The UKVI have published a major new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, following the Government's White Paper in May this year. Some of the proposals outlined in the White Paper are now being implemented. All of these changes will come into effect on 22 July 2025, subject to limited transitional provisions.
Key changes affecting employers and sponsored employees will include:
- Increase to the Skilled Worker visa threshold - The minimum skill threshold for the Skilled Worker route will increase to RQF ('Regulated Qualifications Framework') level 6 (degree level), from RQF level 3 (around A level standard). In practice, this means that approximately 180 occupations that were previously eligible for sponsorship will no longer qualify, unless the applicant is already within the Skilled Worker route or the occupation either appears on the Immigration Salary List or the new interim Temporary Shortage List.
- Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List Changes - The existing Immigration Salary List will gradually be replaced by a new interim Temporary Shortage List. These lists (covering occupations at RQF levels 3–5) will continue to allow access to the Skilled Worker route on a time-limited basis until they are phased out at the end of 2026, with special provisions for some sectors. Workers sponsored in occupations below RQF Level 6 on these lists will not be able to bring dependants, except in cases where the worker was already in the Skilled Worker route prior to these changes.
- Transitional Arrangements - Applicants already in the Skilled Worker route, or those with a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) issued before the effective date, will be temporarily exempt from the new RQF Level 6 skill level requirement. Applications made with a CoS issued before 22 July 2025 or applications (not requiring a CoS) submitted before that date will be assessed under the Immigration Rules in force as of 21 July 2025.
- New minimum Salary - Salary thresholds will also increase to reflect the latest UK pay data (2024 ASHE), with the minimum general salary threshold increasing from the current £38,700 to £41,700 (or the minimum level for the occupation if higher). These salary threshold increases are in addition to the previous increases in April 2025. Unlike the skills threshold change, there is no transitional period for the new salary requirements, as these are expected to progress in tandem with the market.
- Planned increase to the Immigration Skills Charge - Whilst a date has not yet been set for this change to come in, the government has confirmed it intends to increase the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) which is paid by employers when they assign a CoS. The ISC will increase by 32% from the current level of £1,000 per year of the visa duration (for medium and large sponsors) or £364 (for small sponsors and charities).
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