UK’s New Immigration Rules Explained: Skilled Worker Pay Raised, Care Worker Visas Removed

What’s changing on 22 July 2025?

From that date, the UK’s immigration system will be overhauled: no overseas recruitment model will remain for social care roles, there will be a higher skill threshold for Skilled Worker visas, a higher salary threshold and a “complete reset”, according to the White Paper “Restoring Control”.

Why must new applicants now hold a bachelor’s degree?

Skilled Worker visa applicants must now be in occupations at RQF Level 6 or above (i.e., graduate level). Around 111-180 mid-skilled (RQF 3-5) occupations have been excluded from eligible occupations. Existing visa holders can renew, switch jobs or bring dependants under transitional rules, but these will be reviewed.

How have salary thresholds changed?

The minimum salary level for sponsorship has increased from GBP 38,700 to GBP 41,700, and for PhD-relevant roles, from GBP 34,830 to GBP 37,500. The changes are based on up-to-date ONS data which concludes that the salary levels will be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

Why end overseas recruitment of care workers?

The government will cease new overseas care-worker visas as of 22 July 2025, citing exploitation and non-compliance in this sector. Those who are currently in the UK will still be able to switch within the country until July 2028, as long as they worked for a minimum of three months before applying.

Read Also: UK Tightens Immigration: 8 New Rules Every Immigrant Must Know

What about mid-skilled roles still needed?

There will be a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) permitting limited entry for critical RQF 3–5 roles without dependant rights or salary/fee reductions and only through 2026 unless MAC recommends extensions.