Immigration Rule Changes from 22 July 2025: What UK Employers Need to Know

Home

Introduction

On 1 July 2025, the Home Office published the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 997, following the Government’s March 2025 White Paper Restoring control over the immigration system. These amendments, which took effect on 22 July 2025, are some of the most significant in recent years.

We understand that for many employers, the current changes can feel overwhelming. If you hold a sponsor licence, or are considering applying for one, and you rely on recruiting skilled talent from overseas, you may now find yourself in a challenging research phase, feeling uncertain about the best steps to take for staffing and compliance. Our aim is to guide you through what has changed, why it matters, and how to adapt with confidence.

At Immigration Connection, we assist employers and workers in making informed decisions, ensuring they have a clear path forward. We provide end-to-end services for applications, from the initial advice stage right through to submission and follow-up.

In this article, we explain the changes that took effect on 22 July 2025, what they mean for your recruitment plans, and how to manage them effectively.

1. Higher skills threshold: RQF 6 as the new standard

Previously, the Skilled Worker route allowed sponsorship at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to help employers adjust after free movement ended. From 22 July 2025, the threshold has been raised back to RQF Level 6 (degree-level roles).

This means more than 100 occupations — the Home Office cites 111 removals, while some sector estimates range between 170–180 — are no longer eligible unless they are listed on the new Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage List (TSL). We know this will affect recruitment pipelines and may leave you rethinking your workforce planning.

2. Transitional protections for existing sub-RQF 6 workers

If your sponsored worker was already in the Skilled Worker route — or had a CoS assigned before 22 July 2025 that resulted in a successful application — they can still:

Extend their visa
Change employers
Take supplementary work in eligible RQF 3–5 roles

However, these protections do not apply to the new salary thresholds and may be withdrawn in future. For some employers, this creates an urgent need to review existing contracts and renewal timelines.

3. Updated salary thresholds based on ASHE 2024

Salary requirements for Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes are now aligned with the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE 2024).

New Skilled Worker thresholds:

£41,700 – experienced worker
£37,500 – PhD relevant to the role
£33,400 – PhD in a STEM subject; ISL roles; new entrants
£31,300 – experienced worker sponsored before 4 April 2024
£28,200 – PhD relevant to the role, sponsored before 4 April 2024

All settlement applications made from 22 July 2025 onwards must meet these rates. We recognise this may mean adjusting pay scales sooner than anticipated.

Get in touch now for a free consultation via email, phone or live chat or fill in our inquiry form.

4. Changes for care worker recruitment

From 22 July 2025, overseas recruitment for SOC 6135 (Care workers and home carers) and SOC 6136 (Senior care workers) has ended. Sponsorship is now only available for applicants already in the UK who:

Have been employed by you in one of these SOC codes for at least three months before the CoS issue date; and
Apply before 22 July 2028, or already hold Skilled Worker permission in these roles (including SOC 2010 equivalents).

We understand the challenges this will create for care providers who have relied on overseas recruitment to fill critical vacancies.

5. New rules for supplementary employment

Since 22 July 2025, supplementary work is only permitted if it is:

In an RQF 6 occupation, or
Listed on the ISL

Workers already in the route before this date with continuous permission can still take supplementary work in eligible sub-RQF 6 roles. For some employers, this may limit flexibility in how existing staff can be redeployed.

6. Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be phased out by 31 December 2026. Until then, some RQF 3–5 roles remain eligible with a reduced threshold (£33,400).
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) includes a wide range of RQF 3–5 roles across engineering, IT, creative industries, construction, shipbuilding, vehicle maintenance, energy plant operations, and certain financial and administrative positions. These roles do not receive salary discounts and will be reviewed regularly by the Migration Advisory Committee.

From 22 July 2025, workers in RQF 3–5 ISL or TSL roles cannot bring dependants unless covered by transitional protections — a change we know will affect family considerations and, in turn, candidate interest.

7. What employers should do now

Review SOC codes for all planned recruitment
Adjust salary offers to meet the new thresholds
Check dependant eligibility for medium-skill hires
For care providers, identify candidates eligible to switch in-country before July 2028
Update internal supplementary work policies

8. Settlement reforms ahead

The Government intends to extend the standard settlement qualifying period from five to ten years for most routes, including Skilled Worker. An “Earned Settlement” scheme may allow earlier settlement for those making exceptional contributions, but details will follow after consultation later in 2025. We will be watching this closely to advise you as soon as practical steps can be taken.

How Immigration Connection can assist you

We recognise that these changes place additional pressure on employers who are already balancing compliance, workforce planning, and operational needs. Our role is to make the guesswork from your journey and present a clear plan for success.

With over a decade of experience and experienced lasywers, we can support you and your workers with your Sponsor Licence and Skilled Worker Visa applications with guidance and start-to-finish case management.

We also offer advice sessions to clarify your questions and help with your strategy. You can Book an Advice Session to speak to one of our dedicated lawyers. Some of the most requested services are below: