Major Changes to the Immigration Rules for Skilled Workers from 22 July 2025

24th July 2025

The UK government has announced significant changes to the immigration rules for skilled workers, effective from 22 July 2025. These changes will impact skill and salary thresholds, affecting eligibility for sponsorship under the skilled worker route.

Skill Thresholds

From 22 July 2025, the skill threshold for new skilled workers will be set at RQF level 6, which corresponds to graduate-level occupations. Roles at RQF levels 3-5 will remain eligible for ongoing sponsorship for candidates who were granted permission as a skilled worker before this date, provided they have had continuous permission since then. However, new candidates for RQF 3-5 roles will only be eligible for sponsorship if the roles are on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List. As a result, over 100 occupations will no longer be eligible for sponsorship for new candidates.

Salary Thresholds

The general salary threshold for new candidates will increase to £41,700 from 22 July 2025. For candidates who were first granted permission in the route before 4 April 2024, and for Health and Care ASHE salary roles, the threshold will be £31,300. There will still be reductions to the general threshold and going rates for PhD holders, new entrants, and roles on the Immigration Salary List.

The going rates for each occupation code will also increase and will apply when assigning a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Temporary Shortage List

A Temporary Shortage List (TSL) will be introduced, containing occupations at RQF levels 3-5 in sectors identified as important for the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. For occupations to be added or remain on the TSL, employers must have an appropriate plan to develop domestic skills. The TSL will be available for applications made using a CoS issued by a sponsor to an applicant before 31 December 2026. Workers sponsored in occupations on the TSL at RQF levels 3-5 will not be able to bring dependants.

These changes aim to ensure that the UK immigration system supports the country's economic needs while encouraging the development of domestic skills. Employers and candidates should prepare for these changes to ensure compliance and take advantage of the opportunities they present.

For more detailed information, please refer to the full article by Freeths immigration team: Changes to the Immigration Rules for Skilled Workers from 22 July 2025 | Business Immigration | Freeths

If you would like to receive a recording of a recent webinar covering these changes together with relevant materials, then please contact tom.williams@freeths.co.uk