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What's Changing with UK Immigration?
Here’s a concise breakdown of is coming:
1. Skilled Worker Route: Higher Bar for New Applicants
For any Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned on or after 22 July 2025, new applicants must meet stricter criteria:
- Minimum Skill Level: The job must be at RQF Level 6 or above (degree level). This removes approximately 180 occupations from eligibility for new skilled workers.
- General Salary Threshold: The minimum salary required is increasing from £38,700 to £41,700 per year, or the new, higher “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is greater.
- Transitional Protections: Individuals who already hold a Skilled Worker visa (or were assigned a CoS before 22 July 2025) are protected from the skill-level increase. They can extend their visa, change employers, and settle in the UK in an occupation below RQF Level 6, provided they meet the updated (but more lenient) salary thresholds for existing visa holders.
2. New Restrictions on Switching to a Care Visa
The rules for becoming a Care Worker or Senior Care Worker are changing for those already in the UK on a different visa.
- Starting 22 July 2025, if you’re already in the UK on a different visa and want to switch to a Care Worker or Senior Care Worker visa, you must show that you’ve been legally working for the employer who will sponsor you for at least 3 months before they give you a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- The new rule is meant to ensure that you’re already genuinely working for your future sponsor and not just using the care route as a shortcut.
3. The Dependant Ban for "Legacy" Occupations
- If you’re sponsored for a job that’s now listed on the “legacy occupation tables” (Tables 1a, 2aa, 2a, and 3a), you won’t be allowed to bring dependants, even if you’re still allowed to work in that job under older (transitional) rules.
- These legacy jobs used to qualify under the Skilled Worker visa but no longer meet the required skill level (RQF Level 6). Whilst you can keep working in the role if you are already in the UK, you cannot bring your partner or children with you under this visa anymore.
Note: This rule only affects legacy roles, not the new shortage occupation lists like the ISL or TSL.
4. Updated Transitional Arrangements for Work Routes
- Global Business Mobility (GBM) & Scale-up Visas: Starting 22 July 2025, the salary requirements for Global Business Mobility (GBM) and Scale-up visas are going to increase. However, if you’re already in the UK on one of these visas, you won’t need to meet the new higher salary right away. The government has introduced transitional rules that let you continue using the old salary rates when renewing your visa or applying for settlement. This gives current visa holders time to adjust gradually instead of facing an immediate jump in pay requirements.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The UK government’s goal is to reduce overall net migration and focus on attracting higher-skilled individuals. They’re aiming to create a more targeted immigration system.
How Do These Changes Affect Your UK Plans?
- Employers must urgently review their recruitment plans, salary scales, and reliance on roles that are no longer eligible for new applicants.
- Individuals considering working in the UK in non-graduate roles will find their options severely limited.
- Care Professionals outside the UK will no longer be able to apply for a work visa in that role after the cut-off date.
- Current Visa Holders must be aware of the new salary thresholds they will need to meet for any future extension or settlement application.
Have questions about how these changes impact your unique situation? Contact us now for expert guidance.
Legend Consults wants to ensure our clients and partners are fully informed. Follow us for timely updates!
The UK is about to experience one of its biggest immigration shake-ups in years.
On 1 July 2025, the Home Office released its Statement of Changes HC 997. This document aimed at restoring “order and control” to the system. Most changes will come into force on 22 July 2025.
Stay ahead by preparing now. More changes are on the horizon too, including higher Immigration Skills Charges, tougher English language requirements, and reforms to family migration.
Key Changes at a Glance
- Higher Skill & Salary Thresholds: The Skilled Worker route will now be for graduate-level occupations.
- New Hurdles for Care Workers: A new “3-month rule” impacts those switching to a care visa from within the UK.
- Dependant Rights Restricted: Bringing family members is now banned for workers in specific “legacy” occupations no longer open to new applicants.
- Transitional Protections: Workers already on a Skilled Worker visa are shielded from the harshest impacts of the new rules when extending their visa or changing employers.
