Major Changes in UK Immigration Rules: What Skilled Workers Need to Know (July 2025 Update)
- Recruty Ltd
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 3
On 1 July 2025, the UK Home Office introduced significant updates to the Immigration Rules, marking one of the most comprehensive adjustments to the Skilled Worker route since the post-Brexit immigration system was established.
These changes laid before Parliament as HC 997 affect thousands of businesses, prospective Skilled Worker applicants, and existing visa holders. They aim to balance the UK’s evolving labour market needs with controlled immigration, while also ensuring fair opportunities and safeguarding economic growth.
As a company at the forefront of UK immigration recruitment and compliance, Recruty Ltd has carefully reviewed the new 2025 Statement of Changes to bring you this deep dive into what the future holds.
What Are the New Immigration Rule Changes?
📜 Key Highlights from HC 997 (1 July 2025) Here are the standout changes that impact the Skilled Worker route and related immigration categories:
✅ Salary Threshold Increases:
The general minimum salary for most new Skilled Worker applicants has risen from £38,700 to £41,700.
Sector-specific rates in the tables under Appendix Skilled Worker have also increased by approximately 8-10%, reflecting the latest ASHE (Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings) data.
✅ Revised Occupational Lists:
New tables (Tables 1a, 2aa, 3a) expand on eligible occupations and introduce nuanced categories, including new eligibility for PhD-related points.
✅ Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL):
A newly structured TSOL is in place until 31 December 2026, listing specific SOC codes (like engineering technicians, care workers, creative roles, logistics managers, IT support) that benefit from tailored rules.
✅ Care Worker Route Extended:
Additional safeguards and specific eligibility for “Care Workers” and “Senior Care Workers,” with transitional arrangements for those under pre-2024 rules.
✅ Supplementary Employment Flexibility:
Those continuously on Skilled Worker visas since before 22 July 2025 can continue in supplementary employment under more flexible conditions.
✅ Review and Regulatory Commitment:
The Home Office will formally review these rules every 5 years, evaluating whether objectives are still appropriate and if less regulation could achieve the same results.
👉 Official Document: You can download the full official statement here. Download PDF
Why This Creates New Opportunities for Aspiring Skilled Workers?
1️⃣ Higher Salaries & Career Security
While higher salary thresholds may seem challenging, they also position the UK as a destination for highly skilled, better compensated professionals. Employers must now offer more competitive packages, which translates to improved earning power and long-term economic stability for incoming talent.
2️⃣ A Broader Spectrum of Roles
The newly introduced Tables 1a, 2aa, and 3a open the door to:
More specialised technical roles
Emerging occupations in AI, data science, sustainable energy, and digital transformation
Creative industries such as design, multimedia, and marketing
This encourages diverse talent pools to consider the UK as a viable relocation destination.
3️⃣ Stronger Long-Term Residency Pathways
The explicit continuation of Skilled Worker routes including special provisions for long-term care sector staff means more secure prospects for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and future British citizenship.
How Do These Changes Affect Existing Skilled Workers?
✅ Pros for Current Visa Holders
Protection of Rights: If you were issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before 22 July 2025, your application will still be assessed under the old rules, safeguarding your plans.
Continuation Clauses: Workers under existing visas (pre-22 July 2025) benefit from rules allowing supplementary work and easier eligibility for extending under the occupation codes in Tables 1a, 2aa, and 3a.
Specific Exemptions for Care Workers: Those on care sector visas (pre-11 March 2024) have transitional protections, including exceptions from Care Quality Commission sponsorship requirements if staying with the same employer.
❌ Cons and Considerations
Salary Uplift Pressures: Although existing visa holders are protected, future renewals or switching to new roles may require meeting higher salary thresholds, putting pressure on certain sectors.
Narrower Eligibility in Some Niche Areas: Some occupations not featured in new lists might find future switching or changing sponsors more complex.
Impact on Dependants: New rules under Appendix Children and Family mean careful planning is needed for those bringing family members, with clearer but sometimes stricter sponsorship ties to specific occupation codes.
Pros & Cons for Employers
Pros | Cons |
Access to higher calibre talent due to globally competitive pay. | Increased salary bills and tighter budgets. |
Streamlined lists (Tables & TSOL) make sponsorship clearer. | More rigorous sponsorship compliance and record-keeping. |
Longer review periods (5 years) provide policy stability. | Some sectors still under pressure to adapt quickly. |
What Should Skilled Workers and Employers Do Now? 👩💼 For Skilled Workers:
✅ Confirm your occupation code: Check the new SOC 2020 tables to ensure your role still qualifies.
✅ Plan ahead if extending: If your visa will need renewal after July 2025, understand how the higher salary thresholds might apply.
✅ Work with your employer: Ensure your sponsor is up to date with the new sponsorship, salary, and supplementary employment rules.
🏢 For Employers:
✅ Audit your workforce: Identify which current employees may face issues under new salary or occupation requirements.
✅ Adjust recruitment budgets: Prepare for higher minimum salaries. It could be strategic to issue CoS under existing rules before 22 July 2025.
✅ Review HR policies: Ensure contracts, job adverts, and internal compliance files reflect new eligibility and pay thresholds.
✅ Consult experts: Recruty Ltd offers detailed compliance health checks, helping you avoid sponsorship licence risks.
Whether you’re an international professional eyeing your future in the UK, or an employer striving to build a robust skilled team, these changes represent both a challenge and an incredible opportunity.
At Recruty, we help job-seeking professionals and talented individuals navigate their career journey with confidence. From tailored career guidance, interview preparation, and personalised consultations for ongoing struggles, to specialised training and programs. We equip ambitious professionals with everything they need to secure the right job that matches their skills and potential.
Whether you're looking to break into a new role, sharpen your interview game, or simply need expert support to stand out in today’s competitive market, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided as general information and does not constitute legal advice.
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