On 1st July 2025, the UK Home
Secretary announced a complete reset of the
immigration system, officially bringing into law the first phase of
changes proposed in the immigration white
paper. These changes, effective from
22nd July 2025, are no longer suggestions—they’re the law.
If you're a student, job seeker, or skilled
worker planning to move to the UK, these changes might impact your application
or future visa plans. Below is a summary of the key updates, what they mean for
you, and what to expect in the coming months.
📌 Quick Background
The immigration white paper, first published on
12th May 2025, outlined broad reforms
targeting salary thresholds, skill levels, and visa routes. These are part of
the UK government’s goal to reduce dependency on low-paid overseas workers and
address domestic workforce planning.
🔁 Summary of the 5 Major
Immigration Changes (Effective 22 July 2025)
1. Increased Skills and Salary
Thresholds
The skilled
worker visa criteria have been revised to require higher education
levels and higher salaries. Here’s what’s changed:
·
Post-April
2024 Applicants:
o Salary
threshold increased from £38,700 to
£41,700
o PhD-level
threshold increased from £34,830 to
£37,500
o New
entrant threshold raised from £30,960 to
£33,400
·
Pre-April
2024 Applicants:
o General
threshold raised from £29,000 to £31,300
o Other
thresholds adjusted from £26,000 to
£28,200
👉 Note: Any Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued on or after 22nd July 2025 must meet these updated
salary requirements.
2. Closure of International
Care Worker Visa Route
The UK has officially closed the overseas care worker recruitment route,
citing abuse and worker exploitation. Here's what you should know:
·
❌ If you're outside the UK, you can no longer apply for care jobs with visa
sponsorship.
·
✅ If you're already in the UK, you're still allowed to
switch sponsors, extend your visa, or apply for care-related roles.
3. Removal of 180 Job Roles
from Skilled Worker List
In a major overhaul, 180 occupations below RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a
bachelor's degree) have been removed from
the Skilled Occupation List.
·
This means jobs that previously required A-levels or diplomas (RQF 3–5) no longer
qualify for skilled worker sponsorship.
·
✅ If you already hold a valid visa or CoS under one of these roles
before 22nd July 2025, you can
still:
o Extend
your visa
o Switch
jobs or employers
o Take
on supplementary work
4. Introduction of a Temporary
Shortage Occupation List
The existing Immigration Salary List (ISL) is being replaced with a temporary and tightly controlled shortage list.
·
Only critical
jobs that support the UK’s industrial goals or national infrastructure
will be eligible.
·
Sectors like healthcare and construction must now demonstrate efforts to train UK workers.
Failure to do so could revoke their right
to hire internationally.
5. Restrictions on Temporary
Shortage Occupation Workers
Jobs listed under the new temporary shortage occupation list come
with stricter limitations:
·
❌ No dependents allowed for job roles below the skills threshold
·
❌ No visa fee or salary threshold discounts
·
📆 The list is time-limited until the end of 2026
o The
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
will review the list and make adjustments, including removing roles or
tightening eligibility.
🕒 What’s Coming Next?
(Expected by End of 2025)
Though not effective yet, the white paper
hints at additional upcoming changes:
1.
New Family
Immigration Policy Framework
To be introduced in Parliament—details pending.
2.
Higher
Immigration Skills Charge
As anticipated, employers may pay more per visa applicant.
3.
Raised English
Language Requirements
Across various visa routes—especially for skilled workers and family visas.
4.
Further Reforms
to Asylum and Border Security
Including possible new legislation later in 2025.
🤔
What About ILR and Graduate Visa?
There are currently no changes to:
·
ILR
(Indefinite Leave to Remain) – Still 5 years, not extended to 10
·
Graduate
Visa – Still 24 months,
no reduction to 18 months as of now
💬 Final Thoughts
This is the most significant reset in recent
UK immigration history. If you're planning to study or work in the UK, make
sure you’re up-to-date with these changes. Many of these rules can directly
affect your application outcome.
👉 Still confused or need help?
Drop your questions in the comments, or stay tuned for the upcoming live Q&A session with immigration
lawyer Amil from MAC25.
📖 Want to read the full
government statement? Links to the full 138-page policy document and the
12-page explanatory memo are in the [pinned comment and description].
🛠️ Need Assistance?
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a UK-based Lead Business Analyst and mentor. I offer:
·
🎓 Free Study Abroad Guidance (UK, Canada,
Germany, etc.)
·
💼 Job Assistance Training (IT,
Engineering, Finance, etc.)
·
📊 Business Analyst Career Training (No
experience needed!)
For more details, use the links in the pinned
comment or email:
📩 apply@youknowledgebuddyabroad.com
Thanks
for reading!
If you found this useful, don’t forget to share with friends or colleagues who
might be impacted. Until next time—stay
informed and stay proactive.
.webp)
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