Employers should be aware that changes to the immigration working visa are set to take effect from Tuesday 22 July 2025.
New rules will see skills and salary thresholds rise, overseas recruitment for care workers end, and more than 100 occupations no longer granted access to the immigration system. The changes to the rules will impact those businesses employing or planning to employ people from outside the UK.
What is changing?
Skilled worker visa threshold raised
- The minimum skill level will be raised from Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (degree level).
- 111 occupations will be removed from general eligibility for sponsorship.
- Transitional arrangements will allow existing visa holders in lower-skilled roles to continue under current terms (subject to review).
Salary thresholds increased
- All salary thresholds and going rates for sponsored work visas will be updated using 2024 earnings data.
- There will be no transitional arrangements for this. Applicants must meet the new thresholds from Tuesday 22 July 2025.
New shortage lists introduced
- Two interim lists will replace the Shortage Occupation List
- Expanded Immigration Salary List (RQF 3-5 shortage occupations).
- Temporary Shortage List (roles critical to the Modern Industrial Strategy).
- Lists are time-limited until 31 December 2026 and subject to early removal.
Restrictions on dependants
- Workers in RQF 3-5 roles on either shortage list can no longer bring dependants and will not be permitted salary and visa fee discounts.
- This restriction does not apply to RQF 6+ roles or existing visa holders.
These changes will come into effect from Tuesday 22 July 2025.
Read full details on the immigration reforms.
