Higher skills and salary thresholds, tighter rules for sub-degree roles, and new restrictions on dependants introduced from 22 July 2025
UK immigration rule changes – Key points
On 22 July 2025, significant changes to the UK Immigration Rules came into force, following the government’s latest Statement of Changes. These reforms have a major impact on Skilled Worker visas, salary requirements, and the eligibility of certain roles.
Higher skills threshold
The minimum skills level for the Skilled Worker route has risen from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level).
- Roles below degree level can now only be sponsored if they appear on the Immigration Salary List or the new Temporary Shortage List – and only for critical sectors under strict criteria.
- Anyone sponsored in RQF Level 3–5 roles before 22 July can still extend or switch roles, but this is not guaranteed to remain available long term.
- Employers were advised to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) before 22 July for RQF Level 3–5 roles, particularly if salary uplifts would have been required or if workers intended to bring dependants.
Salary threshold increases
- Both the general salary threshold and the “going rates” for individual roles have increased, in many cases substantially.
- Extension applications are also now subject to the higher rates.
- Employers should ensure salaries for projects, secondments, and graduate schemes meet the new requirements and adjust recruitment budgets accordingly.
New Temporary Shortage List
A new list of 52 RQF Level 3–5 occupation codes – identified as key to the UK’s industrial strategy – will remain in place until 31 December 2026, unless earlier removal is triggered by non-compliance.
- Sponsorship is still possible for these roles, but no discounts on salary or visa fees apply.
- The Migration Advisory Committee will review the list, and sectors must demonstrate workforce strategies to train UK-based staff if they want to retain access.
Restrictions on dependants
Skilled Workers in RQF Level 3–5 roles on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List can no longer bring dependants, unless they were already sponsored in such roles before the rule change.
- This makes sponsorship in many sub-degree level roles less attractive for applicants who want their families to join them.
Further changes ahead
Although not part of this Statement, the government also plans to:
- Increase the Immigration Skills Charge;
- Extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from 5 to 10 years;
- Raise English language requirements; and
- Introduce a new family policy framework.
The government regularly issues Statements of Changes, so further updates to immigration policy are expected.
Source:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-997-1-july-2025/explanatory-memorandum-to-the-statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-997-1-july-2025-accessible