Significant changes to the UK immigration system are on the horizon, with the Home Office confirming updates to the Skilled Worker visa and other work-based immigration routes. These changes, effective 22 July 2025, are part of the UK Government’s broader reform strategy to tighten migration while supporting high-skilled labour in key sectors.
If your business relies on sponsoring overseas talent—or you’re a worker currently on a sponsored visa—it’s essential to act quickly.
What Are the Key Changes?
1. Increased Skills Threshold for Sponsored Jobs
From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill level for jobs eligible under the Skilled Worker route will rise from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (degree level). This means that only graduate-level roles will qualify for sponsorship, unless certain exemptions apply.
Transitional exceptions apply if:
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The worker was first granted a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025.
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The job appears on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List, with applications submitted before 31 December 2026.
2. New Temporary Shortage and Immigration Salary Lists
To support key sectors and reduce disruption, the government has created two lists:
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Temporary Shortage List: Covers below-degree roles critical to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
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Immigration Salary List: Includes roles with recognised national labour shortages, as assessed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
However, occupations on these lists may be removed at short notice and are expected to be phased out by end of 2026.
3. Higher Salary Thresholds Across Work Routes
To reflect updated salary data from the ONS, thresholds are increasing:
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Skilled Worker Route:
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General threshold: £41,700 (up from £38,700)
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Lower threshold: £31,300 (up from £29,000)
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Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker): £52,500 (up from £48,500)
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Scale-up Route: £39,100 (up from £36,300)
Additionally, going rates for specific occupation codes are also being updated.
4. Closure of the Care Worker Route to Overseas Recruitment
The government is closing this route due to concerns over exploitation. From 22 July 2025, new overseas applicationsfor care worker roles will no longer be accepted.
However:
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Care workers already in the UK may switch into the Skilled Worker route until 22 July 2028.
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Employers will not need to consider displaced workers first.
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Applicants must have worked with their sponsor for at least three months prior to applying.
What Employers Must Do Now
With these sweeping changes just days away, employers must take immediate action to avoid disruption to recruitment and compliance processes.
✅ Review your workforce and recruitment strategy
Identify any current or future sponsored workers who may be affected by the increased skill or salary thresholds.
✅ Submit visa applications before 22 July
If a candidate or role is currently eligible but will no longer qualify under the new rules, submit sponsorship applications before the deadline.
✅ Reassess your sponsor licence strategy
If you plan to sponsor roles below degree level in future, review whether these roles appear on the Temporary Shortage or Immigration Salary Lists and prepare contingency plans for 2027 onward.
Need Legal Advice on Skilled Worker Sponsorship?
At EA Law, our immigration solicitors specialise in UK business immigration, providing clear, practical advice for employers and workers navigating the Skilled Worker route, sponsor licence applications, and Home Office compliance.
📞 Contact us today for:
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Urgent visa application support
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Sponsor licence compliance audits
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Strategic workforce planning under the new Immigration Rules
👉 Book a consultation with our immigration team or call us directly on 0203 786 1165.
📧 Or email: in**@**************rs.com