UK Skilled Worker Visa Updates: Raised Skill and Salary Thresholds from 2025

The UK’s Skilled Worker Visa changes effective July 2025 increase skill and salary thresholds, eliminate over 100 jobs, add a Temporary Shortage List restricting dependants, and extend permanent residence qualification to ten years, affecting workers, employers, and families. It mandates updated eligibility reviews and strategic planning for all involved.

Key Takeaways

• New Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold raises to £41,700 from July 22, 2025.
• Skill requirement increases to graduate level RQF 6; over 100 jobs removed from eligibility.
• Temporary Shortage List restricts dependants; ILR qualifying period doubles to ten years.

The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 has announced a series of major updates to its Skilled Worker Visa program, with changes set to take effect from July 9, 2025, and further adjustments rolling out in the weeks that follow. These reforms are designed to raise the bar for both skill and salary thresholds, limit the range of eligible jobs, and introduce new rules for temporary shortages. For migrants, employers, and families, these changes bring both new challenges and important deadlines. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changing, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these updates mean for pending and future applications.

Summary of What Changed

UK Skilled Worker Visa Updates: Raised Skill and Salary Thresholds from 2025
UK Skilled Worker Visa Updates: Raised Skill and Salary Thresholds from 2025

The Skilled Worker Visa, which allows people from outside the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 to work in approved jobs, is undergoing several important changes:

  • Skill threshold is increasing to a higher level (graduate level, RQF Level 6).
  • Salary thresholds are rising, meaning workers must earn more to qualify.
  • Many jobs that were previously eligible are being removed from the list.
  • A new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is being introduced for certain jobs, but with strict limits.
  • The English language requirement is set to become tougher.
  • The time needed to qualify for permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR) is doubling from five to ten years.

These changes are part of the government’s plan to focus on higher skills, reduce exploitation, and control migration numbers. However, they also bring uncertainty and new hurdles for many migrants and employers.

Who Is Affected

  • New Applicants: Anyone applying for a Skilled Worker Visa after July 22, 2025, must meet the new skill and salary thresholds.
  • Current Skilled Worker Visa Holders: People already on this visa can continue under the old rules, but may face higher salary requirements when extending or changing jobs.
  • Employers: Businesses that sponsor workers must adjust to the new rules, including higher salary costs and fewer eligible roles.
  • Care Sector Workers: The closure of the Social Care Worker Visa route and removal of care worker roles from sponsorship will have a big impact on this sector.
  • Family Members: New rules about dependants, especially for those on the Temporary Shortage List, will affect families hoping to join or stay together in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Effective Dates

  • July 9, 2025: Announcement of changes and start of transition period.
  • July 22, 2025: New skill threshold (RQF Level 6) and salary thresholds take effect for new applicants.
  • Future Date (TBA): English language requirement will increase from B1 to B2, but the exact date is not yet confirmed.
  • Immediate Effect: Removal of over 100 jobs from the eligible occupation list and introduction of the Temporary Shortage List.

Required Actions

If you are a migrant, employer, or family member affected by these changes, here’s what you need to do:

For Migrants:
Check your job’s eligibility: Review the updated list of eligible occupations. If your job is no longer listed, you may not qualify for sponsorship.
Review salary requirements: Make sure your job offer meets the new salary thresholds. For most roles, this is now at least £41,700 or the occupation-specific rate, whichever is higher.
Prepare for higher skill requirements: If you are applying after July 22, 2025, your job must be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above.
Plan for English language changes: If you or your dependants are applying in the future, be ready for the higher B2 English requirement.
Consider settlement plans: If you hope to settle in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, remember the qualifying period for ILR is now ten years.

For Employers:
Update recruitment plans: Review your workforce needs and adjust job offers to meet the new skill and salary thresholds.
Check sponsorship eligibility: Make sure the roles you want to sponsor are still on the eligible list.
Budget for higher costs: Be prepared for increased salary costs and possible future rises in the Immigration Skills Charge.
Support current staff: Help existing sponsored workers understand how the changes affect their extensions or settlement plans.

For Families:
Review dependant rules: If you are on the Temporary Shortage List, you cannot bring dependants. For other routes, check if new English language requirements apply.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Changes

1. Skill Threshold Increase

The minimum skill level for the Skilled Worker Visa is rising from RQF Level 3 (A-level or equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate level). This means only jobs that require a university degree or similar qualification will be eligible for new applicants after July 22, 2025. If you are already on the Skilled Worker route, you can continue under the old rules, but new applicants must meet this higher bar.

2. Salary Thresholds

The general minimum salary threshold is increasing to £41,700. Occupation-specific thresholds are also rising by about 10%. For example, if the standard rate for your job was £30,000, it may now be £33,000. Health and Care Visa holders have a lower threshold of £25,000 if paid according to national pay scales.

Key points:
– You must earn at least the general threshold or the occupation-specific rate, whichever is higher.
– These new salary thresholds apply to new applicants and to extensions or job changes for current visa holders.

3. Temporary Shortage List (TSL)

The TSL replaces the old Immigration Salary List. It allows certain jobs that are below degree level to be filled by overseas workers, but only for a limited time. However, workers on the TSL cannot bring dependants (family members) with them. This is a major change for families hoping to move together.

