The Great Shake up of the Immigration System

The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997) published on 1 July 2025 introduces significant updates to the Skilled Worker route, aligning with the Immigration White Paper titled “Restoring control over the immigration system which promotes growth in a controlled and manageable manner.

These changes are to come into force on 22 July 2025. 

We have highlighted some of the significant changes below. 

• Increase in Skill level required for work visas: Skilled workers must be sponsored for jobs at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 or above. This means degree level or above. 
• Increase in Salary thresholds under sponsored skilled worker routes: 
• Skilled workers who entered the UK from April 2024 onwards: 
  • General salary threshold increased from £38,700 to £41,700
  • Applicants with a relevant PhD salary threshold increased from £34,830 to £37,500
  • New Entrants salary threshold increased from £30,960 to £33,400. 
• Skilled workers who entered the UK before April 2024: 
  • General salary threshold increased from £29,000 to £31,300
  • Applicants with a relevant PhD salary threshold increased from £26,100 to £28,000
• Salary increases for other sponsored work routes. 
  • Scale -up worker route salary threshold increased from £36,300 to £39,100. 
  • Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker): increased from £48,500 to £52,500. 
  • Global Business Mobility (Graduate Trainee) Worker: increased from £25,410 to ££27,300
  • Global Business Mobility (Expansion) Worker: increased from £48,500 to £52,500
• The salary threshold for most Health and Care Visa workers in the UK, who are paid according to national pay scales, remains unchanged at £25,000
• Approximately 180 occupations will no longer qualify for the skilled worker route unless applicant is already on the route. 
• Immigration Salary list being replaced by Temporary Shortage List:
• Closure of the Care Worker Visa route to overseas recruitment for new applicants and removing the requirement to work with regional partnerships to employ displaced workers. 
• Closure of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.
• Those in occupations at RQF levels 3 -5 will not be able to bring in dependents unless already on the Skilled Worker route, child born in UK or where sponsored worker has sole responsibility of the chid. 

Call to Action for Employers: 

As the increase in skill level and salary threshold takes effect on 22 July 2025, employers must take proactive steps to ensure compliance and support affected staff. Here's what you need to do:

1. Audit Your Workforce

Review all current and prospective Skilled Worker visa holders to identify who may be impacted by the upcoming changes to salary thresholds and skill level requirements.

2. Issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS Promptly)

To ensure applications are assessed under the current rules, issue CoS for new hires and visa renewals before 22 July 2025.

Remember: CoS are valid for three months from the date of issue.

3. Review Eligible Roles

Check the updated Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List:

• Roles at RQF Level 3–5 that are not listed will no longer qualify for sponsorship.
• For roles that are listed, ensure you understand the new conditions attached.

4. Communicate Clearly with Affected Staff

If you're recruiting for RQF 3–5 roles that remain eligible:

• Inform candidates and employees about new restrictions, such as potential limits on bringing dependants.
• Provide guidance on how these changes may affect their visa status and future applications.

Will these new Statement of Changes affect your workforce? If so, please speak to one of our Team members to prepare for these changes.