A new era for UK immigration began on 22 July 2025, with major UK immigration reforms coming into effect under the Government’s pivotal 2025 Immigration White Paper. With these reforms now live, employers and sponsors must take decisive steps to ensure compliance.
Raising the Bar: New Skills Thresholds for Sponsored Roles
A central element of the reforms is the elevation of the minimum skill level for roles eligible under the Skilled Worker route. From now on, jobs must meet or exceed RQF Level 6, which equates to a UK bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Employers heavily reliant on international recruitment must now reassess role requirements and hiring criteria accordingly.
Significant Uplift in Salary Thresholds
In parallel, the salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas has increased to £41,700 per annum, up from the previous benchmark of £38,700. This change applies to all Skilled Worker visa applications submitted on or after 22 July 2025.
Temporary Relief, Limited Scope
To ease transitional pressures, the Government has introduced a Temporary Shortage List, a replacement for the previous List but its scope is narrow and focused on limited-term relief. UK government will no longer permit workers in occupations on the Temporary Shortage List to bring dependents.
Closure of Care Worker and Senior Care Worker Routes
Entry clearance applications for care workers and senior care workers are now closed, effective 22 July 2025. Employers in the care sector must urgently revise their recruitment strategies to align with these closures and ensure compliance with the updated immigration framework.
Looking Ahead: More Change on the Horizon
The current changes are only the beginning. UK Home Office has confirmed that further reforms are expected, including:
- A possible increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
- Adjustments to English language requirements
- A new family migration framework, potentially reshaping dependent eligibility
- Reduction of the Graduate visa duration from 2 years to 18 months
Major UK Immigration Reforms signal a long-term shift in the country’s immigration model, aimed at reducing net migration and reshaping the structure of the labour market.
In times of uncertainty, trusted guidance is key. At Morgan Smith Immigration, we bring over two decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Whether you’re adapting to the latest changes or planning ahead, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
