UK Immigration Overhaul from July 2025 Focuses on High-Skilled Talent

Key Takeaways

• From 22 July 2025, Skilled Worker visas require graduate-level jobs and a £41,700 minimum salary.
• The overseas care-worker visa route closes on 22 July 2025; current workers can extend visas until 2028.
• Temporary Shortage Occupation List allows limited sub-degree jobs without dependants until 2026.

The UK government is making major changes to its immigration system, with the first and most important updates taking effect on 22 July 2025. These changes are part of the “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System” plan. The main goal is to reduce the country’s reliance on low-skilled overseas workers and focus more on high-skilled talent and jobs for people already living in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. This update explains what is changing, who will be affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for people and businesses involved in the immigration process.

Summary of What Changed

The UK government’s new rules are a direct response to a sharp rise in net migration. In just four years, net migration jumped from about 224,000 in June 2019 to nearly 906,000 by June 2024. The government wants to lower these numbers by making it harder to hire low-skilled overseas workers and by encouraging employers to train and hire people already in the UK.

The main changes include:

• Raising the requirements for The Skilled Worker visa
• Closing the overseas care-worker route
• Introducing a Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL) for certain jobs
• Planning for even more changes by the end of 2025

Let’s look at each of these changes in detail.

Skilled Worker Visa: What’s New?

The Skilled Worker visa is the main way for people from outside the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 to work in skilled jobs. Starting 22 July 2025, the rules for this visa will become much stricter.

Key updates:

• Only graduate-level jobs (RQF Level 6 or higher) will qualify. This means over 100 jobs that used to be allowed at lower skill levels (RQF Levels 3–5) will no longer be eligible.
• The minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visas will rise from £38,700 to £41,700. This is a big jump and will make it harder for employers to sponsor workers at lower pay rates.
• Special salary rules for PhD holders and new entrants: For example, PhD holders may qualify with a salary of £37,500, and some new entrants (like recent graduates) may qualify with £33,400, but only in specific cases.
• Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) issued before 22 July 2025 will still be valid under the old rules. These must be used within three months.
• From 22 July, people in jobs below RQF Level 6 cannot bring dependants (spouses or children) to the UK. This rule already applied to care workers since March 2024 and now extends to other jobs.

Who is affected?

• Employers who want to sponsor overseas workers in jobs below graduate level will no longer be able to do so.
• Overseas care-workers and other workers in lower-skilled roles will not qualify for new Skilled Worker visas.
• Current Skilled Workers already in the UK or with pending applications are protected by transitional rules. They can renew or change jobs under the old rules, even if their job is now ineligible.

Required actions:

• Employers must review their workforce and issue any needed CoS before 22 July 2025. After this date, only jobs at RQF Level 6 or above will qualify, and the higher salary threshold will apply.
• Applicants should check if their job will still qualify and apply as soon as possible if they are eligible under the old rules.

Closure of the Overseas Care-Worker Route

One of the biggest changes is the closure of the overseas care-worker route. This affects jobs with the codes 6135 and 6136, which cover care workers and home carers.

Key updates:

• From 22 July 2025, employers cannot sponsor new overseas care-workers.
• People already in the UK as care-workers can extend or switch their visas until 22 July 2028. To qualify, they must have worked for their sponsor for at least three months before applying.
• Employers no longer need to show they tried to hire UK workers first before sponsoring an overseas care-worker. However, since new sponsorships are ending, this is less relevant.

Who is affected?

• Care providers who rely on overseas care-workers will need to find new ways to fill these roles, such as training UK-based staff.
• Overseas care-workers hoping to come to the UK will no longer be able to apply for these jobs after 22 July 2025.
• Current care-workers in the UK can stay and extend their visas under special rules until 2028.

Required actions:

• Employers must stop recruiting new overseas care-workers after 22 July 2025.
• Current care-workers should check their visa status and plan for extensions or changes before the 2028 deadline.

Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL)

The government is introducing a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL) to help fill certain jobs that are critical to the UK workforce but do not require a degree.

Key updates:

• TSL allows some sub-degree roles to be filled by overseas workers, but only for a limited time.
• No dependants are allowed for TSL roles. Workers cannot bring their families with them.
• No salary or visa fee discounts for TSL roles. These jobs will not get the lower salary or cheaper visa fees that were sometimes offered before.
• TSL roles are only available until 2026, unless extended by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC will review the list, salary levels, and benefits before the end date.

Who is affected?

• Employers in sectors with critical shortages (like some parts of hospitality or logistics) may still be able to sponsor overseas workers for TSL roles, but with strict limits.
• Overseas workers can apply for TSL jobs, but cannot bring dependants and must meet all other requirements.

Required actions:

• Employers must check if their job is on the TSL and follow the new rules.
• Applicants should be aware of the limits and restrictions for TSL roles.

Why Is the UK Government Making These Changes?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper explained that these changes are needed to “restore proper control and order” after a period of very high migration. The UK government wants to:

• Cut overall migration numbers
• Make the points-based system simpler and more controlled
• End the country’s dependence on lower-skilled immigration
• Stop abuse and exploitation in certain sectors, especially social care

The government believes that by making it harder to hire low-skilled overseas workers, employers will invest more in training people who already live in the UK.

