The UK Home Office has enacted a suite of sweeping reforms to the Skilled Worker visa route, Global Business Mobility framework, and health and care sector migration in line with its White Paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System. The changes, which took effect on 22 July 2025, reflect the government’s renewed push to curb reliance on international recruitment and refocus on upskilling the domestic workforce.
Degree-Level Threshold Restored for Skilled Worker Visas
The most significant policy shift is the return of the skilled worker visa requirement to RQF Level 6 – equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. This means that, unless a role is listed on either the Interim Immigration Salary List or the newly introduced Interim Temporary Shortage List, jobs below degree-level will no longer qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
Transitional protections are in place for existing visa holders in RQF Level 3 to 5 roles, provided their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued before 22 July. These workers may continue to extend their visas, switch employers, or apply for settlement, subject to meeting updated salary thresholds.
Salary Thresholds Increased Substantially
The baseline salary threshold for general Skilled Worker visas has been increased from £38,700 to £41,700, reflecting 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data. For new entrants, the threshold has risen to £33,400. Transitional salary thresholds have also been updated – for example, the £29,000 minimum has increased to £31,300.
These figures will now apply to both new applicants and renewals. Sponsors are not required to immediately adjust salaries for current workers, but they must meet the new requirements when visa extensions or status changes are pursued.
In parallel, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been tasked with reviewing salary thresholds and discount structures. Their recommendations are expected within six months.
New Interim Temporary Shortage List
To cushion the impact of the tightened RQF criteria, the government has introduced a time-limited Interim Temporary Shortage List. This list allows certain below-degree-level occupations to remain eligible for Skilled Worker visas in the short term, provided there is strong evidence of labour shortages and a commitment from employers to develop the UK workforce.
For instance, engineering technicians, IT support staff, and some creative professionals now appear on the Temporary Shortage List – though these roles may not remain eligible indefinitely.
Global Business Mobility Route Expanded
From 22 July, overseas companies using the UK Expansion Worker visa to establish a British presence can now sponsor up to 10 workers – doubling the previous cap of 5. This move is designed to attract greater foreign investment and facilitate international business growth within the UK.
Graduate Route Reforms Underway
In a bid to ensure that international graduates contribute meaningfully to the UK economy, the government plans to shorten the Graduate visa validity from two years to 18 months. While this change has not yet taken effect, further details are expected soon. Graduates will still be eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, provided they meet all new eligibility conditions, including the RQF 6 threshold.
Health and Care Worker Route Partially Closed
In one of the more controversial changes, the Health and Care Worker visa route has been closed to new care worker and senior care worker applicants from outside the UK. This decision stems from reported abuse of the route and aims to reduce dependency on international recruitment in the care sector.
Transitional arrangements will allow individuals already in the UK in other visa categories to switch into care roles until July 2028, but only if they have been employed by a sponsoring care provider for at least three months. Existing care workers on legal sponsorships can continue to extend their stay or switch sponsors.
Upcoming Settlement Reforms
Later in 2025, the Home Office plans to consult on a new “earned settlement” model – potentially reducing the settlement timeframe for migrants who demonstrate significant economic and social contributions. No decisions have yet been finalised, but the consultation will shape how settlement and citizenship routes evolve in the coming years.
Final Take
The 22 July 2025 immigration rule changes represent a marked tightening of the UK’s work visa regime, with a strong emphasis on labour market reform, salary alignment, and domestic workforce development. For employers and applicants alike, navigating the new system will require strategic planning, salary benchmarking, and close attention to occupational eligibility.
As the Migration Advisory Committee undertakes further reviews and more changes are expected in autumn, the landscape for UK work migration will remain dynamic well into 2026.
