From 22 July 2025, significant changes to the UK’s new immigration rules will come into effect, marking the first wave of reforms from the Immigration White Paper.
According to the press release of the UK Government on 1 July, these sweeping updates raise skill and salary thresholds, close the care worker visa route for new applicants, and reduce the number of eligible occupations. These measures signal a fundamental shift in how the UK manages migration—prioritizing higher skills, lowering overall numbers, and tightening controls.
A Reset of the Immigration System
In contrast to the previous government’s approach, which saw net migration quadruple over four years, the new measures aim to restore structure to the points-based immigration system. The Home Secretary has described the changes as a “complete reset”, designed to curb low-skilled migration and focus on domestic workforce development.
At the heart of these reforms is a deliberate pivot away from reliance on overseas recruitment for lower-skilled roles, and a stronger emphasis on training UK workers for critical sectors.
UK’s Key Immigration Rule Changes at a Glance
| Policy Area | New Measures (Effective 22 July 2025) |
| Skills Threshold | Raised from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (graduate level) |
| Eligible Occupations | 112 previously eligible RQF 3–5 roles removed from the Skilled Worker list |
| Salary Threshold (General) | Increased from £38,700 to £41,700 for Skilled Worker Visas |
| Salary Threshold (Health & Care) | Remains £25,000 for most roles following national pay scales |
| Care Worker Visa Route | Closed to new overseas applicants; transitional provisions for current in-country workers |
| Shortage Occupation Access | Limited to a Temporary Shortage List, valid until the end of 2026 |
| Dependants | Not permitted for roles under the Temporary Shortage List |
| Salary/Visa Discounts | No longer available for occupations shortage roles |
| Transitional Rules | Workers below RQF 6 can remain under certain conditions, but this will be reviewed in time |
Changes in Skilled Worker Visa Route
1- Return to Higher Skill Thresholds
The qualification requirement for Skilled Worker Visas is being restored to RQF Level 6. Originally reduced in 2020 to expand access, the reversal now narrows the pool of eligible occupations. Although some figures estimate this will impact around 180 roles, official documentation confirms that at least 111 will be removed from the list immediately.
To be eligible for the skilled worker visa, an applicant must show that their occupation is listed in one of the following occupation lists:
| Occupations List | Conditions / Notes |
| Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations | — |
| Immigration Salary List in Appendix Immigration Salary List | — |
| Temporary Shortage List in SW 6.1A | — |
| Table 1a, Table 2aa, or Table 3a of Appendix Skilled Occupations, if either: | – (i) Applicant is awarded points under Options F to J in the table following SW 4.4 and meets the requirement in SW 4.2(b)(ii);- (ii) Applicant was granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 and has maintained continuous permission (except where paragraph 39E applies). |
| Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations | The applicant is awarded points under Options F to J, meets SW 4.2(b)(ii), and is applying to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission. |
2- Salary Threshold Adjustments
Routine salary adjustments across immigration routes reflect new data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. Those already on skilled routes must ensure their salaries meet these new levels when renewing or updating applications. No transitional exceptions have been made in this regard.
The overall salary threshold for sponsorship for the skilled worker visa under Option A is rising from £38,700 annually to £41,700. According to these new changes, “Paragraph SW4.4” will require:
| Option | Criteria | Minimum Salary | Rate Compared to SOC 2020 |
| A | General threshold. The applicant’s salary must meet both thresholds. | £41,700 | 100% of the going rate |
| B | PhD in a subject relevant to the job. | £37,500 | 90% of the going rate |
| C | PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job. | £33,400 | 80% of the going rate |
| D | The Job is on the Immigration Salary List. | £33,400 | 100% of going rate |
| E | New entrant at the start of their career. | £33,400 | 70% of going rate |
| F | Applicant’s salary meets the standard threshold and SOC rate. | £31,300 | 100% of going rate |
| G | PhD in a subject relevant to the job, lower threshold. | £28,200 | 90% of going rate |
3- New Temporary Shortage List Introduced
Two interim lists are now active:
- Expanded Immigration Salary List – Includes existing entries plus RQF 3–5 roles identified as in shortage.
- Interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL) – Targets roles essential to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
These roles will be removed by the end of 2026 unless recommended otherwise by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Unlike previous shortage lists, workers in these roles cannot bring dependents or benefit from fee discounts.
Closure of the Care Worker Route
From 22 July 2025, care worker and senior care worker roles (codes 6135 and 6136) will no longer be open to new overseas applicants. However, individuals already in the UK on different visa types can switch into these roles until 22 July 2028, provided they have worked for their sponsor for at least three months prior to the new certificate being issued.
This change follows rising concerns over exploitation in the sector and is intended to ensure greater compliance with employment law and ethical recruitment practices.
Closure of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy
One unexpected development already underway is the immediate closure of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy to new main applicants. Applications had to be submitted to the Ministry of Defence by 3 pm on 1 July 2025.
Sector Responsibility and Future Policy
Furthermore, sectors relying on lower-skilled migrant workers must now develop robust domestic training strategies or risk losing access to international recruitment altogether. The government will monitor for signs of abuse and has reserved the right to restrict or end access to the immigration system without notice.
In the meantime, the MAC has been tasked with reviewing roles and benefits on the Temporary Shortage List. These roles are under strict scrutiny and must align with the UK’s long-term economic and industrial goals.
What’s Next?
While these announcements mark a major overhaul, they are just the beginning. By the end of 2025, the government also plans to introduce:
- Revised immigration skills charges
- Stricter English language requirements
- A new “family policy framework”
- Additional measures on asylum and border security
These reforms represent a decisive shift in UK immigration policy—emphasising quality over quantity, and aiming to rebalance the labour market. While transitional measures offer some breathing space for affected industries, the message is clear: invest in UK talent or lose access to the global labour pool.