From July 2025, significant updates to UK immigration rules will affect visa applicants, employers, and EU nationals. With key changes to the Skilled Worker route, health and care sector recruitment, the Private Life route, and the EU Settlement Scheme, this article explains who will be affected and what actions are recommended.
Significant changes to the UK’s immigration rules are due to come into effect from 22 July 2025 which will impact visa applicants.
Whether you’re already living in the UK, currently planning your move to the UK, or managing international recruitment for a company, these changes are likely impact your future plans.
This article provides an outline to the most important updates to be aware of, including who will be affected and what actions should be considered now.
As always, this information should not be taken in isolation and you should always seek professional advice before making any decisions.
One of the most significant changes involves the Skilled Worker visa, which is set to become more restrictive as detailed below.
The general minimum salary will rise from £38,700 to £41,700.
For “shortage occupations” and new entrants, the reduced threshold will increase from £30,960 to £33,400.
While these changes apply to new applications only, if you're already on a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to meet the new thresholds at the next point of extension or application.
The required skill level for most jobs will shift from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6, removing roughly 180 occupations from the list of eligible roles.
A Temporary Shortage Occupation List will be introduced, allowing sponsorship for some RQF Level 3 and 4 roles.
However, dependents will no longer be permitted to accompany people seeking positions below RQF Level 6.
Migrants already in job roles below RQF Level 6 can continue to be sponsored in theses roles under the transitional arrangements.
RQF Level 6 is defined as a degree level job however, it does not mean the applicant needs to hold a degree to apply for it but rather that the job is equivalent to a degree level job
These changes are likely to restrict access for lower-skilled roles and may put pressure on employers to reassess their recruitment strategies. If you or your staff are impacted, reviewing employment contracts and sponsorship plans now is vital.
The overseas recruitment of care workers and senior care workers will be closed to new applicants. This restriction takes effect from 22 July 2025.
For people already in the UK and switching roles, this will still be permitted until 22 July 2028, but only under specific conditions.
This will heavily affect care providers reliant on overseas recruitment. For those already in the UK and considering switching to a care role, this will have an impact within 3 years and therefore needs consideration now to avoid future complications.
Changes to the Private Life route will make it easier for certain individuals to qualify for settlement in the UK.
Young adults (aged 18–25) who were granted leave before 20 June 2022 can now apply for settlement after 5 years (instead of 10) if they meet or previously met the half-life test (ie. they’ve lived at least half their life in the UK).
Children who have lived in the UK for seven years will also be able to apply for settlement after 5 years.
From 16 July 2025, changes to the EU Settlement Scheme will allow greater flexibility for those with pre-settled status.
If you have spent at least 30 months in the UK within any 60-month period, even if you’ve been outside the country for extended periods, you will now be eligible for settled status.
This rule will apply to automated upgrades as well as manual applications.
Employers. Review your existing sponsored roles, salary bands and recruitment strategies in light of the skill and salary threshold changes.
Existing visa holders. These changes are likely to affect your future extensions or switch options, get advice as soon as possible to avoid complications when it comes to renewing or extending your visa.
EU nationals. If you're on pre-settled status, assess whether you now qualify for an upgrade to settled status under the updated criteria.
The minimum salary increases to £41,700, with a reduced threshold of £33,400 for "shortage roles" and new entrants.
From July 2025, dependents will generally not be allowed for roles below RQF Level 6.
No, the route for new overseas care worker applicants is closing on 22 July 2025. Switching within the UK is allowed until 22 July 2028.
Young adults and children meeting certain residency conditions can now apply for settlement after 5 years instead of 10.
You need to have lived in the UK for at least 30 months within any 60-month period.
UK immigration rules are already complex and the forthcoming changes are likely to be stressful if you try to navigate alone. Making the wrong decision could result in delays, visa refusals or future settlement complications.
We offer a free introduction service to connect you with experienced immigration specialists who understand the nuances of the UK system. Whether you're an individual or a business, we can help you explore your options and plan effectively.
If you’d like strategic advice, or even simple reassurance of your situation, based on your personal circumstances or those of your employees, request your free introduction and book your discovery call with one of our trusted partners.
