July 2025 Immigration rules reset: what’s changed and what you need to know

On 1 July 2025, the Home Office shared the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, marking further substantial reforms to the UK immigration system. These changes, coming into force from 22 July 2025, will have substantial implications for businesses, SMEs, and sponsors who rely on overseas talent to meet their workforce needs. With little time to prepare, it is essential that employers and workers fully understand the proposed rules and their practical impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What roles can Skilled Workers be sponsored in?

New applicants to the Skilled Worker visa route must be sponsored in a role equivalent to RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) level 6 or above. Over 100 occupation codes which were previously eligible on the Skilled Worker visa route will no longer qualify after the changes take effect on 22 July 2025. There are transitional arrangements in place for those already on the Skilled Worker route prior to July 2025.

2. Has the minimum salary for Skilled Workers increased?

Yes. The general minimum salary for a Skilled Worker will increase from £38,700 to £41,700 from 22 July 2025. The salary threshold for Skilled Workers who are eligible for a ‘lower going rate’ or who qualify for transitional arrangements will also be subject to an increase, with the new range set between £28,200 and £37,500.

3. Can existing Skilled Workers in ‘lower skilled’ (below RQF Level 6) roles continue in their jobs?

Yes. Transitional protections apply to those already on Skilled Worker visas or with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued before 22 July 2025. These individuals can continue in their current roles, extend their permission, change employment, and remain sponsored in roles below RQF level 6.

4. What happens to applications in process before 22 July 2025?

Skilled Worker visa applications which have been submitted with a CoS which was assigned prior to 22 July 2025 will be considered under the previous rules.

5. Can Skilled Workers in ‘lower skilled’ roles bring their dependants to the UK?

Skilled Workers who are sponsored in occupations at RQF levels 3 to 5 will not be able to bring their dependants to the UK following the changes on 22 July 2025. Those who are thinking of switching to the Skilled Worker route, and who will be sponsored for a role between RQF levels 3 to 5, should ensure their dependants’ applications are submitted before these changes take effect.

6. Are Care Workers and Senior Care Workers still eligible for the Health & Care Worker Visa/Skilled Worker visa?

No. The changes end new overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers. Entry clearance applications for these roles will close from 22 July 2025. However, those already in the UK can continue in their care worker roles under transitional arrangements.

7. What are the changes surrounding the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List?

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) has been temporarily expanded to include roles at RQF levels 3 to 5 but will be phased out and replaced by the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). Only roles listed on the TSL at RQF levels 3 to 5 will remain eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship, and these will be subject to time-limited and conditional arrangements. The Migration Advisory Committee has been commissioned to undertake a full review of roles falling under the TSL.

8. Will new entrants still benefit from a lower salary threshold?

Yes, graduates and those early in their career will continue to benefit from a lower going rate, although the minimum salary payable has been raised from £30,960 (current rate) to £33,400 from 22 July 2025.

9. Have there been any updates to the ‘earned settlement’ or the English language changes?

We expect these changes to be implemented during this parliamentary sitting. The changes announced on 1 July 2025 are the first set of changes and there are still several other changes which are yet to be consulted on which we expect to be announced throughout this year. The Home Office has stated that the following changes will be implemented by the end of 2025:

• raising the Immigration Skills Charge.
• uplifting language requirements across the immigration system.
• unveiling a new family policy framework to Parliament.

10. What should employers, businesses, SMEs and care providers do now?

• Process and assign CoS’ for any candidates you have in mind which are in roles at RQF levels 3 to 5.
• Monitor and stay updated with the Immigration rule changes regarding any further changes such as changes to settlement, English language requirements and immigration fees.
• Review workforce planning and training strategies to ensure an understanding and compliance with the new skills thresholds.
• Audit current visa sponsorships and prepare for transitional compliance.
• Monitor MAC reviews and updates for further developments.

Skilled Worker Route – Returning to RQF Level 6, Changes to Salary Thresholds and Going Rates and Transitional Measures:

The Statement of Changes has confirmed that the minimum skills threshold for Skilled Worker visas will be raised to RQF Level 6. This change reverses the lowering of the threshold in 2020 which was made to support employers following Brexit and the impact on the labour market. The changes coming into force on 22 July mean that over 100 occupation codes will be dropped from the eligible Skilled Worker sponsorship route, leaving only roles equivalent to RQF level 6 and above behind.

The Labour Government have also announced that the Skilled Worker salary thresholds will be increased. Sponsors should take note of the following: –

• The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will rise from £38,700 to £41,700, with corresponding increases across the different eligibility options (e.g.: PhD route, new entrant route etc).
• Salary thresholds for individual occupations have also been revised upwards, and the going rates will reflect these higher benchmarks following 22 July 2025.
• Unlike the changes to the skills requirements, there will be no transitional arrangements for the salary increases — all CoS’ assigned after 22 July 2025 must meet new salary requirements.

Our Immigration team is ready to assist businesses, SMEs and employers in navigating these complex and fast-moving changes. We offer and assist with:

• Strategic reviews of sponsor licence compliance and workforce planning
• Salary benchmarking against the new rules
• Practical guidance on transitional protections and shortage list eligibility
• Support with visa applications, renewals, and sponsor licence management

For tailored advice on how these changes will affect your business, please get in touch with our Head of Immigration, Sundeep Rathod.