What Should Employers Do Now?

Employers who sponsor overseas workers must act quickly to prepare for these changes.

Step-by-step guidance:

1. Audit your sponsored roles: Check which jobs will no longer qualify after 22 July 2025.
2. Issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) before the deadline: If you plan to hire someone under the old rules, act now.
3. Request more CoS if needed: The demand may be high as the deadline approaches.
4. Review salaries: Make sure all jobs meet the new, higher salary thresholds.
5. Update recruitment strategies: Prepare for the new limits on dependants and TSL roles.
6. Invest in domestic training: Show that you are training UK-based staff, especially if you work in sectors like care, hospitality, or logistics.

Employers should also keep up to date with official guidance from the UK Visas and Immigration website.

What Should Visa Applicants Do Now?

If you are an overseas worker or planning to apply for a UK visa, here’s what you need to know:

• If you are already in the UK or have a pending application, you are protected by transitional rules. You can renew your visa or change jobs under the old rules, even if your job is no longer eligible.
• If you want to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, check if your job still qualifies and if you meet the new salary requirements.
• If you are interested in a TSL role, remember that you cannot bring dependants and must meet all other requirements.
• If you are a care-worker outside the UK, you will not be able to apply for a new visa after 22 July 2025.

What’s Coming Next?

The changes on 22 July 2025 are just the beginning. The UK government has announced more updates that will take effect by the end of 2025 and beyond.

Planned changes include:

• Higher English language requirements: Applicants and their dependants will need to show better English skills (CEFR Level B2 or higher).
• Increased Immigration Skills Charge: Employers will pay more to sponsor overseas workers.
• New family visa framework: The rules for bringing family members to the UK will change.
• Longer settlement period: The government plans to double the time most skilled workers must live in the UK before they can apply for permanent residence (from five to ten years), with some exceptions.
• Ongoing review of the TSL: The Migration Advisory Committee will review which jobs stay on the TSL, salary levels, and other benefits before the end of 2026.

Employers and applicants should watch for updates and be ready to adjust their plans as new rules are announced.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already applied for a Skilled Worker visa or have a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 22 July 2025, your application will be considered under the old rules. This means you do not need to meet the new, higher salary threshold or the new job eligibility rules. However, any new applications or CoS issued after 22 July 2025 must follow the new rules.

Employers should make sure all pending applications are submitted before the deadline. Applicants should check with their sponsors and make sure their paperwork is complete.

Multiple Perspectives

• UK government: The government believes these changes are necessary to control migration, protect UK workers, and stop abuse in certain sectors.
• Employers: Many businesses, especially in care, hospitality, and logistics, are worried about how they will fill jobs. They must now focus on training UK-based staff and acting quickly to sponsor overseas workers before the rules change.
• Overseas care-workers and other migrants: Those already in the UK are protected for now, but new applicants face higher barriers and fewer opportunities, especially in lower-skilled roles.
• Immigration experts: Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that employers must act fast, check their compliance, and prepare for even more changes later in 2025.

Historical Background

• 2019–2024: Net migration to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 quadrupled, leading to political and public pressure for reform.
• March 2024: The government first limited dependants for care-workers.
• May 2025: The Immigration White Paper set out the full plan for the new system.
• July 2025: The first big changes take effect, with more to come by the end of the year.

Where to Find More Information

For the most up-to-date and official information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Employers and applicants can also contact sector-specific bodies, such as NHS Employers, for guidance.

Actionable Takeaways

• Employers: Review your workforce, issue any needed CoS before 22 July 2025, and prepare for stricter rules. Invest in training UK-based staff and keep up to date with official guidance.
• Applicants: Check if your job still qualifies, apply as soon as possible if you are eligible under the old rules, and be aware of new limits for TSL and care-worker roles.
• Both groups: Watch for further changes by the end of 2025, including higher English requirements, increased fees, and new family visa rules.

These changes mark a big shift in how the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 manages immigration. The focus is now on high-skilled workers and domestic training, with fewer visas and stricter rules for employers. Acting quickly and staying informed will be key for anyone affected by these updates.

Learn Today

Skilled Worker visa → A UK visa for non-UK nationals to work in skilled occupations meeting set qualifications and salary.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) → An official document an employer issues to sponsor a foreign worker’s UK visa application.
Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL) → A list of job roles with temporary shortages allowing limited overseas worker sponsorship until 2026.
RQF Level → Regulated Qualifications Framework level; UK system measuring job skill and education qualifications.
Net migration → The difference between the number of people entering and leaving the UK, influencing immigration policy.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UK sharply tightens Skilled Worker visa rules from July 2025, raising salary thresholds and restricting low-skilled workers. The care-worker visa route closes, and the Temporary Shortage Occupation List supports select roles temporarily, focusing immigration on high-skilled talent and reducing low-skilled overseas worker reliance.
— By VisaVerge.com