Key dates and transitional rules

The UK government has announced significant reforms to the Skilled Worker route and related work visa categories. These changes will take effect from 22 July 2025. If an application is submitted using a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued before this date – or if an application not requiring a CoS is submitted before 22 July 2025 – it will be assessed under the immigration rules as they stood on 21 July 2025. This offers some transitional protection for ongoing and pending applications.

Overview of the main changes

Skilled Worker route: raised thresholds and refined eligibility

Skill level requirements

• The skill threshold for Skilled Worker visas is rising from RQF level 3 to RQF level 6, meaning fewer occupations (reduced by around 180) will qualify.
• The occupation tables are restructured: separate tables now list eligible occupations and salary rates for RQF level 6+ and RQF levels 3-5.
• Transitional arrangements allow current Skilled Worker visa holders and applicants with pending cases to renew or change jobs below RQF level 6 for the time being.
• Most roles in new lower-skill tables are not eligible for PhD points.

Salary requirements

• Salary thresholds are significantly increased for new applications:
• Standard: £41,700 (up from £38,700)
• PhD discount: £37,500 (up from £34,830)
• PhD in STEM: £33,400 (up from £30,960)
• ISL and new entrants: £33,400 (up from £30,960)
• For those with leave as a Skilled Worker prior to 4 April 2024, slightly lower transitional rates apply.

Immigration Salary List (ISL) and Temporary Shortage List

• The ISL will be phased out and replaced by a Temporary Shortage List for select occupations, particularly those below RQF level 6. These lists have strict eligibility and time limits.

Family members and dependants

• Dependants will generally not be permitted for Skilled Workers sponsored in occupations below RQF level 6, with certain exemptions for existing visa holders and specific children.

Salary calculation clarification

• Only the first 48 hours per week count towards meeting salary thresholds for those working overtime.

Global Business Mobility (GBM) and Scale-Up routes

GBM route

• Minimum salary thresholds increase to £52,500 (from £48,500), effective 22 July 2025.
• Pro-rata salary calculations are clarified for those with variable hours.

Scale-Up route

• Salary threshold rises to £39,100 (from £36,300), with transitional rates for older sponsorships.
• Salary calculation rules for variable working patterns have been clarified.

Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange

• The list of eligible roles is expanded to match new table structures in the Skilled Occupations appendix.

Appendix ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy)

• Afghan nationals must have submitted their applications to the Ministry of Defence by 1 July 2025, 15:00 BST. Settlement is available where requirements are met.

Special provisions for care sector roles

• Care workers and related roles face additional controls, including requirements for continuous employment and Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulation.

What should employers and applicants do next?

• Review job roles: check if your roles still qualify under the revised occupation codes and skill levels.
• Plan for higher salary thresholds: budget for potential increases to meet the new requirements.
• Assess family needs: if sponsoring dependants, confirm eligibility under the new rules.
• Monitor transitional provisions: take advantage of transitional arrangements where possible –especially for applications submitted before 22 July 2025.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect your business or employees, please contact our team for tailored guidance.