The UK government has announced major changes to the skilled worker immigration rules. These changes will come into effect on July 22, 2025. The aim is to raise the skill and salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas. This is part of the government’s plan to restore control over the immigration system and focus on higher-skilled workers.
The key change is raising the minimum skill level for jobs eligible under the skilled worker route. Previously, jobs at the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 (similar to A-level skills) were available. From July 2025, only jobs at RQF level 6 or above (mainly graduate-level professions) will qualify. This means around 180 occupations will no longer be eligible for new applicants.
Salary thresholds will also increase. The new salary requirements are based on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa holders is now at least 38,700 euros per year. This is to ensure that visa holders are paid fairly and to reduce exploitation.
Some expectations and transitional arrangements apply. Workers already in the UK on Skilled Worker visas can continue to renew their visas, change Jobs and bring dependents, even if their jobs fall below the new RQF level 6 threshold. However, new applicants from overseas must meet the higher skill and salary requirements.
The government is also ending overseas requirements for care workers and senior care workers. Entry clearance applications for these roles will close on July 22, 2025.
However, current visa holders in these roles can switch jobs within the UK until July 22, 2028. This change responds to concerns about abuse and exploitation in the care sector.
In place of the previous Immigration Salary List, a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) will provide limited access to the skilled workers route for some lower-skilled occupations. However, applicants in these roles will not be able to bring dependents or receive salary and visa-free discounts. The TSL is temporary and will be reviewed by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
Additional changes include raising the English language requirement from CEFR level B1 to B2 and increasing the Immigration Skills Charge by 32%. The government also plans to extend the route to indefinite leave to remain from 5 years to 10 years.
Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said these reforms will help build an immigration system that values skills, tackles exploitation and ensures migrants contribute genuinely to the UK economy.
Although the Skilled Worker visa rules from July 2025 will focus on higher-skilled, better-paid jobs. Existing workers have protections, but new applicants face stricter requirements. These changes mark a significant shift in UK immigration policy aimed at improving standards and protecting workers.
