The UK Home Office has introduced significant changes to the Immigration Rules under HC 997, laid before Parliament on 1 July 2025. These updates primarily affect the Skilled Worker visa route, care worker sponsorship, and the closure of Afghan relocation schemes (ARAP & ACRS). The changes aim to tighten migration controls while addressing critical labour shortages in select sectors.
In this article, we break down the key changes, dates, and implications for employers, visa applicants, and immigration advisors.
Skilled Worker Visa Route – Thresholds and Occupation List Changes
Increased Salary Thresholds
From 22 July 2025, the minimum salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker route will increase significantly. These thresholds now align with the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), reflecting market wage inflation and higher job standards.
| Option | Minimum Salary Requirement |
| A – General Roles | £41,700 |
| B – PhD in relevant subject | £37,500 |
| C – Shortage Occupations | £33,400 |
| F – New Entrants | £28,200 |
| Hourly Minimum | £17.13 |
These updates will likely limit eligibility for lower-paid roles, especially outside of shortage lists.
Reduction in Eligible Jobs – RQF Level Increase
The new rules raise the required job skill level from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6, effectively removing around 180 occupations from Skilled Worker eligibility. This affects many roles in hospitality, logistics, and entry-level health services.
Exceptions apply:
- Workers already on a Skilled Worker visa before this change.
- Jobs listed on the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) or Immigration Salary List (ISL).
Care Worker Sponsorship Tightened
No More Dependants for Care Workers
The update introduces strict new limitations for care worker sponsorship (SOC codes 6135 and 6136):
- No dependants are allowed for new applicants.
- To be eligible, care workers must already be employed by a licensed sponsor for at least 3 months before applying.
- The transitional deadline to switch to the Skilled Worker route is 22 July 2028.
These changes significantly impact the adult social care sector, which has previously relied on overseas recruitment to fill staffing shortages.
New Shortage Lists Introduced
1. Immigration Salary List (ISL)
Updated and expanded to reflect high-demand skilled occupations.
2. Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
A new list introduced for lower-skilled roles (RQF 3–5) critical to the UK’s economy. These occupations may include certain roles in agriculture, warehousing, and manufacturing.
Important: Roles on the TSL:
- Are time-limited, with inclusion reviewed by the end of 2026.
- Do not allow family dependants.
- Must meet specific sponsorship and salary conditions.
Key Dates to Remember
| Change | Effective Date |
| Skilled Worker changes | 22 July 2025 |
| Care worker transition deadline | 22 July 2028 |
What These Changes Mean for You
For Employers:
- Reassess your sponsorship strategy, especially for low-wage roles.
- Use the new shortage lists to determine if roles remain eligible.
- Be aware of salary increases when issuing new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
For Migrants:
- Review your current visa status and eligibility under the new rules.
If you're in a care role, act quickly to secure sponsorship before the 2028 deadline.
These July 2025 UK immigration changes mark one of the most significant tightening measures since the introduction of the post-Brexit points-based system. While the government seeks to reduce net migration, it continues to offer pathways for critical sectors under controlled and temporary conditions.
For tailored advice, consult our immigration legal expert at Colman Coyle by contact us via contact@colmancoyle.com.
