The UK immigration system has undergone a major update this month, and the impact is already being felt by employers, skilled professionals, students, and families. From 22 July 2025, new rules are in effect that change who can come to the UK, how long they can stay, and what conditions they need to meet. If you’re planning to apply for a visa, bring family over, or hire someone from abroad, here’s what you need to know.
Skilled Worker Visas Now Require Higher Qualifications and Salaries
One of the biggest changes affects Skilled Worker visas. Jobs that previously qualified under this route must now meet a higher skill threshold, specifically, roles must be at least RQF Level 6, which usually means degree-level or equivalent. This has cut out many lower-skilled positions that were previously eligible, such as support roles, certain trades, and many hospitality or administrative jobs.
In addition, the salary requirement has increased. The minimum annual salary for most Skilled Worker visas is now £41,700. If the applicant is classified as a “new entrant”,typically someone just starting out in their career, the minimum is still a significant £33,400. Employers must now carefully check that any offer meets both the skill and salary thresholds before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Applicants already in the UK under older rules may still extend their stay temporarily under transitional arrangements. However, these allowances are time-limited and will be phased out by the end of 2026.
Social Care Worker Visas Closed to New Overseas Applicants
Care homes and domiciliary care providers have been hit hard by another major shift. The route for sponsoring new overseas care workers has been shut down completely. Any new applications submitted after 22 July will be rejected, unless the applicant had already secured sponsorship before that date.
This is a significant setback for care providers that have relied heavily on international recruitment to fill chronic staffing shortages. Employers will now need to redirect efforts toward local hiring, apprenticeships, or restructuring roles to meet the updated criteria for other visa categories.
Graduate Visas Shortened to 18 Months
The Graduate visa, which allowed international students to stay and work in the UK after completing a degree, has been cut back. Instead of offering two or three years depending on the level of study, the route now only provides 18 months.
This means international graduates must find a qualifying job and secure sponsorship more quickly than before if they plan to stay long-term. The reduced timeframe also impacts financial planning, work experience opportunities, and decisions around switching to other visa routes.
English Language Standards Raised
Stronger English skills are now required for most visa categories. While previous rules allowed for basic communication ability in many routes, the new standard for dependents, workers, and those applying for settlement is now B2, an upper-intermediate level.
This change aims to ensure better integration and communication skills, but it also places extra pressure on applicants who may have relied on lower-level language qualifications. It’s especially important for families applying together, as even dependents need to meet this threshold in many cases.
Settlement Could Take Longer
Previously, many people on work routes could apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. The new government proposals suggest extending this to a ten-year minimum for most migrants. This isn’t yet law across all categories, but the trend is clear: permanent residence will take longer and come with stricter conditions.
Some exceptions may apply. High-skilled professionals earning above a certain threshold or working in key sectors may still qualify for “accelerated settlement,” but the details are still being finalised.
For now, anyone planning to build a long-term future in the UK should prepare for a longer road ahead.
A New Temporary Shortage Occupation List Introduced
The old Shortage Occupation List has been scrapped and replaced with a Temporary Shortage List. It will be reviewed more often, and only a narrow set of roles will qualify. The key difference: jobs on this list do not lead to settlement. These are short-term visas for short-term needs.
Employers can still recruit under this route, but they should understand it won’t help staff lay down roots in the UK. It’s a tool to fill temporary gaps, not a long-term solution.
Enforcement Is Getting Stricter
Alongside these policy changes, immigration enforcement has stepped up. The government recently announced public sanctions against people smugglers, with the power to freeze assets, ban travel, and publish names. While this targets criminal networks, the message to everyone is clear: compliance matters.
Employers that accidentally or knowingly hire someone without the legal right to work now face much steeper fines. A recent case involved a small business owner fined £40,000 for one illegal hire so the stakes are high.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re a prospective applicant, check your job title, salary, and qualifications carefully against the new rules. Don’t assume eligibility just because it applied last year.
If you’re an employer, review all open roles and recruitment campaigns. Recheck the eligibility of new hires and ensure your sponsorship systems are updated. Make sure your HR team knows how the new salary thresholds and skill requirements work.
Families should double-check how these changes affect dependents and make sure any English tests or income thresholds are up to date.
Final Thoughts
These changes mark a clear shift in UK immigration policy. The focus is on reducing overall migration, tightening eligibility, and making it harder to settle long-term. For workers, families, and employers alike, adapting early is crucial. Missing even one requirement can lead to delays, rejections, or lost opportunities.
If you’re unsure how these rules apply to your situation, speak to an immigration solicitor in London as soon as possible.
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