Shamini 
(C): Twitter
Beginning July 22, 2025, the UK government will introduce substantial changes to its Skilled Worker visa system. More than 100 occupations will be removed from the eligibility list, greatly reducing access for foreign nationals to work visas. This is part of a wider reform of the Immigration System passed by Parliament on July 1.
What’s Changing from July 22?
The most significant update is the end of the overseas social care worker recruitment route. Care workers that have been sponsored prior to July 22 will not be impacted but new applications will no longer be accepted due to concerns regarding misuse and exploitation in the sector.
Additional key changes involve:
- The general salary threshold is increasing from £38,700 to £41,700.
- The existing worker threshold (the time before April 2024) will change from £29,000 to £31,300.
- The PhD salary threshold has been raised further.
- The Health and Care Visa salary remains at £25,000 based on national scales.
What About Dependent Visas and Shortage Occupations?
Foreign workers in temporary shortage occupations will no longer have the ability to bring dependents or be exempt from any concession on salary/visa fee.
What Are the Rules for Employers?
Sponsoring employers must issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for a new or renewed application by the July 22 threshold. CoS are valid for three months and the visa renewal will only happen if the renewal (add) is within three months of the job start date.
Will There Be Changes to Permanent Residency?
Yes. The qualifying timeframe for permanent residence will be extended from five years to ten years for the majority of individuals. However, there will be a quicker route under a proposed “earned settlement” scheme for those who contribute substantially to the UK economy.
These changes aim to reduce low skilled immigration and ensure the system is used to prioritise high skilled talent.
Read Also: UK’s New Immigration Rules Explained: Skilled Worker Pay Raised, Care Worker Visas Removed
