The UK has introduced significant changes to its Skilled Worker visa rules, aiming to reduce net migration and shift focus to a high-skill, high-wage economy.

From 22 July 2025, only graduate-level roles (RQF Level 6 and above) will qualify for sponsorship. This removes over 100 lower-skilled roles from eligibility. Existing visa holders already in sub-level 6 jobs can continue under transitional rules, but these are subject to future review.

Salary thresholds across the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes have also increased, with no transitional arrangements. Employers must now offer higher wages to meet the new minimum requirements.

The social care visa is now closed to new overseas applicants due to concerns around exploitation. However, those already in the UK can still switch into these roles until July 2028.

A new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is being introduced for certain sub-level 6 roles, but workers on this route cannot bring dependants.

These changes are part of a wider government effort to reduce dependency on overseas labour and invest in domestic workforce development. Employers are encouraged to attend upcoming policy briefings via Teams to understand how these reforms may impact their recruitment plans.