The UK government today released a significant update to its immigration legislation, marking the beginning of what officials call a “complete reset” of the system. The 138-page Statement of Changes (HC 997), unveiled on 1 July 2025, brings major reforms to the Skilled Worker route and officially ends overseas recruitment for care workers, effective 22 July 2025.
These changes stem from the Government’s May 2025 Immigration White Paper and signal a major policy shift in how the UK manages its workforce migration, placing renewed emphasis on training British workers and curbing dependency on overseas labour.
Graduate-Level Skills Now Mandatory
From 22 July, foreign workers applying for a Skilled Worker visa will need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification (RQF Level 6). This is a sharp departure from the previous RQF Level 3 requirement, which covered a much broader set of occupations.
The result? An estimated 180 job roles will no longer be eligible for overseas sponsorship under the Skilled Worker pathway. However, workers already in the UK under this route are exempt from the new qualification rule at least for now. Transitional measures will allow them to renew visas, change employers, or take supplementary jobs even if the roles are below RQF Level 6.
Salary Thresholds Also Increased
The minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker sponsorship is also rising:
- From £38,700 to £41,700 for general applicants
- From £34,830 to £37,500 for those with a relevant PhD
These figures align with updated labour market data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). No transitional exemptions apply to these salary hikes; employers will need to comply immediately once the changes take effect.
Overseas Recruitment of Care Workers to End
The most headline-grabbing move is the decision to shut down the overseas recruitment route for care workers. From 22 July 2025, no new overseas applications will be accepted for social care roles. The change comes amid ongoing concerns about exploitation, labour violations, and non-compliance in the sector.
However, care workers already in the UK will be able to switch immigration categories until 22 July 2028, provided they’ve been employed by their sponsor for at least three months.
Shortage Occupation Route Tightened
A new Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL) will offer time-limited access for certain sub-degree level roles, but with reduced privileges. Workers on this list cannot bring dependents, and no salary or visa discounts will apply. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been tasked with reviewing the TSOL and its long-term viability beyond 2026.
Government Message: Train Locally or Lose Access
In a strong message to UK employers, the Home Office warned that sectors failing to invest in local talent development risk losing access to immigration routes altogether. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced this position, stating:
These new rules restore control to our borders and shift the focus to skills and training here at home.”
ARAP Scheme Closes
In a related development, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) also closed to new applications at 3 PM today. Over 21,000 Afghans have been resettled through the scheme since its inception. Officials say the closure reflects a shift in focus towards national security and fulfilling remaining commitments under a planned timeline.
The broader reset of the UK’s immigration policy has now officially begun and employers, migrants, and legal advisors alike will need to prepare for a very different landscape ahead.
