Published: 1 July 2025
Effective date: 22 July 2025
The Home Office has laid the first major set of Immigration Rule changes before Parliament as part of the UK’s new immigration strategy. These reforms reflect a significant policy shift, aimed at reducing net migration, raising skill and salary thresholds, and reinforcing the integrity of the points-based system.
These measures are a key milestone in implementing the commitments set out in the Government’s Immigration White Paper, which outlined a move toward a high-wage, high-skill economy and reduced reliance on low-skilled overseas recruitment.
Key Changes at a Glance
1. Skilled Worker Visa – Skill Level Raised
From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill requirement for Skilled Worker visas will rise from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate-level roles).
This change will remove approximately 180 roles from the list of eligible occupations, affecting many previously sponsored positions including care workers, retail managers, and chefs. Only jobs at RQF Level 6 or above will be eligible for sponsorship, unless the role appears on the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
Transitional Arrangements:
Individuals already on Skilled Worker visas in RQF Level 3–5 roles before 22 July 2025 can continue to extend their visas and apply for settlement. These transitional arrangements will be reviewed in future and are not guaranteed to remain in place permanently.
2. Salary Thresholds Updated
Minimum salary requirements for the following visa categories have increased in line with the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE):
Skilled Worker Visa:
General salary threshold: £41,700 per year
New entrants threshold: £33,400 per year
Minimum hourly rate: £17.13
Discounted rates for PhD roles and roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) have also increased
Global Business Mobility Routes:
Senior or Specialist Worker: £52,500
Graduate Trainee: £27,300
No transitional salary provisions apply. All new applications submitted from 22 July 2025, including extensions and changes of employment, must meet the new salary thresholds.
3. Social Care Visa Restrictions
Due to ongoing concerns over abuse and non-compliance in the care sector, the Government has closed overseas recruitment for social care roles under SOC codes 6135 and 6136.
Entry clearance applications for care roles from outside the UK will be refused. In-country switching remains permitted until 22 July 2028 for individuals already in the UK, enabling continuity in care provision while domestic workforce capacity is developed.
4. Introduction of a New Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
A Temporary Shortage List (TSL) has been introduced to allow limited access to specific roles below RQF Level 6 where genuine skill shortages exist.
The TSL replaces the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which will be phased out. Access under TSL is time-limited, with all roles expected to be removed by end of 2026, except certain adult social care roles under sector-specific rules.
Roles sponsored under the TSL will not allow applicants to bring dependants.
Employers must ensure that any role falling below RQF Level 6 is on the TSL or ISL if they intend to sponsor a migrant worker.
Changes to Dependant Eligibility
The rules for bringing dependant family members to the UK are also changing and will now depend on the skill level of the job:
| Sponsorship Level | Can Bring Dependants? |
|---|---|
| RQF Level 6 (all applicants) | Yes |
| RQF Level 3–5 (sponsored before 22 July 2025) | Yes |
| RQF Level 3–5 (sponsored on/after 22 July 2025) | No |
This is a significant change affecting families considering future relocation and should be factored into workforce planning or long-term personal plans.
Impact on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Applications
Alongside these changes, the Government has also updated the settlement (ILR) salary thresholds for Skilled Workers.
ILR Salary Threshold Changes:
- From 22 July 2025, the standard ILR salary requirement will be £41,700 per year, aligning with the new Skilled Worker visa salary level.
- PhD-level applicants will require a minimum of £37,500, while applicants in new entrant or ISL-listed roles must earn at least £33,400.
- These thresholds apply regardless of how long an individual has been on the Skilled Worker route.
Employers are advised to review the salaries of sponsored workers nearing ILR to ensure they meet the new requirements.
What This Means for Employers and Applicants
These rule changes significantly impact recruitment strategies for UK sponsors, particularly in traditionally lower-paid or vocational sectors such as care, hospitality, and logistics. Employers are advised to:
Review current sponsorship practices and job descriptions
Assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for eligible RQF 3–5 roles before 22 July 2025
Audit sponsored workers’ salaries to ensure ILR eligibility under new rules
Identify roles eligible under the TSL, if planning to recruit for sub-RQF Level 6 positions
Update internal immigration policies to align with the new framework
Failing to plan may result in loss of visa eligibility, compliance risks, or the inability to bring in key international talent.
How E&S Consultancy UK Limited Can Help
At E&S Consultancy UK Limited, we are here to guide employers and individuals through the evolving UK immigration landscape. Whether you’re navigating the new skill thresholds, assessing salary compliance for ILR, or planning ahead for dependants, our expert team can help you every step of the way.
We offer:
Skilled Worker CoS support and compliance audits
ILR salary benchmarking and case reviews
Role eligibility analysis under the new RQF 6 framework
TSL and ISL strategy planning
Sponsor licence management and legal compliance
Support with care sector visa switching and transitional planning
Contact us today for a consultation or to secure your Skilled Worker CoS before the 22 July 2025 deadline.
Author’s Note
This article was prepared by the immigration specialists at E&S Consultancy UK Limited, based on official Home Office policy updates as of July 2025.
For personalised advice, legal representation, or immigration planning support, please get in touch with our expert team.