A new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules was published on 1st July which marks the beginning of the implementation of reforms to UK Immigration system set out in the the Labour Government’s White Paper “Restoring control over the Immigration System” published on 12 May 2025.
The first set of changes introduced are to the salary and skills threshold for Skilled Worker route.
Skills threshold
The skills threshold for Skilled Worker route is set to increase from Regulated Qualifications Framework(‘RQF’) level 3 (which is equivalent to A level/12th Grade) to RQF level 6 (graduate level), the same as it was in 2020. The threshold relates to the skill level of the job and not to any qualification held by an applicant. This change is set to reduce 180 eligible occupations for new entrants.
Salary threshold
The salary thresholds are set to increase as follows:
Visa type Current minimum salary threshold Minimum salary threshold from 22July 2025
1 Skilled Worker £38,000 £41,700
2 Phd in subject relevant to job £34,830 £37,500
3 PhD STEM/ £30,960 £33,400
Immigration Salary List/
New Entrant
4 Have visa under pre 4 April 2024 rules £29,000 £31,300
5 Visa under pre 4 April 2024 rules and £26,100 £28,200
Phd in relevant subject
Transitional arrangements will be in place for existing Skilled workers which will allow them to continue to extend their visas and bring dependants, change employment and take supplementary employment in occupations below RQF level 6. The new rules will apply to new entrants to the route.
Exemptions to Salary and Skills threshold
There will be temporary measures in place which will allow jobs below graduate level or RQF level 6 and discounted salaries to qualify for Skilled Worker visa until the end of 2026. These will be listed on either Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List.
Immigration Salary List will be phased out in the future and be replaced by a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List . These lists will provide time limited and conditional access to Skilled Worker route. Those who apply for work permit based on offers of jobs listed in these lists will not be able to bring dependants.
Care Worker route
Care worker route is to be closed for new entry clearance applications effective 22 July 2025. Those already in the UK are able to switch into this route for a transition period until 22 July 2028.