Briefing | Immigration rule changes from July 2025

Key changes 

The main changes outlined in the statement are: 

• The Social Care Worker visa route for new overseas applicants will close. Care workers (Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) will no longer be eligible to make new visa applications. 
• The skills threshold for Skilled Worker visas will rise to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) 6 (graduate level), removing 111 previously eligible RQF 3-5 occupations (across all sectors). This change reverts to the skills threshold in place until 2020. 
• For a limited transition period, applicants in below-degree-level (RQF 3-5) occupations may be eligible under an expanded Immigration Salary List (ISL) and a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL). 
• Workers sponsored in occupations at RQF 3–5 under the TSL or ISL will no longer be allowed to bring dependants. This restriction does not apply to:
  • occupations at RQF 6 or above, or
  • workers already in the Skilled Worker route with dependants before these changes take effect. 
• The salary threshold for general skilled workers will be increased from £38,700 to £41,700  in line with the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data. 
• Lower transitional salary thresholds remain in place for those granted Skilled Worker visas under the rules in place before 4 April 2024. 
• The minimum salary for Global Business Mobility Senior Specialist Worker will rise from £48,500 to £52,500. This will apply to new applicants and those seeking to extend their visas. 

Skilled Worker visa holders who currently work in below-degree-level occupations can continue to work, extend their visas, bring dependants, change employment and take supplementary employment in occupations below RQF 6, as long as they meet occupation salary thresholds. 

Adult social care 

The UK Government recognises labour shortages in adult social care but is concerned about widespread abuse and exploitation under the Adult Social Care visa route. While this route initially contributed to high net migration, numbers have declined since the removal of dependants’ rights.^*

From 22 July 2025, new overseas applications for Adult Social Care visas will cease. But until 2028, extensions and in-country switching will be permitted for individuals already in the UK with working rights. This transitional arrangement will be kept under review.

^{* Allen, L. What has happened to international recruitment in social care? The Health Foundation. 6 March 2025.}  

Immigration Salary List 

The current Immigration Salary List contains roles eligible for Skilled Worker visas which the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has identified as having labour shortages and where it is sensible to offer a discounted salary. The immigration white paper states that this list will be replaced in full by the Temporary Shortage List over the next few years. 

From 22 July 2025, the Immigration Salary List will be expanded to include occupations at RQF 3-5 which the MAC identified as being in shortage in its 2023 review and 2024 rapid review. However, care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136), also identified as being in shortage in these reviews, will not be eligible for new visa applications.

Temporary Shortage List 

The new Temporary Shortage List contains below degree level (RQF 3–5) occupations considered critical to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy which employers are allowed to sponsor overseas workers for. 

Workers in occupations on the Temporary Shortage List will no longer be able to bring dependants and will not be permitted salary and visa fee discounts. The occupations included on the list are time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only remain beyond that date if the independent MAC recommends it.

Actions for employers 

• Identify current and prospective staff affected by the changes to skill and salary thresholds and have open, clear communication with them about what the changes mean.  
• Where feasible, issue Certificate of Sponsorships (CoS) for new and renewing visa applications before 22 July 2025 to be assessed under the current rules.
• Review whether roles in your organisation are included on the expanded Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. If below-degree-level (RQF 3-5) roles do not appear, they will no longer be eligible for sponsorship. Note: Both lists are under review and may change within the next 12 months.
• If recruiting below-degree-level (RQF 3-5) roles on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, communicate clearly to candidates about what this means for them, such as restrictions on the ability to bring dependants. 

Further changes 

The white paper also set out changes to be introduced later in 2025 and into 2026, including: 

• a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge 
• an increase in English language level requirements for applicants and dependants 
• a reduction in Graduate visa length from two years to 18 months 
• a roll out of targeted industry workforce strategies, to reduce the reliance on the overseas workforce, and 
• a change in mandatory residence for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five to ten years. 

With grateful thanks to Kirsty Moore and the team at Fragomen for their support in reviewing this briefing. For readers who would like further details about the rule changes covered above, the firm hosted an online webcast on 15 July 2025 which is now available following registration.