World Immigration News

Employer update: new immigration rules for sponsored workers – July 2025

Release Date: 2025-07-06
Media: Electronic Immigration Network
Summary: The UK government announced significant changes to the Skilled Worker route in the 1 July 2025 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, marking the first update since the May 2025 White Paper on immigration reform. These changes will take effect on 22 July 2025.

Under the new rules, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers will rise from £38,700 to £41,700, with similar proportional increases for other immigration routes. The minimum skills requirement for new applicants will also be raised to RQF Level 6 (graduate level). Over 170 occupations previously eligible under RQF Levels 3–5 have been removed from the list of qualifying jobs. However, individuals already sponsored under these occupations before 22 July may continue under transitional arrangements.

To temporarily address labour shortages, a new "Temporary Shortage List" has been introduced, valid until 31 December 2026. It includes around 50 mid-skilled occupations (RQF Levels 3–5), such as logistics managers, lab technicians, IT support roles, and designers. Workers under this list cannot bring dependants to the UK.

Other changes include increases to hourly wage rates and revised salary thresholds across categories such as Global Business Mobility and the New Entrant route. Notably, the anticipated 30% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge has not yet been implemented but may follow via a separate legal measure.

Additional reforms proposed in the White Paper—such as extending the residence period for settlement, raising English language requirements, and reducing Graduate visa duration—have not yet been enacted but are expected in future updates.

Overall, the changes signal a shift toward a higher-skilled immigration policy, with tightened criteria and fewer pathways for lower-skilled roles.
Tags: United Kingdom

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