The UK government has indeed announced significant changes to its immigration policy, impacting employers, international talent, and HR professionals. Here are the key takeaways ¹ ²:
Changes to Skilled Worker Route
* Higher Skill Threshold*: From July 22, 2025, Skilled Worker visas will only be available for roles at RQF Level 6 and above, which means many junior or support-level roles will no longer qualify.
* Increased Salary Thresholds*: The general minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas will rise to £41,700. Occupation-specific salary rates will also be adjusted according to updated salary data and inflation.
Care Sector Sponsorship Restrictions
* End of Overseas Recruitment: New overseas recruitment for care and senior care workers will effectively end on July 22, 2025. However, current visa holders and specific exceptions will still qualify.
* In-Country Switching: Existing care workers in the UK can still switch roles or extend their visas until July 22, 2028, provided they’ve worked for their sponsor for at least three months.
Settlement Pathway Extension
* Route to ILR: Although not finalized yet, the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) might be extended from 5 to 10 years for many sponsored workers. There’s also a possibility of an “earned path” for those who contribute significantly.
Shortage Occupation Reforms
* Temporary Shortage List: A new, temporary shortage list will be created to address shortfalls in critical sectors. Access to this list will depend on strict, evidence-based labor plans.
* Dependents: Workers sponsored in occupations on the temporary shortage list (RQF levels 3-5) won’t be able to bring dependents, except for children born in the UK or where the sponsor has sole parental responsibility.
Additional Changes
* Immigration Salary List: The Immigration Salary List will be phased out, and the Temporary Shortage List will be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
* Further Reforms: Additional changes expected later this year include raising the immigration skills charge, uplifting language requirements, and unveiling a new family policy framework
