The new Skilled Worker rules and sponsor guidance went live on 22 July 2025. It brings into force some (but not all) of the changes announced in the Government's White Paper.
The new Skilled Worker route now contains strict rules and very complex salary arrangements. Key updates include:
- Significant salary increases: The general
salary threshold for those new to the Skilled Worker route is now
£41,700 (up from £38,700). The occupation-based going
rates have been adjusted to align with market rates, which means
most going rates have also increased. Discounted rates apply to
those who are eligible.
- A higher skills threshold: Most roles must now
be at the pre-Brexit level of RQF Level 6+ (bachelor degree level).
This means that unless a transitional provision applies or unless
the role is on a specific occupation list (see next two dot
points), it's no longer possible to sponsor anyone in a
medium-skilled role, regardless of salary.
- A new Temporary Shortage Occupation List
(TSL): The TSL contains only medium-skilled roles at RQF
Level 3 to 5 (A-level). Examples of TSL roles include 3113
Engineering technicians, 3520 Legal associate professionals, 3571
Human resources and industrial relations officers. To benefit from
TSL, a CoS must be assigned by 31 December 2026. Roles can be added
or removed from the TSL before the deadline. The TSL operates
alongside a revised Immigration Salary List (ISL) for now.
- Transitional arrangements apply: Those who
have a CoS assigned before 22 July 2025 in a medium-skilled role
can continue extend or change employment in a medium-skilled role.
This, combined with rule changes from April 2024, mean that there
are now two sets of transitional arrangements in play. This makes
the salary requirements very complex indeed. The Home Office warns
that these individuals cannot extend indefinitely, and settlement
eligibility remains uncertain.
- Restrictions on bringing dependants: Skilled
Workers sponsored with a CoS assigned on or after 22 July 2025 in
medium-skilled roles, such as a role on the TSL, are not allowed to
bring dependants unless a transitional provision or another
exception applies. Anyone sponsored before 22 July 2025 or who has
a pending immigration application before 22 July 2025 can continue
to extend with their dependants. The restriction does not apply to
workers sponsored in degree-level roles.
- Closure of Skilled Worker entry clearance route for carers and senior carers: Applications for in-country switches and extensions made from within the UK are permitted until 22 July 2028, provided the applicant has been legally working for the sponsor for at least 3 months before their CoS is assigned. This will be kept under review.
Other work routes are also impacted by salary increases, including the Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes.
What should you do now?
- Review your sponsorship pipeline - check role eligibility, salary requirements, and if transitional arrangements apply
- Review and update your UK immigration policies
- Review your recruitment and onboarding workstreams
- Ensure HR and legal teams are briefed on the changes and/or provide training ready to advise staff as needed. Train your internal immigration and HR teams on the changes
- Contact your usual LS contact if you need assistance, including if have queries or concerns
What's next?
- White Paper changes: Further changes are
expected over the course of 2025 and 2026. You can read more about
key changes in our previous article.
- Migration Advisory Committee (MAC): The MAC will review the salary requirement and report in January 2026. They will also review the TSL and produce a two-stage report. Stage 1 is due in January 2026 and stage 2 is due in July 2026. There's limited opportunity for clients to engage.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
