught Master’s applicants must accept that spouses and children cannot accompany them — planning around this avoids painful surprises.

The 31 December 2026 cut-off is the single most important date this academic year. Students applying for September 2026 or January 2027 intakes who can complete on time will still secure 2-year Graduate Route grants. Those who defer to a later intake risk landing in the 18-month bracket, sharply reducing post-study time to find sponsorship.

Independent reporting from GOV.UK Graduate visa overview confirms how this update is reshaping decisions for African families and professionals planning a 2026 move. Our UK Chevening Scholarship 2026/2027 timeline covers the parallel process from the African applicant’s side.

Frequently asked questions about the UK Student Visa 2026

Can African Master’s students bring dependants under the UK Student Visa 2026?

Only if the course is a postgraduate research programme such as a PhD or research-based Master’s. Taught Master’s, undergraduate and pre-sessional applicants cannot bring spouses or children under the Student route.

What is the Graduate Route deadline that matters most?

31 December 2026. Lodge a Graduate Route application on or before that date and you receive 2 years of unsponsored work permission. Apply on or after 1 January 2027 and the grant drops to 18 months unless you hold a PhD.

How much money do African students need to show for maintenance?

£1,483 per month inside London or £1,136 per month outside London, for up to 9 months. The funds must sit in a personal or parental account for 28 consecutive days before the application date, evidenced by an official bank statement.

Has the English language requirement changed?

Yes. From January 2026, the threshold for the Graduate Route and Skilled Worker visa rises from CEFR B1 to B2. African students should plan for higher IELTS, PTE or TOEFL scores when transitioning out of the Student route.

Are visa fees changing in 2026?

As of April 2025 the UK Student Visa fee is £524 and the IHS is £776 per year. No further confirmed increase is scheduled for 2026, but the Home Office reviews fees annually.

Key takeaways

  • The UK Student Visa 2026 still allows dependants only on postgraduate research routes
  • Apply for the Graduate Route by 31 December 2026 to secure the full 2-year permission
  • From January 2026 English requirement rises to B2 for post-study transitions
  • Maintenance funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying
  • African applicants should book CAS, IELTS and TB tests early to avoid intake delays

Get expert help with your UK Student Visa application

Travel Explore helps Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, South African, Cameroonian, Senegalese, Tanzanian, Rwandan and other African applicants navigate the UK Student Visa 2026 end-to-end. Talk to a consultant at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • Apply by 31 December 2026 for the full 2-year Graduate Route — or lose 6 months in 2027.
  • Taught Master’s applicants from Africa: bring partners only via separate visa routes.
  • B2 English is the new floor for African graduates switching to Skilled Worker in 2026.