MAJOR UK IMMIGRATION CHANGES EFFECTIVE BY 22 JULY 2025
Major UK Immigration Changes
Effective July 22, 2025
Essential Updates for Skilled Workers and Employers
The UK Government has announced significant immigration changes effective from July 22, 2025. While these changes may initially appear concerning, they are manageable if you plan ahead and take action promptly.
Key Timeline
- July 1, 2025: Changes announced via HC 997
- July 22, 2025: Changes implemented and full guidance published
- End of 2026: Additional restrictions expected
New Salary Threshold Requirements
From July 22, 2025, all new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assignments must meet these higher salary thresholds:
- General Threshold: £41,700 (previously £38,700)
- New Entrants: £33,400 (previously £30,960)
- Lower Threshold: £28,200 (previously £26,100)
- Education Roles: £37,500 (previously £34,830)
- Public Sector Workers: £31,300 (previously £29,000)
Action Required: Check and adjust your salary with your employer immediately.
Health and Care Worker Route – Major Changes
Care worker and senior care worker roles (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) are now closed to new overseas applicants, effective July 22, 2025.
Important Notes:
- Existing care workers may extend their visas until July 22, 2028
- After 2028, no further extensions will be possible in care worker roles
- NHS and other healthcare roles remain open
Student Visa Switching – New Restrictions
Students can no longer switch directly into:
- Care worker roles (SOC 6135)
- Senior care worker roles (SOC 6136)
Students can still switch to:
- Nursing Assistant roles (SOC 6131) – if all criteria met
- Other eligible skilled worker positions
Family and Dependant Rules – Critical Updates
Dependants are now only allowed if the main applicant’s job is at RQF level 6 or above.
Key Changes:
- Temporary Shortage List (TSL) and Immigration Salary List ( ISL) roles cannot bring new dependents
- Only degree-level (RQF 6+) jobs qualify for dependent sponsorship
- Current care workers can still bring dependents if the criteria are met
Immediate Action Required
For Current Visa Holders:
- Salary Check: Verify your current salary meets the new threshold for your category
- Extension Planning: Factor in salary increases when planning visa renewals
- Dependant Status: Confirm if you can still bring family members under the new rules
- Employer Discussion: Schedule an urgent meeting to discuss salary adjustments
For New Applicants:
- Threshold Compliance: Ensure job offers meet new minimum salary requirements
- Role Eligibility: Verify your intended role is still available for sponsorship
- Early Submission: Submit applications before July 22, if possible, to avoid new rules
- Alternative Routes: Consider other visa categories if skilled worker route is restricted
For Employers:
- Salary Reviews: Immediately update salary structures for sponsored workers
- Compliance Audit: Ensure all current sponsorships meet new requirements
- Recruitment Strategy: Adjust hiring plans for roles affected by restrictions
- Legal Consultation: Seek immigration law advice for complex sponsorship cases
Support and Next Steps
Medium-term Planning (Next 3 Months):
- Visa Renewal Strategy: Plan applications well in advance
- Career Pathway Review: Assess impact on long-term UK residency goals
- Skills Development: Consider upskilling to access higher-level roles
Official Resources and Links
Government Sources:
- HC 997 Statement of Changes: Official Government Publication
- Explanatory Memorandum: Detailed Guidance
- Immigration Salary List: Current Eligible Occupations
- Skilled Worker Visa Guidance: General Requirements
Key Takeaways
The Five Most Critical Points:
- Salary thresholds have increased significantly – General threshold now £41,700 (up from £38,700)
- Care Worker route is effectively closed to new overseas applicants from July 22
- Family dependency rules have tightened – only RQF level 6+ jobs can sponsor dependents
- Student switching is restricted for certain care worker roles
- Further restrictions expected by the end of 2026 – plan accordingly
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