Key Takeaways
• From July 15, 2025, Skilled Worker visa requires RQF Level 6 skill and £41,700 minimum salary.
• Settlement (ILR) qualification time doubles from 5 to 10 years starting July 22, 2025.
• Health and Care Worker route closes to new overseas applicants from July 2025; eVisas replace stickers.
The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 is about to introduce some of the most sweeping changes to its immigration system in recent years. Starting July 15, 2025, a new set of rules will affect the Skilled Worker visa, settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR), and the way all visas are issued. These changes are especially important for Indian nationals, who make up the largest group of Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK, as well as for employers and families planning to move or stay in the country. Here’s a clear, step-by-step breakdown of what’s changing, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.
Summary of What Changed
From July 15, 2025, the UK government is rolling out a major visa overhaul. The most important changes include:
- Raising the skill and salary requirements for the Skilled Worker visa
- Doubling the time needed to qualify for settlement (ILR) from 5 to 10 years
- Closing the Health and Care Worker route to new overseas applicants
- Replacing physical visa stickers with eVisas—digital records linked to passports
These changes are part of a broader plan to reduce net migration, encourage local hiring, and modernize the immigration system through digital technology.
Who Is Affected by the UK Visa Overhaul?
The new rules will impact several groups:
- Indian nationals and other foreign skilled workers: Especially those in technical, supervisory, and care roles.
- Employers: Companies that sponsor overseas workers must adapt to stricter rules and digital compliance.
- Existing visa holders: Those already in the UK on Skilled Worker visas or Health and Care Worker visas.
- Families of skilled workers: Particularly those hoping to join or remain with loved ones in the UK.
- New applicants: Anyone planning to apply for a Skilled Worker visa or settlement after July 15, 2025.
Effective Dates and Key Deadlines
- July 15, 2025: All new visas will be issued as eVisas. No more physical visa stickers.
- July 22, 2025: New Skilled Worker visa and settlement rules take effect. This is the last day to apply under the old rules if you qualify.
- December 2026: The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be phased out, and the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) will be reviewed.
- July 22, 2028: Last date for existing Health and Care Worker visa holders in the UK to switch under transitional arrangements.
Detailed Changes to the Skilled Worker Visa
1. Skill Level Requirement
- The minimum skill level for new Skilled Worker visas is now RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree).
- Previously, jobs at RQF Level 3 (A-level or equivalent) were eligible. Now, about 180 occupations—including many technical and supervisory roles—are no longer eligible.
- If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa in a role below RQF Level 6, you can continue to renew or change jobs under the old rules for now, but this protection is temporary and will be reviewed.
2. Salary Thresholds
- The general minimum salary for new Skilled Worker visa applications is now £41,700.
- For jobs requiring a PhD: £37,500
- For PhD STEM jobs, Temporary Shortage List roles, or new entrants: £33,400
- If you entered before April 4, 2024, you may qualify for a lower extension threshold of £31,300.
- For Senior/Specialist Worker and Expansion Worker visas, the threshold rises to £52,500.
3. Immigration Salary List (ISL) and Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
- The ISL will be phased out by December 2026.
- The new TSL allows sponsorship for about 60 critical roles at RQF Level 3–5, but with strict limits:
- No dependants allowed for TSL applicants.
- No visa fee discounts.
- TSL roles are only available until the end of 2026 and will be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
4. English Language Requirement
- The required English level is now CEFR Level B2 for both main applicants and adult dependants. This is a higher standard than before.
5. Employer Requirements
- Employers must now provide a workforce strategy to justify hiring overseas workers for medium-skilled roles.
- There will be stricter compliance checks and more sponsor licence revocations for those who do not follow the rules.
Changes to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR)
- The qualifying period for Skilled Worker visa holders to apply for ILR is now 10 years of continuous residence, up from 5 years.
- There may be a fast-track route in special cases, but details are not yet available.
- To qualify for ILR, you must be earning at least £41,700 or the appropriate going rate for your job at the time of application.
Health and Care Worker Route
- The Health and Care Worker visa route is closed to new overseas care worker and senior care worker applicants from July 2025.
- If you are already in the UK, you can still switch to this route until July 22, 2028, under transitional rules.
Digital Immigration System: eVisas
- From July 15, 2025, all new visas will be issued as eVisas—secure digital records linked to your passport.
- There will be no more physical visa stickers in passports.
- Migrants must keep their digital records up to date, especially when renewing passports or changing personal details.
- Employers and landlords will use the digital system to check right-to-work and right-to-rent status.
Actions Required for Pending and Future Applications
If you are planning to apply for a Skilled Worker visa or settlement, here’s what you need to do:
1. Check If Your Job Is Still Eligible
- Make sure your occupation is at RQF Level 6 or above and not one of the 180+ roles removed from the list.
