UK Immigration Rules 2025: What You Need to Know About the Big Changes Starting July 22

The UK government is rolling out major immigration policy changes this July, and they’re set to reshape the way skilled workers and care professionals enter the country. If you’re planning to work, switch visas, or sponsor employees in the UK, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming shift.

What’s Changing?

From 22 July 2025, the UK will enforce new immigration rules with stricter eligibility criteria and salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa. Let’s break it down:

1. Higher Skill Requirement: RQF 6+ Only

Before now, jobs that required mid-level skills (like care workers or construction assistants) qualified for Skilled Worker visas. That’s changing.

Now Required:
All roles must be RQF Level 6 (equivalent to degree-level).
Over 110 job types, including many in hospitality, construction, and care, will no longer qualify.

This affects employers and applicants in sectors that previously relied heavily on international workers.

2. Salary Thresholds Just Got Higher

New salary requirements under the Skilled Worker route:

This makes it harder for many international applicants to meet the financial criteria and puts more pressure on sponsors to increase salaries.

 3. Care Worker Visa Ends

One of the most dramatic changes:
The Health & Care Worker visa for care workers and senior care workers will be abolished.

No more overseas recruitment in these roles
In-country switching allowed only until 2028
This is likely to have major implications for the UK’s adult social care sector, which has relied on foreign staff.

4. New ‘Temporary Shortage Occupation List’

The government will allow some lower-skilled roles to be sponsored under a temporary category, but with serious restrictions:

• Valid only until end of 2026

• No dependants allowed

• No salary discounts

• No path to settlement

This is a short-term fix not a long-term solution and it won’t help workers hoping to build a life in the UK.

5. Settlement (ILR) Timeline Now 10 Years

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), often seen as a stepping stone to British citizenship, now requires 10 years of continuous residence up from 5 years under the previous system (in most cases).

Good news: migrants with 6–12 months absence from the UK will now retain their residency status (from 16 July 2025).

What This Means for You

If you’re:

A jobseeker:

• Recheck if your job still qualifies under RQF 6+

• Prepare for higher salary requirements

An employer:

• Reassess recruitment plans and explore domestic hiring

• Review sponsorship license terms

A care worker or health sector recruiter:

• Act now before July 22 if you need to sponsor a care worker

• Plan for alternative staffing strategies post-2025

Final Thoughts

The UK’s new immigration policy reflects a broader strategy to reduce net migration and prioritize highly skilled roles. While it may protect local jobs, these changes pose serious challenges for international applicants and the industries that depend on them.

Deadline to Act: All new applications under the old rules must be submitted before 22 July 2025.

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