UK New Visa Rules 2025 | Skilled Worker & Immigration Updates

UK New Visa Rules 2025: Key Changes to Skilled Worker Visa & Immigration Policy

The UK government is introducing major immigration reforms throughout 2025, transforming visa eligibility, sponsorship, and compliance requirements. These changes aim to balance economic growth with stricter control on migration, focusing heavily on skilled labor pathways like the Skilled Worker visa.

What Are the Main Changes in UK Visa Rules for 2025?

Raising the Skills Threshold and Salary Requirements

From 22 July 2025, the skills threshold for the Skilled Worker visa will require applicants to have qualifications equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree (RQF level 6) or higher. This change removes about 111 to 180 mid-skilled roles from eligibility, affecting sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and care.

Additionally, the minimum salary threshold has increased to approximately £38,700 per year or above, depending on the role’s going rate. Employers need to ensure job offers meet these higher salary levels for visa sponsorships.

Introduction of Electronic Visas (eVisas)

Starting 15 July 2025, visa applicants on the Skilled Worker and Global Talent routes will no longer receive vignette stickers in their passports. Instead, eVisas will be issued digitally, simplifying travel and reducing the need for physical passport submissions.

Closure of the Care Worker Visa Route

The government has decided to close the care worker visa route to overseas recruitment. As of 9 April 2025, care providers in England must first recruit from workers already in the UK, supporting domestic labor for social care roles.

Temporary Shortage List (TSL) & Targeted Immigration Salary List (TISL)

Employers will face limited access to sponsoring below-degree roles through newly established lists like the Temporary Shortage List and the Targeted Immigration Salary List. Hiring for these roles will require submission of workforce plans focused on domestic recruitment.

Changes for EU Settlement Scheme & Other Updates

• From 16 July 2025, eligibility criteria for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme will become more flexible regarding residence periods.

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements will expand for travelers entering the UK via the Republic of Ireland, except certain exempt categories.

• Time spent as a British citizen will now count as "lawful presence" when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), effective 29 July 2025.

Who Is Impacted by These Visa Rule Changes?

• Migrant workers seeking Skilled Worker visas, especially in affected mid-skill professions

• Employers and sponsors who must update their recruitment strategies and salary offerings

• Care sector employers facing restrictions on overseas hiring

• Individuals applying for visa extensions, settlement, or family visas under new compliance rules

Key Facts at a Glance

Change	Effective Date	Impact
Skills threshold raised to RQF 6	22 July 2025	Removes 111-180 mid-skill roles
Minimum salary increased	22 July 2025	Starting at £38,700/year
eVisas replace vignette stickers	15 July 2025	Digital visa issuance, no physical stickers
Care worker visa route closed	9 April 2025	Priority to domestic care workers
EU Settlement Scheme settled status adjustment	16 July 2025	More flexible residence rules
ETA requirement for ROI arrivals	Mid-2025	ETA now required for many from ROI
Lawful presence counting for ILR	29 July 2025	British citizenship counts as presence

How Should Employers and Applicants Prepare?

• Review job roles and salaries to ensure they meet new visa eligibility criteria.

• Use the updated Skilled Occupation Lists and immigration salary lists to verify sponsorship suitability.

• Transition to new eVisa procedures for efficient visa processing.

• For care sector employers, prioritize hiring from local talent pools.

• Stay updated on further immigration fee increases and language requirement changes expected later in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What jobs are no longer eligible for Skilled Worker visas?Around 111 to 180 roles, mostly mid-skilled jobs below bachelor’s degree level, especially in hospitality, care, and logistics, have been removed from eligibility from 22 July 2025.

Q2: How does the new eVisa system work?Instead of vignette stickers in passports, approved visa holders receive digital eVisas that simplify travel without multiple trips to visa centers or passport submissions.

Q3: Can care homes still hire overseas workers?No, as of 9 April 2025, care homes in England must recruit from workers already within the UK skilled worker route before hiring overseas.