Skilled Worker Visa Reset: Why July 2025 Is a Turning Point for UK Immigration

PolicySkilled WorkerVisa
Written By Jason Gilligan

The UK’s immigration landscape is shifting again with many worried about settling or working in the UK. As of 22nd July 2025, the relevant rules required for a Skilled Worker Visa application is undergoing a significant transformation. For many employers, professionals, top talent and international applicants this is more than a policy change but a point of strategic reset.

What’s Changing?

Skills Threshold

One of the most notable changes is the skills threshold increasing to RQF 6, which is graduate level, removing 112 once previously eligible occupations under RQF 3-5 across all sectors.

Salary Threshold

The threshold has been increased affecting general skilled workers. The salary threshold has increased from £38,000 to £41,700 per annum. This has been aligned with national wage growth and reduce reliance on lower paid roles. The good news for the salary threshold for most Health and Care Visa holders remains unchanged at £25,000, as these roles are tied to national pay scales. However, the Social Care Worker visa route is now closed to new overseas applicants.

Transitional Protections for Existing Workers

Current Skilled Worker visa holders in below-degree-level roles can:

  • Extend their visas

  • Change employers

  • Bring dependants

  • Take supplementary employment
    …as long as they continue to meet the occupation-specific salary thresholds.

Temporary Access to Lower-Skilled Roles

Some below-degree-level roles will remain eligible—but only temporarily—via:

  • The Immigration Salary List

  • A new Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
    These routes come with restrictions on bringing dependants and are intended to be phased out.

Why This Matters

These changes reflect a broader policy goal: to reduce net migration while focusing on “genuinely skilled” roles. For employers, this means:

  • Fewer roles can be sponsored

  • Higher salary costs

  • More complex compliance requirements

For applicants, it means:

  • Fewer pathways into the UK

  • Stricter eligibility

  • Greater uncertainty for long-term planning

For specific issues, feel free to explore the homepage to get a better sense of what we offer or contact our advisors to book a consultation.

Jason Gilligan
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