On 1st July 2025, Immigration Minister Seema Malhotra announced the first set of major changes to the UK Immigration Rules under the Government’s White Paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System. These changes will begin to take effect from 22nd July 2025 and will have a significant impact on the UK’s Skilled Worker visa route.
If your organisation sponsors overseas workers, or if you're considering applying for a Skilled Worker visa, it’s essential to understand what’s changing and how these updates may affect your plans.
Key changes to the Skilled Worker route
1. Occupations must meet RQF Level 6 or above
From 22nd July 2025, all occupations eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route must be classified at RQF Level 6 or higher. This change effectively removes lower-skilled roles (RQF Levels 3 to 5) from the occupational code list for new overseas applicants.
This marks a significant tightening of the route, which previously accepted roles at RQF Level 3 (roughly equivalent to A-levels). Now, only jobs generally requiring degree-level qualifications will qualify.
Importantly, this change does not apply to Skilled Workers already in the UK. Migrants currently holding valid visas under roles below RQF Level 6 can continue to:
- Extend their visas
- Change employers
- Bring dependants
- Take supplementary employment
However, these flexibilities will not apply to new applicants from overseas for sub-Level 6 roles.
2. Introduction of a Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
A Temporary Shortage List will be introduced for select occupations that fall below RQF Level 6, allowing limited access to the Skilled Worker route.
Key details:
- The TSL will offer time-limited and conditional access
- No dependants will be permitted under this route
- It will be regularly reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
The current Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be phased out in favour of the TSL.
3. Rising salary thresholds
From 22nd July 2025, salary thresholds will rise in line with ONS data. While salaries depend on multiple role-specific factors, the general thresholds will be:
- New Applicants: Minimum salary of £41,700
- New Entrants (e.g. recent graduates): Minimum salary of £33,400
- Visa Extensions: Minimum salary of £31,300
Given the complexity of salary calculations, Visalogic strongly recommends that employers contact our team directly to verify the correct rate based on the migrant’s specific job code and circumstances.
Further salary adjustments may also follow, as the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) conducts a broader review of the system later in the year.
4. Closure of the Care Worker route by 2028
The Skilled Worker route for Care Workers and Senior Care Workers will close in stages:
- Entry clearance applications from overseas will be closed immediately
- In-country switching and extensions will continue temporarily
- The route will be fully closed on 22nd July 2028
This decision is part of a wider effort to restrict access to the UK labour market for lower-paid, lower-skilled roles.
Transitional arrangements
The Home Office has confirmed that transitional protections will be in place for migrants already on Skilled Worker visas:
- They will still be able to extend their permission in the UK
- Changing employment will remain possible, even for sub-Level 6 roles
- Dependants can continue to be sponsored
However, new applicants from overseas will need to meet the new eligibility requirements from 22nd July 2025 onwards.
Visalogic: Helping you prepare
These changes will reshape how UK businesses hire from overseas. Our team at Visalogic is ready to support organisations and individuals through this transition.
We can help you:
- Identify which roles in your business are affected by the RQF changes
- Review current or upcoming Skilled Worker applications
- Adjust recruitment plans and job advertisements
- Understand the implications of the new Temporary Shortage List
- Prepare for salary threshold increase
To speak with one of our immigration specialists, call us on 0845 646 1456.
FAQs
What is RQF Level 6?
RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) Level 6 typically refers to degree-level qualifications. Examples of Level 6 roles include engineers, IT professionals, and finance specialists. Roles at Levels 3–5 (such as technicians, teaching assistants, or care workers) will no longer be eligible for new overseas Skilled Worker applicants after 22nd July 2025.
Will current Skilled Workers be affected?
No. If you're already in the UK under the Skilled Worker route, you can continue to extend your visa, change roles, bring dependants, and work in occupations below Level 6. These changes only apply to new overseas applicants and to switchers from other routes after 22nd July 2025.
Can I bring dependants under the Temporary Shortage List?
No. If your role is only eligible under the new Temporary Shortage List, you will not be able to bring dependants under this route.
What are the new salary thresholds?
- New Skilled Worker applicants: £41,700
- New Entrants: £33,400
- Skilled Worker extensions: £31,300
These figures may vary depending on the job code, experience, and working hours. Visalogic can confirm the correct salary level for your circumstances.
What happens to Care Workers and Senior Care Workers?
New overseas applications for care roles will no longer be accepted after 22nd July 2025. In-country applicants may continue to apply or extend for a limited time. The entire route will be closed by 22nd July 2028.
Is this the final stage of immigration reform?
No. This is the first phase of a broader strategy outlined in the May 2025 Immigration White Paper. Further reforms are expected, and Visalogic will continue to monitor all developments closely.
If your organisation relies on the Skilled Worker route, or if you're planning to apply as an individual, don’t wait to assess the impact. Contact Visalogic today on 0845 646 1456 for clear, professional advice tailored to your situation.