On the 01st of July 2025, the UK government released a Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules. This statement confirms which of the reforms outlined in the immigration white paper will take effect from the 22nd of July 2025.
Most immigration changes concern UK work visas, specifically skilled worker and social care worker routes. In this article, we will address how this statement impacts businesses and individuals, and what you should do going forward.
What Are the Key Changes to UK Work Visas?
The main changes to sponsored work visas are:
- Return to graduate level (RQF 6) for new applicants
- Closure of the social care worker visa route
- Increase in salary threshold from £38,700 to £41,700
- Introduction of Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
1. Return to Graduate Level (RQF 6) for New Applicants
The required skill level for skilled worker jobs will increase from RQF level 3 (A-Level equivalent) to RQF level 6 (graduate level). This increase reinstates the skill threshold that was initially in place in 2020.
By raising the skills threshold, the UK government removes 111 eligible occupations from qualifying for sponsorship. The following transitional arrangements have been made:
- New applicants applying overseas must follow the new rules (after 22nd of July)
- Applicants switching from another visa route within the UK must also meet the new threshold requirements
- Existing skilled worker visa holders who are below RFQ 6 can continue to renew their visa, change employment and take supplementary employment in roles below RQF level 6.
2. Closure of the Social Care Worker Visa Route
Adult social care visas have now ceased. Care workers and senior care workers are no longer available for new overseas applicants.
Individuals currently working on this visa will be permitted to extend or switch to another visa until 2028.
3. Increase in Salary Threshold
The salary thresholds for general skilled workers, Global Business Mobility and scale-up visa routes are increasing in line with the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data (2024).
Key changes include:
- Skilled worker salary minimum – £38,700 to £41,700
- Global Business Mobility salary minimum – £48,500 to £52,500
- New entrants’ route salary minimum – £30,960 to £33,400
- Salary minimum for below degree level roles (pre-July 2025) – £29,000 to £31,300*
*This is part of the transitional arrangement made for individuals sponsored under the skilled visa route prior to July 22nd 2025 (that is, those on sub-degree roles).
4. Introduction of Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
Previously, the Immigration Salary List (ISL) allowed discounted salaries for jobs with labour shortages. This list is being phased out and replaced by a Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
There are interim measures allowing some RQF level 3-5 occupations (skilled trades and technical roles) to remain eligible if they are on an expanded ISL or the new TSL. These temporary lists are time-limited, expiring at the end of 2026 (with exceptions for adult social care).
Applicants under this route will not be able to bring dependents to the UK. However, exceptions exist for children born in the UK or those for whom the worker has sole parental responsibility.
There are several other proposals included in the white paper not mentioned in this instalment of changes, so we expect these to roll out over 2025 and into 2026.
Take Your Next Steps with Holmes & Partners
If you have not already done so, your business must review recruitment and retention plans and speak with current staff who will be most affected by the changes to skill and salary thresholds.
Our immigration consultancy can assess your immigration strategy and help you navigate these complex new rules, ensuring your business remains compliant and continues to attract and retain the talent it needs.