4. Removal of Eligible Occupations

Over 100 jobs that were previously eligible for sponsorship at RQF levels 3-5 (such as some care, hospitality, and administrative roles) are being removed from the list. If your job is no longer on the list, you cannot be sponsored for a Skilled Worker Visa.

5. English Language Requirement

The English language requirement for both main applicants and adult dependants is set to increase from CEFR Level B1 (intermediate) to B2 (upper intermediate). This means you will need to show a higher level of English ability. The exact date for this change has not yet been announced, but it is expected soon.

6. Settlement Eligibility (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR)

The qualifying period for ILR is doubling from five to ten years of continuous residence. This means you must live and work in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 for ten years before you can apply for permanent settlement. This change affects both new and existing Skilled Worker Visa holders.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already applied for a Skilled Worker Visa before July 22, 2025, your application will be considered under the old rules. However, if you apply after this date, you must meet the new skill and salary thresholds. If you are planning to extend your visa or change jobs, check whether the new rules will apply to you.

For those waiting for a decision:
– Applications submitted before the new rules take effect will be processed under the old requirements.
– If you need to reapply or change your job after July 22, 2025, you must meet the new thresholds.

Sector-Specific Impacts

Care Sector:
The closure of the Social Care Worker Visa route and the removal of care worker roles from sponsorship will have a big impact on care homes and health services. Many care providers rely on overseas workers, and these changes may lead to staff shortages and increased pressure on the sector.

Health Sector:
Health and Care Visa holders still benefit from a lower salary threshold (£25,000), but only if paid according to national pay scales. Other health roles may now require higher salaries or may no longer be eligible.

Other Sectors:
Jobs in hospitality, retail, and administration that were previously open to overseas workers at lower skill levels are now closed to new applicants. Employers in these sectors will need to look for workers within the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 or adjust their business models.

Expert Analysis and Perspectives

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are meant to make sure that migrants fill roles that truly need higher skills and to stop abuse of the visa system. However, many experts warn that raising the skill and salary thresholds could make it harder for businesses to find workers, especially in sectors already facing shortages. The new rules may also create uncertainty for migrants who have built their lives in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, as longer waits for settlement and tougher requirements could affect their future plans.

Critics argue that the reforms could:
– Make it harder for families to stay together, especially with the ban on dependants for TSL workers.
– Lead to staff shortages in care, hospitality, and other key sectors.
– Increase costs for employers, making it harder for small businesses to compete.

Supporters of the changes say they will:
– Help stop exploitation of migrant workers by raising standards.
– Make sure only the most skilled workers come to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
– Encourage employers to invest in training local workers.

Future Outlook

The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 government has said it will keep reviewing its immigration policies. One possible future change is a 30% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, a fee employers pay when sponsoring overseas workers. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will also review the Temporary Shortage List, which could lead to more changes in which jobs are eligible for sponsorship.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

If you are affected by these changes, here’s what you should do now:

  • Check the official list of eligible occupations on the UK government website to see if your job is still included.
  • Review your salary offer to make sure it meets the new thresholds.
  • Prepare for English language testing at the higher B2 level if you plan to apply in the future.
  • Talk to your employer or sponsor about how the changes affect your job and visa status.
  • Plan for a longer wait for settlement if you hope to stay in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 permanently.
  • Seek advice from immigration experts or support organizations if you are unsure about your options.

Where to Find More Information

For the latest updates and detailed guidance, visit the official UK Visas and Immigration website. Here you can find up-to-date lists of eligible jobs, salary thresholds, and application forms.

If you need to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you can find the official application form and instructions on the UK government’s Skilled Worker Visa page.

Conclusion

The changes to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Skilled Worker Visa program mark a major shift in how the country manages work-based migration. By raising the skill and salary thresholds, removing many jobs from the eligible list, and making settlement harder to achieve, the government is sending a clear message about its priorities. While these reforms may help address some concerns about exploitation and skills shortages, they also bring new challenges for migrants, employers, and families.

If you are planning to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, extend your stay, or bring family members to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, it is more important than ever to stay informed and act quickly. Check official resources, talk to your employer, and seek expert advice to make sure you meet the new requirements and protect your future in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

Learn Today

Skilled Worker Visa → A UK visa allowing qualified foreign nationals to work in approved skilled jobs.
RQF Level 6 → Regulated Qualifications Framework level representing graduate-level skills needed for visa eligibility.
Temporary Shortage List → A list allowing certain lower-skilled jobs temporary overseas worker sponsorship without dependants.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) → Settlement status allowing permanent residence in the UK after a qualifying period.
Salary Threshold → The minimum annual salary required to qualify for visa sponsorship under new immigration rules.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UK’s Skilled Worker Visa reforms from July 2025 raise skill and salary levels, reduce eligible jobs, and extend settlement time, causing challenges for migrants, employers, and families. Understanding these changes is critical to navigate application, sponsorship, and long-term residency planning in the evolving immigration landscape.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Jim Grey
Senior Editor
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Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
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