In July 2025, the United Kingdom, known as the land of royals, will implemented a major reset for its UK skilled worker visa. Through this significant update, the UK has introduced more demanding eligibility criteria for prospective migrants and tighter obligations for employers.
Revealed in the Immigration White Paper of May 2025 and legislated in early July, these reforms, such as the changes implemented from July 22, 2025, will shift focus toward high-skilled talent and support UK workforce growth. The UK government will provide complete details about the significant changes and explain which groups are most affected.
Top Changes Introduced to the UK Skilled Worker Visa Program
The Government of the United Kingdom has introduced the following key changes to the UK Work Permit Program.
Raising the Skill Threshold by Degree Skill
One of the most dramatic shifts limits eligibility to positions at RQF (Regulatory Qualification Framework) Level 6 or higher, i.e., jobs that demand a minimum bachelor’s degree. Over 180 occupational categories from previously eligible RQF 3–5 positions—are now largely ineligible.
Transitional exceptions
If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa in the UK or received your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before July 22, 2025, you can renew your visa or switch jobs, even in RQF 3–5 roles under the transitional provisions.
Increased Salary Requirements
General threshold rises from £38,700 (April 2024) to £41,700 annually from 22 July 2025 for fresh applications. New Arrivals (e.g., recent graduates or under‑26s) now have a lower threshold of £33,400.
PhD graduates, Immigration Salary List (ISL) jobs, and those on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) can also access discounted thresholds at 70–90% of the going rate.
Important Conditions:
These revised salary levels apply to all Certificates of Sponsorships given on or after 22 July, whether extensions or job changes, even for individuals already in the UK.
Suspension of the Care Worker Route to New Applicants
The suspension of the Care Worker Route and Senior Care Worker Route visa scheme (SOC 6135/6136)) for new overseas applicants, starting on or after July 22, 2025, is due to concerns about abuse.
Current UK workers can change, renew, or add dependents only until 22 July 2028, when the pathway will close completely.
Temporary Shortage List & ISL Phasing Out
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL). In addition to this, a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) covers specific in-demand RQF 3–5 occupations essential to the UK’s industrial strategy.
It also covers non-graduate roles such as debt collectors, IT technicians, and HR officers, but without fee reductions or dependent entitlements until the lists are phased out, possibly by the end of 2026.
Other Changes: Fees, Digital Visas & Employer Duties
Fees for visas and Immigration Health Surcharge have increased substantially—visa fees up ~33%, health surcharge up 66%. Starting July 15, 2025, visas will be issued as digital documents (eVisas)—no more visa stickers.
For medium-skilled roles, employers need to submit a workforce recruitment strategy showing efforts to recruit locally. The Immigration Skills Charge is also increasing, and English language requirements are being tightened.
Who is affected the most by this update?
These significant changes introduced by the UK government have made a substantial impact on the following groups:
| Groups | Impact |
| Prospective Applicants | Should have an RQF 6+ position, be subject to higher remuneration limits, and not enjoy dependent rights except in a PhD/ISL/TSL position. |
| Current Skilled Worker | Transitional protection applies to CoS issued before July 2025, which must still meet new thresholds for job changes or extensions. |
| Care Workers | New global uses banned from July 2025. |
| Employers | Audit pay rates, confirm skill level conformity, create shortage list justifications, and adapt to the eVisa system. |
What should you do if you’re affected by these changes?
If you are affected by these changes, you are advised to follow the following steps:
- Check the RQF level of your occupation and verify if it still qualifies under ISL/TSL.
- Check that your salary is at or above the new threshold (e.g., ≥ £41,700 or £33,400 for new entrants).
- Secure sponsor readiness and verify your employer’s licensed status, CoS assignment timing, and workforce strategy.
- Act before 22 July 2025—Apply or switch before this date if you are relying on transitional protections.
- Plan for dependents—If in a TSL role, bear in mind that dependents might not be allowed.
- Budget for higher expenses—Health charges and visa fees have risen significantly.
- Plan for e-visas—Have your passport and electronic profile renewed upon arrival.
Conclusion
The UK government’s reshaping of the Skilled Worker visa represents an unmistakable shift in favor of drawing in more-skilled migrants and safeguarding resident workers. With tighter controls on levels of skill, remuneration, and benefits, the route for foreign workers is tighter but more streamlined. Transitional measures provide a grace period, but from late July onwards, only degree-level positions with comparable salaries—and, in certain instances, no dependent access—will be viable.
For employers and job applicants alike, the message is the same: act immediately, double-check carefully, and prepare seriously. However, if you are still confused about this major update, reach out to the Best Immigration Consultant in Delhi, Keymart Visa at +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com
