Immigration reset: new rules confirm major shift in UK immigration policy

On 1 July 2025, the Home Office published a significant Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997), marking a fundamental overhaul of the UK’s legal migration framework. These changes, which will take effect from 22 July 2025, implement key proposals from the Government’s 'Restoring Control Over the Immigration System' White Paper and signal a decisive move towards a skills-led, domestically-focused immigration model.

What is changing?

• The Skilled Worker route will be reserved for roles requiring RQF Level 6 qualifications (equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree). While the explanatory memorandum suggests around 180 roles will be removed from the Appendix Skilled Occupations list, the Government press release cites 111 fewer roles. This change will not affect people already on the Skilled Worker route in roles below RQF level 6, however the explanatory memorandum states that these “transitional arrangements will not be in place indefinitely and will be reviewed in due course”.
• The general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route will rise from the current rate of £38,700 to £41,700 and the new entrant rate will rise from £30,960 to £33,400.
• Role-specific going rates for most roles will increase too. By way of example:
  • Financial Managers and Directors (Code 1131): £70,000 → £75,100
  • HR Managers and Directors (Code 1136): £49,400 → £52,900
  • Mechanical Engineers (Code 2122): £42,500 → £46,800
  • Programmers and software development professionals (Code 2134): £49,400 → £54,700
• The Health and Care Worker visa route for care workers and senior workers (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) will be closed to new overseas applicants. This reflects the Government’s intention to reduce reliance on international recruitment in sectors where exploitation has been reported. While new overseas applications will no longer be accepted, transitional provisions for in country applications or changes from other visa routes will be permitted until 22 July 2028.
• A key policy shift is that sectors must have in place a workforce strategy aimed at training and retaining UK-based workers. Failure to do so may result in losing access to the immigration system entirely. This is particularly relevant for industries such as health and social care, hospitality, and logistics, which have historically relied on migrant labour.
• There will be a new Temporary Shortage List for roles below RQF Level 6. This list will be time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only apply to roles deemed critical to the UK’s industrial strategy or infrastructure delivery. Importantly:
  • No salary or visa fee discounts will apply to roles on the Temporary Shortage List.
  • Dependants will not be permitted under this route.
  • The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will review the list and advise on its continuation beyond 2026.

What this means for sponsors

These are significant changes for UK sponsors. Sponsors should act now to:

• Consider sponsoring roles at the current threshold before the 22 July deadline, where appropriate. Applications using a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned before 22 July 2025 will be considered under the current rules.
• Review workforce planning and training strategies to ensure alignment with the new skills thresholds.
• Audit current visa sponsorships and prepare for transitional compliance.
• Monitor MAC reviews and Home Office updates for further developments.

Failure to adapt could result in significant operational disruption, particularly for businesses with high exposure to roles that will soon be excluded from the immigration system.

Looking ahead

Further changes expected by the end of 2025 include:

• An increase in the Immigration Skills Charge.
• Higher English language requirements across visa categories.
• A new 'family policy framework' to be introduced in Parliament.

If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your organisation or current visa holders, please reach out to our WBD immigration specialists for tailored advice and support.