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UK Work Visa Rules Tighten in July 2025—Critical Changes for Employers and Recruiters
The UK government has announced a sweeping update to its immigration system, with major changes to the Skilled Worker visa route coming into force on 22 July 2025. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration, following the Home Office's May 2025 White Paper and its most recent Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, published in July.
These measures mark the latest phase of the UK’s “radical reforms to reduce migration.” In response to record-high net migration in recent years, the new policy tightens eligibility criteria for skilled workers and significantly narrows the range of jobs that qualify for sponsorship.
Key Changes in the July 2025 Immigration Rule Update
The most immediate impact will be felt through changes to the Skilled Worker visa route, where several core eligibility requirements are being raised. These include:
Higher Salary Thresholds
Salary requirements for work visas are being raised in line with the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, ahead of a broader review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). From 22 July 2025, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will rise from £38,700 to £41,700, while the threshold for new entrants and roles on the Immigration Salary List will increase from £30,960 to £33,400.
Higher Skill Threshold
Perhaps the most significant change is the shift in the minimum skill level for sponsorship. From 22 July 2025, employers can only sponsor roles at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or higher—up from the current RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) standard introduced in 2020. This shift is expected to remove over 100 occupations from the list of eligible jobs across all sectors.
However, transitional protections will apply:
Existing Skilled Workers in affected roles can renew their visas and change sponsors.
Sponsors assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for an eligible RQF Level 3 role on or before 21 July 2025 can still proceed with applications after the new rules take effect.
Employer Action: What You Should Do Now
With these major changes approaching rapidly, employers who rely on skilled international workers must act immediately to prepare. The current rules will still apply to any Skilled Worker application where a Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned before 22 July 2025, even if the visa processed later. Recommended Next Steps:
Review your sponsored job roles: Determine which positions will no longer qualify after the skill threshold increases.
Adapt your recruitment strategies: Ensure future hiring aligns with the new salary and skill thresholds.
Plan for retention: Support current sponsored workers to extend or change employment under transitional provisions, where eligible.
The July 2025 rule changes mark a significant tightening of the UK’s work visa system. Employers relying on mid-skilled roles should act quickly to avoid disruption, as many roles will no longer qualify. In addition, the government has announced that changes to English language standards, an increase to the immigration skills charge, and a new framework for family visas will be implemented by the end of this year.
With limited time to prepare, proactive planning and fast-tracking applications are essential. For expert advice and practical support to manage these changes smoothly, please get in touch with our team.
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