UK Skilled Work Visa Program Rules Change Proposal Effective on July 22, 2025
Hold onto your CVs! The UK just hit the reset button on its Skilled Worker Visa program, and the tremors will be felt across care homes, tech hubs, and construction sites worldwide. If you’re planning to move to the UK for work or already here on a Skilled Worker visa, you need to know what’s coming.
The new Immigration Rules: HC 997 (Ref), effective 22 July 2025, introduce seismic changes that redraw the map of who can come to work in the UK, what jobs qualify, and who can bring their families along.
What’s Changing?
The UK government, through its White Paper “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System”, is doubling down on tightening migration by:
- Raising the skill level for visa eligibility
- Removing 180+ occupations from the approved list
- Ramping up salary thresholds
- Barring dependants for many roles
- Closing overseas recruitment in the care sector.
Following are the basic proposed changes:
1# Skill Threshold Raised to RQF Level 6
Previously, roles at RQF Level 3+ (think mid-level skills like care workers or retail supervisors) were eligible for Skilled Worker visas. Now, the bar is back up to RQF Level 6, which includes jobs like engineers, architects, IT analysts, and medical consultants.
➡️ Impact: Over 180 job roles removed from visa eligibility unless they appear on a temporary shortage list.
2# Salary Thresholds Get a Pay Bump
The government has updated salary requirements in line with the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). If you’re applying after 22 July, you’ll need to meet higher salary expectations—no transitional exceptions.
➡️ Impact: Lower-paid skilled workers will find it harder to qualify unless their job appears on a shortage list.
3# Introduction of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
Say goodbye to the old Immigration Salary List—it’s being replaced with the Temporary Shortage List, which only includes RQF Level 3–5 roles that are:
- Crucial to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
- Time-limited until end of 2026
- Subject to government review and removal anytime
➡️ Impact: Temporary access only. If your job’s on this list, get in before the door closes.
4# No Dependents for Many Visa Holders
If you’re applying for a job below RQF Level 6 that’s on the TSL or Salary List, you won’t be allowed to bring family members (spouse, children) with you.
✅ Exceptions:
- You already had your Skilled Worker visa before the rule change
- You’re applying for a role at RQF Level 6 or above.
5# Major Blow to International Care Workers
The UK has closed entry clearance for adult social care roles (care workers and senior care workers). No more overseas recruitment under occupation codes 6135 and 6136.
✅ You can switch to these roles from inside the UK until July 22, 2028, but only if:
- You’ve worked for your UK sponsor for at least 3 months
- You hold legal status in another visa route.
Pros and Cons for Skilled Workers After this New Policy Change
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher salaries ensure better financial security | Many skilled mid-level jobs (RQF 3–5) are no longer eligible |
| Transitional relief for current visa holders | No dependants allowed for new workers in shortage list jobs |
| More focus on protecting genuine skilled roles | Overseas care workers now locked out |
| MAC to review salary rules for possible flexibility | Shortage list jobs have expiration dates (end of 2026) |
Family Migration Gets Tougher!
Skilled workers in higher roles (RQF 6+) can still bring dependents. But if you’re a new applicant in trades, care, or hospitality, the UK door just slammed shut for your family—unless you get in before 22 July 2025 or qualify under transitional provisions.
What Should You Do Next?
-
Already in the UK? – You’re safe. You can extend, change jobs, or even switch employers—even in RQF 3–5 jobs.
-
Planning to apply? – Check if your job is at RQF Level 6 or above, OR, on the Temporary Shortage List or expanded Immigration Salary List (valid until end of 2026 – Ref).
- In adult social care overseas?
Do not apply—your application will be rejected unless you’re switching from within the UK.
These changes mark a decisive shift in UK immigration strategy—one that emphasizes high skill, high salary, and temporary access for lower-tier occupations. For skilled workers with strong credentials, this is a nudge to act fast while transitional arrangements are still in place.
The clock is ticking. The door narrows on 22 July 2025.
Important Dates
- Effective Date: 22 July 2025 – New Skilled Worker visa rules kick in
- Deadline for in-country switching to care roles: 22 July 2028
- Temporary Shortage List occupations removed: End of 2026 (or earlier).
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