UK Immigration Shake-Up: Major Changes to Skilled Worker Visas Effective July 22, 2025
The UK government has enacted significant reforms to its immigration rules, specifically impacting the Skilled Worker visa route, with these changes taking effect from July 22, 2025. These reforms are a core component of a broader strategy aimed at reducing overall net migration and attracting a workforce composed of higher-skilled and better-paid individuals to the United Kingdom.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the key changes:
1. Increased Skills Threshold:
Higher RQF Level: The minimum skills requirement for Skilled Worker visa eligibility has been substantially raised. All sponsored roles must now align with RQF Level 6, which is the equivalent of a bachelor's degree. Previously, certain occupations at RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) were eligible.
Reduced Eligible Occupations: This alteration effectively disqualifies a significant number of previously eligible jobs. Approximately 180 occupations are being removed from the list of eligible roles, a move that will notably impact sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and various care services that frequently relied on non-degree level positions.
Impact on Employers: Employers sponsoring foreign workers will now be required to meticulously review their job descriptions and ensure they meet the new RQF Level 6 criteria. This necessitates a strategic shift towards recruiting professionals with higher qualifications.
Transitional Provisions: There are specific transitional arrangements for individuals who were already in the Skilled Worker visa route or had successful applications before the changes. If a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued before July 22, 2025, even for roles that would no longer be eligible under the new rules, the visa application can still proceed under the previous regulations. Moreover, Skilled Worker visa holders who were already in the route (or had a successful application prior to July 22) in RQF 3-5 level occupations are generally permitted to continue working, extend their visas, and change employment within these roles, provided they consistently meet salary thresholds and maintain continuous residence.
2. Increased Salary Thresholds:
General Skilled Worker Visa: The standard annual salary threshold for most Skilled Worker applicants has increased from £38,700 to £41,700.
Other Work Visa Categories: Salary thresholds are also undergoing upward revisions across various other work visa categories, including the Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes.
No Transitional Relief for Salary Changes: Crucially, there is generally no transitional relief regarding the new salary thresholds. This means that all Skilled Worker applicants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after July 22, 2025, must satisfy the new, higher salary criteria, irrespective of the salary threshold applicable when they initially applied for their visa. Employers are responsible for ensuring immediate compliance with the new minimum salary requirements for all new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) issued on or after this date.
Hourly Rate: A minimum hourly rate of £17.13 and a maximum 48-hour work week apply to all Skilled Worker roles, irrespective of the annual salary.
Immigration Salary List (ISL): The Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List) still exists for specific jobs, potentially offering a lower salary threshold. However, this list is subject to continuous review. A new interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL) has been introduced for some lower-skilled roles, but it comes with restrictions, such as not permitting dependants and lacking salary/visa fee discounts.
Other Significant Changes and Considerations:
End of Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers: International recruitment for care workers under the Skilled Worker route ceased as of July 22, 2025. Individuals already sponsored by this date are not affected.
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Increase: The Immigration Skills Charge, paid by employers, is also being increased.
Revised English Language Eligibility Criteria: Stricter English language proficiency rules are being implemented across the entire immigration system, extending to dependants of work visa holders.
Graduate Visa Shortened: The standard duration of the Graduate Visa (a post-study work visa for international students) has been reduced from two years to 18 months.
Longer Settlement Period (Proposed): There is a proposed (but currently unconfirmed) plan to double the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for Skilled Workers from 5 to 10 years. However, an "earned settlement proposal" might offer a shorter pathway for individuals making significant contributions.
eVisas: From July 15, 2025, physical vignette stickers will no longer be provided for Skilled Worker and Global Talent routes; instead, digital eVisas will be issued.
What Employers and Applicants Should Do:
Employers:
Expedite CoS issuance: If feasible, assign Certificates of Sponsorship for both new and renewal visa applications before July 22, 2025, to have them assessed under the previous rules.
Audit Job Roles: Critically review all existing and future sponsored occupations to ensure they meet the new RQF Level 6 criteria.
Realign Salary Structures: Update salary offers, financial planning, and HR systems to comply with the new minimum salary thresholds.
Stay Informed: Continuously monitor official UK government guidance and consider seeking legal advice when necessary, as these rules are subject to ongoing review and potential further amendments.
Applicants:
Verify Eligibility: Thoroughly check if your specific occupation and proposed salary meet the updated requirements for the Skilled Worker visa.
Understand Transitional Arrangements: If you have a CoS issued before July 22, fully understand how the transitional rules apply to your individual application.
Be Prepared for Higher Costs: Account for increased visa application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and the higher salary thresholds when planning your finances.
These changes represent a substantial overhaul of the UK's immigration system, designed to attract highly skilled workers while simultaneously fulfilling the government's objective of reducing overall net migration figures.
