Major Changes to UK Immigration Rules (July 2025) – What You Need to Know
Published: 1 July 2025
Effective Date for Most Changes: 22 July 2025
The UK Home Office has released a major update to the Immigration Rules (HC 997), bringing significant changes that will impact Skilled Worker visa applicants, sponsors, and employers. These changes affect salaries, eligibility criteria, and specific roles across multiple sectors.
At Fard Solicitors, we’ve summarised the key updates below to help you stay informed and compliant.
🔹 1. Increased Salary Thresholds for Skilled Worker Visa
From 22 July 2025, new salary thresholds apply across all categories:
| Category | Old Threshold | New Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker (Option A) | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| PhD-qualified roles (Option B) | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| New entrants (Options C, D, E) | £30,960 | £33,400 |
| Education & Health roles (Option F) | £29,000 | £31,300 |
| Shortage Occupation roles (ISL – G) | £26,100 | £28,200 |
These thresholds apply to new applications and extensions unless transitional rules apply.
🔹 2. Jobs Removed from the Immigration Salary List (ISL)
The following jobs are no longer eligible for reduced salary rates or visa fee discounts:
Bricklayers and masons
Roofers, tilers, and slaters
Carpenters and joiners
Construction trades (miscellaneous)
Fishing and other agricultural roles
Labourers in plant/process operations
Ship and hovercraft officers
What this means: Applicants must now meet full salary and skill-level thresholds. Sponsors must adjust job offers accordingly.
🔹 3. Care Workers – Transitional Protection (until July 2028)
Care workers already in the UK may extend their visas under transitional rules if:
They’ve been working for their sponsor in SOC 6135 or 6136 for at least 3 months
The extension application is submitted before 22 July 2028
Sponsorship continuity is maintained
CQC registration is not required in qualifying cases
⚠️ New applicants from overseas face stricter entry routes and must meet revised criteria.
🔹 4. Teachers – New Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under the Skilled Worker route:
The job must be at RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree), OR
It must appear on the Shortage Occupation List (TSOL or ISL)
If not:
Applicants cannot bring dependants
Must meet full salary and skill-level thresholds
This particularly impacts teaching assistants and vocational roles.
🔹 5. Dentists – Still Eligible, But With Higher Salary Requirement
Dentists remain eligible under Skilled Worker rules, but must now meet:
Minimum salary of £31,300/year (Option F), or
£28,200/year if holding a PhD and meeting 90% of the going rate
Also subject to “going rate” thresholds as listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
🔹 6. Transitional Provisions (Before 22 July 2025)
Applications submitted before 22 July 2025, or with Certificates of Sponsorship issued before that date, will be assessed using the old salary thresholds.
🧭 Need Help Navigating These Changes?
Fard Solicitors specialises in UK immigration law. Whether you are an individual or an employer, we’ll help you assess your eligibility and guide you through every step of the process.
📞 Contact us now for a personalised consultation.
Fard Solicitors
📍 Offices in Camberley (Surrey) & Canary Wharf (London)
🌐 www.fardsolicitors.com | 📧 info@fardsolicitors.com