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Workers

UK Immigration Rules: Key Changes to Skilled Worker Route from 22 July 2025

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The 1 July 2025 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules outlines the first changes to the Skilled Worker route since the publication of the White Paper on reform of UK immigration in May. The changes will come into effect on 22 July 2025 and apply to workers sponsored before this date or who make a visa application based on a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 22 July. The key changes include a general minimum salary threshold rise to £41,700, a 10% increase in occupation-specific salary thresholds, and the introduction of the Temporary Shortage List for occupations with RQF levels 3-5. The list will remain in effect until 31 December 2026 for new applicants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will rise to £41,700 from £38,700.
  • The occupation-specific salary thresholds will increase by approximately 10%.
  • The Temporary Shortage List will be introduced for occupations with RQF levels 3-5, with over 170 occupations removed from the eligible occupation codes for the skilled worker route.
  • New applicants will not be eligible for dependents under the Temporary Shortage List.
  • More than 170 occupations, including managers, administrative positions, technicians, and services, will no longer be eligible for sponsored employment under the Skilled Worker route.
  • Employers may still sponsor Skilled Workers in these jobs if the worker was previously granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025 and had continuous skilled worker visa since then.
  • The Temporary Shortage List will include 50 occupations at RQF levels 3-5, with some examples being managers in logistics, laboratory technicians, and human resources and industrial relations officers.
  • Employees sponsored under the Temporary Shortage List will not be able to bring dependents to the UK.
  • The minimum salary requirements across all occupations, including Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Jobs on PHD Stem or Occupation Salary list, will increase.
  • The general minimum hourly rate for skilled occupations will be £17.13.
  • Changes to mandatory residence period, English language level increase, language requirement for dependants, and reduction in the Graduate visa length are not yet introduced but may be expected at a later date.

Statistics:

  • 50 occupations at RQF levels 3-5 will be eligible on the Temporary Shortage List.
  • £41,700 will be the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas from 22 July 2025.
  • The general minimum hourly rate for skilled occupations will be £17.13.
  • Over 170 occupations will be removed from the eligible occupation codes for the skilled worker route.
  • The Temporary Shortage List will remain in effect until 31 December 2026.

Sources:

  • "The 1 July 2025 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules" (no date mentioned in the source)
  • "The White Paper on reform of UK immigration" (no date mentioned in the source)
  • Mrs Helena Sheizon Kadmos Consultants (no date mentioned in the source)
  • Mondaq Ltd (no date mentioned in the source)

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