The UK Skilled Worker Visa Shake-Up: What You Need to Know

On 1 July 2025, the UK Home Office unveiled sweeping reforms to the Skilled Worker visa route through Statement of Changes HC 997—the most significant overhaul since the route’s inception. Effective from 22 July 2025, these updates are part of the government’s broader plan, outlined in the March 2025 Immigration White Paper, to rebalance migration, address skills shortages with domestic labour, and enhance compliance.

Key Changes at a Glance

1. Minimum Skill Level Raised to RQF Level 6

• All new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) must now be for roles at RQF Level 6 or above (broadly equivalent to graduate-level jobs).
• This removes over 100 job roles—including many in retail, hospitality, and admin—from general sponsorship eligibility.
• Roles below this level (RQF 3–5) will only be eligible if listed on a temporary shortage list.

2. Salary Thresholds Significantly Increased

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Important: There are no transitional arrangements—all new applications, extensions, or job changes from 22 July 2025 onward must meet these new thresholds.
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‍New Shortage Lists Replace the Old

To modernise the Shortage Occupation List, two new lists have been introduced:

1. Immigration Salary List

• Covers RQF Level 3–5 roles deemed in shortage by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
• Used primarily for below-degree roles that still meet basic eligibility.

2. Temporary Shortage List (Until December 2026)‍

• Includes strategically important but sub-degree roles for essential sectors.
• Strictly time-limited and must be supported by a workforce plan to reduce dependence on overseas labour.

Key Caveats:‍

• These roles do not receive visa fee or salary threshold discounts.
• Dependants are not allowed for roles on these lists.

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Care Workers Removed from Sponsorship Eligibility

A landmark change affects health and social care recruitment:

• Care Workers and Senior Care Workers (SOC 6135 & 6136) will no longer be eligible for sponsorship from 22 July 2025.
• In-country switching is still allowed until 22 July 2028, but only if:
  
  • The applicant is already in the UK;
  • Has been employed by the sponsoring organisation for at least 3 months.
• From 2028, these occupations will be fully removed from all lists.

This follows mounting concern over exploitation in the sector and marks a government push toward domestic recruitment and regulation reform.

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Family Migration and Compliance Tightened

From 22 July 2025:

• Most sub-degree roles will no longer permit dependant family members to apply.
• Employers must take greater care to comply with sponsorship duties, as enforcement is expected to increase.

Looking ahead, further immigration controls are in the pipeline.

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What’s Next: Broader Immigration Reforms Coming Late 2025

The UK government has confirmed further reforms later this year, including:

• Increase in the Immigration Skills Charge
• Tougher English language requirements for workers and dependants
• Review of dependant rights and family reunification under all routes
• Longer qualifying periods for Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Revised Student route rules, including:
  
  • Shorter Graduate visas
  • Tighter university compliance checks

These changes are forecasted to reduce net migration by over 100,000 annually, and reflect an assertive policy shift toward domestic skills development.

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What Employers and Applicants Should Do Now

To remain compliant and competitive:

• Review all job descriptions and confirm RQF Level 6 alignment
• Adjust salary offers to meet new thresholds and job-specific going rates
• Prepare for loss of eligibility for certain roles—including care and support staff
• Update HR practices to reflect changes in dependant policies
• Plan for audits and enhanced sponsor duties

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Final Word

The UK’s Skilled Worker visa system is entering a bold new phase—one that values higher skills, salary, and stricter compliance. While the government’s aim is clear—reducing migration and boosting domestic labour—these changes will pose significant challenges for employers reliant on international recruitment.

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