New UK Immigration Rules Coming Into Effect from July

 UK Immigration Policy Changes 2025: Full Reset Begins Next Week

UK Immigration System Overhaul Begins July 22 with Major Changes to Skilled Worker Visas

The UK government is initiating a comprehensive reset of its immigration system to regain control and reduce overall migration levels. This move follows a fourfold increase in net migration over the past four years. The new approach prioritizes domestic skills development and workforce training.

As part of this overhaul, over 100 job roles will no longer qualify for the immigration route under the Skilled Worker visa. Additionally, the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will increase, making it more difficult for lower-paid roles to access the UK job market through immigration.

On July 1, 2025, Parliament approved changes to immigration laws that will officially come into effect on July 22, 2025. This marks the beginning of a broader set of reforms proposed in a white paper, although a complete implementation timeline has not yet been announced.

The first step in these changes includes a revised and shortened list of occupations eligible for Skilled Worker visas, which will remain in effect until the end of 2026. The Migration Advisory Committee is currently reviewing which medium-skilled roles should continue to be included in the future.

UK Immigration Overhaul Begins July 22: Skilled Worker Thresholds Rise, Care Worker Visas End

Starting 22 July 2025, the UK government will implement sweeping changes to its immigration system, marking the first phase of reforms outlined in the Immigration White Paper. These changes aim to reduce net migration, raise standards, and ensure a more controlled and skills-focused immigration process.

Key Changes Taking Effect:

Recruitment of overseas care workers will be officially closed from 22 July 2025. However, individuals already sponsored under a social care visa by that date will not be affected.

The minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visas is being raised from RQF Level 3–5 to RQF Level 6 (graduate level), effectively removing 112 previously eligible occupations across various sectors.

The general salary threshold will rise from £38,700 to £41,700, while for applications submitted before April 2024, the minimum will increase from £29,000 to £31,300.

PhD holders and most Health and Care Visa recipients will also see updated income thresholds, with most health workers continuing under a £25,000 threshold due to national pay scales.

Workers in roles on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List will no longer be allowed to bring dependants, and will lose access to salary and visa fee discounts.

Employers must issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for new or renewing visa applications before 22 July 2025 to be assessed under current rules. Note:

Key Highlights:

The reforms aim to gradually phase out the UK's dependence on foreign workers in lower-skilled roles, promoting homegrown talent development instead.

A new interim, time-limited, and conditional Shortage Occupation List will ensure international recruitment is only used where it aligns with the UK’s industrial strategy or supports critical infrastructure projects.

Every sector will be required to have a clear workforce strategy to train UK-based workers. Sectors that fail to demonstrate this will lose access to immigration routes.

The government also plans to abolish the previous salary-based occupation list, signaling a shift towards more dynamic and skill-based criteria.

Additional measures expected before the end of the year include:

• End of Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers:
  

• Higher Skills and Salary Thresholds for Skilled Worker Visas:
  

• Restrictions on Shortage Occupation List Roles:
  

• Employer Guidance – CoS Deadline:
  

  • CoS are valid for three months from the issue date.

  • Visa renewals are only possible within three months before the CoS start date.

• Upcoming Changes by End of 2025:

  • Increased English language standards

  • A rise in the Immigration Skills Charge

  • A new framework for family visas

These updates signal a significant shift in the UK’s immigration strategy, placing greater emphasis on higher qualifications, stricter controls, and reduced migration volumes. The government’s goal is to realign the points-based immigration system to better serve the UK’s long-term economic and workforce priorities.

UK Immigration Laws Shift Focus to Domestic Workforce and Strategic Needs

The UK’s new immigration laws are designed to reduce reliance on low-skilled overseas recruitment and encourage investment in training the domestic workforce.

• End of Dependence on Lower-Skilled Migration:
  

• Introduction of a Temporary Shortage Occupation List:
  

• Sector Accountability for Workforce Planning:
  

• Phasing Out of the Immigration Salary List:
  

• More Reforms Coming by End of 2025:
  

  • Increased Immigration Skills Charge

  • Higher English Language Requirements

  • A new framework for family visa policies