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Upcoming UK Immigration Rule Changes: What You Need to Know for Skilled Worker Visas

The UK government has announced significant changes to the UK Immigration Rules, set to take effect from July 22, 2025. These reforms aim to re-establish order and control within the immigration system, and they will have a substantial impact on individuals seeking Skilled Worker visas and employers sponsoring overseas talent. As UK Immigration Lawyers, we are here to help you navigate these updates.

Key Changes to the UK Immigration Rules

The Statement of Changes (HC 997) outlines several crucial adjustments:

  • Increased Skills Threshold for Skilled Worker Visas: The minimum skills threshold for Skilled Worker visas will be raised to occupations at degree level (Regulated Qualifications Framework – RQF Level 6). This means that, going forward, most sponsored roles will need to meet this higher qualification standard.

  • Time-Limited Access for Below Degree Level Roles: Access to roles below degree level (RQF Levels 3-5) will be strictly limited and only available through two new lists:

    • Immigration Salary List (ISL)

    • Temporary Shortage List (TSL)These lists will specifically target critical roles within certain sectors and will come with stringent requirements.

  • Future Review of the Temporary Shortage List: The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will be commissioned to conduct a comprehensive review of the Temporary Shortage List, assessing included occupations, salary levels, and associated benefits.

  • Restrictions on Dependants and Discounts for TSL Roles: For roles sponsored via the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), workers will not be permitted to bring dependants to the UK. Additionally, these roles will not benefit from salary and visa fee discounts that may apply to other Skilled Worker routes.

What This Means for Employers and Applicants

These changes highlight a clear shift towards prioritizing highly skilled workers at degree level.

  • For Employers: If you currently sponsor or plan to sponsor roles at RQF Levels 3-5, it is crucial to review your recruitment strategy. While it may still be possible to sponsor these roles if they appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, the new restrictions, particularly concerning dependants and fee discounts for TSL roles, must be considered.

  • Urgent Action for Existing Roles (RQF Level 3-5): For any roles currently being sponsored at RQF Level 3-5, or for which you intend to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), we strongly advise employers to assign the Certificate of Sponsorship before July 22, 2025. Doing so will allow you to benefit from the rules currently in place, avoiding the stricter requirements and limitations that will come into effect later this year.

These reforms underscore the importance of staying informed and planning ahead. As UK Immigration Lawyers, we are committed to providing up-to-date advice and assisting both individuals and businesses in understanding and complying with the evolving immigration landscape.

For detailed government publications on these changes, please refer to:



General Information Notice: Please note that the content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal immigration advice. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on this free information.

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