July 2025 UK Immigration Rule Changes – Skilled Worker Update

by Whytecroft Ford | 2 Jul 2025

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On 1 July 2025, the UK Government published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997), implementing major reforms to the Skilled Worker visa route and formally closing key resettlement pathways. These changes are part of a broader effort to reduce net migration, strengthen control over the immigration system, and prioritise high-skilled employment.

This update follows from a recent Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 836). The following is a summary of the key changes introduced by this update.

Skilled Worker Route – Increased Skill Threshold

From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill level required for new Skilled Worker visa applicants will be raised to RQF Level 6 (graduate level or equivalent). This marks a reversal from the previous threshold of RQF Level 3 introduced in 2020.

This change means that only occupations classified at RQF Level 6 or above will be eligible for sponsorship, significantly reducing the number of eligible roles. Certain lower-skilled roles, estimated to be more than 100, will no longer qualify.

Applicants already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, or those with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 22 July 2025, may continue under transitional provisions. These applicants may extend their leave, switch sponsors, or apply for settlement, provided their job remains on the list of eligible roles under the transitional arrangements.

Salary Thresholds – New Minimum Earnings Levels

New salary requirements will also apply from 22 July 2025:

The general salary threshold will increase from £38,700 to £41,700.
The new entrant rate will rise from £30,960 to £33,400.
Occupation-specific salary rates will also be adjusted in line with updated salary data and inflation.

These thresholds will apply to all new Skilled Worker applications from 22 July 2025. No transitional exceptions are available for the salary changes, so employers must ensure compliance with the new rates from that date.

Introduction of Temporary Shortage List

To support specific sectors that still require overseas labour, a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) has been introduced alongside the Immigration Salary List (ISL). This allows certain jobs at RQF Level 3 to 5 to remain temporarily eligible for sponsorship.

The Temporary Shortage List is intended to be a short-term solution and will be subject to review. It is expected to expire at the end of 2026 for most roles. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will review the list in Spring 2026. The ISL and TSL are designed to eventually be phased out, as the Government seeks to reduce dependence on lower-skilled immigration.

Closure of Skilled Worker Route for Care Workers

From 22 July 2025, the Skilled Worker route will be closed to new overseas care workers (occupation code 6135) and senior care workers (code 6136).

Existing care workers already in the UK may remain eligible to apply under certain conditions. In particular, individuals must have been legally working in a care role for at least 3 months with the sponsoring employer before they can be sponsored in-country. This concession will remain valid until 22 July 2028.

This measure has been introduced to address widespread abuse and exploitation reported in the care sector.

Afghan Resettlement Routes Closed

The following changes were made with immediate effect from 1 July 2025 at 15:00 BST:

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is now closed to new principal applicants.
The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) has also closed to new referrals.

Only those who submitted eligible ARAP applications to the Ministry of Defence by 15:00 BST on 1 July 2025 will continue to be considered. All other new applications are no longer accepted. This concludes the Government’s direct resettlement support in response to the Afghanistan crisis.