- If your job is on the new Temporary Shortage List, remember you cannot bring dependants and there are no fee discounts.
2. Meet the New Salary and English Requirements
- Confirm that your salary meets or exceeds the new thresholds.
- Prepare proof of English language ability at CEFR Level B2.
3. Employer Sponsorship
- Your employer must have a valid sponsor licence and provide a workforce strategy for medium-skilled roles.
- If possible, have your employer assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before July 22, 2025, to benefit from transitional protection.
4. Apply Online Using the Digital System
- All applications must be made online through the UK government’s digital system.
- Your visa will be issued as an eVisa linked to your passport.
5. Plan for Settlement
- If you are aiming for ILR, be prepared for a 10-year qualifying period.
- Make sure you meet the salary and other requirements at the time you apply for ILR.
For more details on the Skilled Worker visa, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the official UK government Skilled Worker visa page.
Implications for Indians and Other Key Groups
Indian Nationals
- Indian nationals will face fewer eligible jobs, especially in technical, supervisory, and care roles.
- Higher salary and skill requirements mean it will be harder to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa.
- The 10-year wait for settlement will make long-term planning more difficult for many families.
- Those on the Temporary Shortage List cannot bring dependants, which may affect family plans.
- The higher English language standard may require extra preparation for some applicants.
Employers
- Employers must review their sponsorship plans and act quickly to sponsor eligible staff before July 22, 2025.
- They need to develop workforce strategies to justify overseas recruitment.
- Employers must also prepare for digital compliance and stricter right-to-work checks.
Existing Visa Holders
- If you already have a Skilled Worker visa, you are protected by transitional arrangements for now, but these are not permanent.
- It’s important to stay informed about further changes that may affect your status.
Background: Why Is the UK Making These Changes?
The UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper set out a plan to reduce net migration, address public concerns, and encourage more local hiring. After the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, the UK had relaxed some rules to fill labor shortages. Now, the government is reversing course, making it harder for overseas workers to qualify and stay long-term.
The Health and Care Worker route, which was widely used by Indian and Nigerian nationals, is being closed to new overseas applicants due to concerns about exploitation and its impact on the local job market.
Future Outlook
- The government may tighten the rules even further after 2026, especially for the Temporary Shortage List and transitional arrangements.
- The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will continue to review salary thresholds and occupation lists, so more changes could come.
- Digital compliance will become standard, with all migrants required to keep their eVisa records up to date and employers facing stricter checks.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- UK Government Immigration Portal: gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
- Home Office Contact: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Contact Centre: 0300 790 6268 (from within the UK)
- Migration Advisory Committee: gov.uk/government/organisations/migration-advisory-committee
- Official Statement of Changes (HC 997, July 2025): Available on the UK Parliament and Home Office websites.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Employers warn that the new rules could lead to shortages in sectors like health, social care, and technical trades, which are losing eligibility for skilled worker sponsorship. Migration experts are concerned that narrowing legal routes could push more people into illegal work or exploitation. Indian community groups have raised worries about the impact on family reunification and the ability to settle long-term in the UK.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes represent the toughest skilled worker and settlement rules in years, with immediate and far-reaching effects for Indian nationals, employers, and the UK economy as a whole.
Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps
- If you are an employer: Review your current staff and sponsorship plans. Assign Certificates of Sponsorship before July 22, 2025, if possible, to benefit from transitional arrangements. Prepare your workforce strategy and ensure you are ready for digital compliance.
- If you are a current or future applicant: Check if your occupation is still eligible, meet the new salary and English requirements, and apply as soon as possible if you qualify under the old rules.
- If you are planning for settlement: Be aware of the new 10-year qualifying period and plan your career and family moves accordingly.
- Stay informed: Watch for further updates from the UK government and the Migration Advisory Committee, as more changes may come after 2026.
The UK visa overhaul is a major shift that will affect thousands of people and businesses. Acting quickly and staying informed will help you make the best decisions for your future in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
Learn Today
Skilled Worker visa → A UK work visa allowing qualified foreign workers to live and work based on specific skills and salary.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) → Permanent residency status in the UK, allowing unrestricted stay after fulfilling continuous residence requirements.
RQF Level 6 → The UK’s qualification framework level equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, required for certain skilled worker visas.
Temporary Shortage List (TSL) → A UK list of critical occupations eligible for limited Skilled Worker sponsorship with restrictions until end 2026.
eVisa → A digital visa issued electronically and linked to the passport, replacing physical visa stickers in the UK.
This Article in a Nutshell
The UK’s July 2025 immigration overhaul raises Skilled Worker visa standards, doubling settlement time, ending physical visas. Indian nationals face stricter rules. Employers must adapt digital compliance. The changes transform migration, impacting workers, families, and the job market in significant ways with phased implementation through 2028.
— By VisaVerge.com
