UK skilled worker visa changes: what employers need to know

Note: This is archive content superseded by the October 2025 immigration reforms. For the latest guidance on skilled worker visa rules, salary thresholds and the Immigration Salary List, see our article on the key updates from HC 1333.

Introduction

The government has introduced the most significant reforms to the skilled worker visa route since it was launched in 2020. From 22 July 2025, new immigration rules have raised the bar for both employers and applicants, with higher salary thresholds, stricter skill requirements, and targeted restrictions on care roles. These reforms mark a fundamental shift in immigration policy and will have immediate consequences for sponsors and overseas workers alike.

For advice tailored to your business, contact our immigration solicitors to discuss how these changes may affect your workforce.

Implementation timetable

The new rules have immediate impact, but there are also dates further ahead that employers should be aware of:

• 22 July 2025 – main skilled worker visa changes take effect.
   
• 31 December 2026 – immigration salary list (ISL) and temporary shortage list (TSL) currently due to expire.
   
• 22 July 2028 – final deadline for in-country switching for care workers and senior care workers.

Key changes to the skilled worker visa route

Several headline changes impact businesses that rely on overseas talent.

• Higher skill threshold – the minimum skill level has been raised from RQF level 3 to RQF level 6. In practice, most sponsored roles now need to be at graduate level. Many mid-skill jobs, such as teaching assistants and NHS support roles, will no longer qualify unless they appear on one of the government’s new lists.
   
• Salary increases across the board – minimum salary thresholds have risen sharply. Standard roles now generally require a salary of at least £41,700 per year, while the minimum hourly floor has been set at £17.13. Certain categories, such as STEM PhDs or new entrants, can qualify at lower rates, but the increases are substantial. Full details of the new salary thresholds are published by the Home Office here.
   
• New immigration salary list (ISL) and temporary shortage list (TSL) – the ISL replaces the old shortage occupation list. It allows some sub-graduate roles to continue to be sponsored at reduced salary levels, but with tighter rules and, in many cases, no dependants allowed. The TSL is a time-limited list of additional roles that can be sponsored until December 2026. You can find the ISL on the Home Office website here.
   
• Restrictions on care workers – from 22 July 2025, new overseas care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and 6136) can no longer apply for entry clearance under the skilled worker route (including the health and care worker visa). In-country switching is allowed until July 2028, but with strict salary and compliance conditions.

What this means for employers and sponsors

Employers who sponsor overseas staff must act quickly to ensure compliance:

• Review sponsored roles – check whether your current or planned positions still meet the RQF level 6 requirement, or if they appear on the ISL/TSL.
   
• Budget for higher salaries – many roles will now cost significantly more to sponsor, with the higher of the going rate or the new salary floor applying.
   
• Prepare for dependent restrictions – workers in ISL or TSL roles at RQF 3–5 level will no longer be able to bring dependants, unless covered by transitional rules.
   
• Check transitional protections – existing visa holders may continue in their roles under transitional arrangements, but new applicants must meet the updated criteria.

How our immigration solicitors can help

The skilled worker visa remains a vital route for many sectors, but the 2025 reforms make it more complex than ever. Our London-based immigration solicitors advise employers nationwide, providing clear and practical legal support. We can help you:

• Assess whether roles still qualify under the new rules.
• Structure job offers and contracts to meet salary thresholds.
• Manage your sponsor licence obligations.
• Support affected workers and their families.

For tailored advice on the skilled worker visa reforms, please contact our immigration team.