The UK government has published a sweeping Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, due to take effect from 22 July 2025, marking the first wave of reforms from the government’s landmark immigration white paper. The agenda? Build an immigration system that supports economic growth while drastically reducing net migration and UK businesses’ reliance on overseas labour.
While the broader white paper outlines systemic changes, the rules rolling out primarily target the Skilled Worker route, which is the pathway for migrant professionals. For employers and licensed sponsors, these changes will likely have a significant impact on hiring strategies, visa processing, and long-term workforce planning.
From 22 July, the minimum skills threshold for Skilled Worker roles will increase substantially. All roles must now be at RQF Level 6—equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. This update disqualifies a swathe of previously eligible jobs. What this means: Around 180 occupations will be removed from the eligibility list, affecting sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and care services that often rely on roles below the degree leve
However, employers still have a short window to act. If a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued before 21 July 2025, even for roles that won’t be eligible post-change, the application can still proceed under current rules.
ln addition to changes in skill level, salary thresholds are also being revised upwards across multiple work visa categories, including:
Skilled Worker visa: From £38,700 to £41,700 per year
Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes will also see updated minimum salary requirements.
All Skilled Worker applicants seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 22 July 2025 must meet the new salary criteria—even if they applied under the old salary threshold.
No transitional relief applies to salary changes—employers must ensure compliance immediately.