In a major policy shift, the UK government is set to implement a full reset of its immigration system starting July 22, 2025. The changes come as part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration, which has quadrupled over the past four years, and to realign the system with national skills development and workforce planning goals.
Key Highlights of the New UK Immigration Rules (Effective July 22, 2025):
- Over 100 job roles removed from visa eligibility
- Salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased to £41,700
- Social care worker route for overseas recruitment closed
- RQF 3–5 level jobs no longer eligible; RQF 6 (graduate level) is the new baseline
- New English language requirements and higher immigration skills charge by end of 2025
- Temporary shortage occupation list introduced with strict conditions
What’s Changing?
The UK Parliament approved new immigration laws on July 1, 2025, and the Home Office will begin rolling out these changes on July 22. The reforms are part of a broader Immigration White Paper strategy designed to reduce dependency on low-skilled overseas workers and prioritize domestic skills training.
Skilled Worker Visa: Salary and Skills Threshold Raised
- The general salary threshold for new Skilled Worker visa applicants will increase from £38,700 to £41,700.
- For applications submitted before April 2024, the wage requirement increases from £29,000 to £31,300.
- PhD holders will also see an increase in their income requirement.
- The skills threshold is being raised to RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a graduate level), disqualifying 112 previously eligible roles at RQF levels 3–5.
Impact on Care Sector and Shortage Occupations
- From July 22, 2025, overseas recruitment of social care workers will end due to widespread misuse of the visa system.
- Current care workers with valid sponsorships will remain unaffected.
- Those on the temporary shortage occupation list will lose the right to bring dependants and will not qualify for discounted salary thresholds or visa fees.
Employers: Act Before July 22
Employers must issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for any Skilled Worker applications—both new and renewals—before July 22 to fall under the current rules. A CoS is valid for 3 months, and visa renewals cannot be submitted more than 3 months before the job start date.
Upcoming Changes by End of 2025
The Home Office has also confirmed further adjustments before the year-end:
- Increased immigration skills charge
- Revised English language standards
- New family visa framework
- Abolition of the Immigration Salary List
These changes mark a significant tightening of the UK’s points-based immigration system, placing a clear emphasis on higher-skilled roles, reduced net migration, and a stronger domestic workforce strategy.
What Does This Mean for Future Applicants?
If you’re planning to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa or sponsor one, ensure your application aligns with the new thresholds and eligible roles. Failure to do so could mean delays or rejections under the new rules.
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