The UK’s biggest shake‑up of work visas since 2020 has just landed. The Statement of Changes HC 997 takes effect on 22 July 2025, raising the bar on skills and pay while slamming the door on low‑wage recruitment pipelines. For employers who depend on global talent and for migrants already in the UK fast, strategic action is vital.
Below we unpack the headline reforms, the timeline, and how UK Immigration Help can keep your workforce (and your status) compliant.
| Change | What’s New | Who’s Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Skill threshold | Rises from RQF 3 to RQF 6 – roughly Bachelor‑degree level. Around 180 occupations at Levels 3‑5 fall out of scope. | New sponsors & new applicants from 22 July 2025 |
| Salary thresholds | All “going rates” refreshed to 2024 ASHE data. Many professional roles now start at £38,800 p.a. (£19.90/hr) or more. | All routes – no transitional relief |
| Social‑care route | Overseas recruitment closed; only in‑country switches allowed until July 2028. | Care providers relying on overseas hires |
| Temporary Shortage List (TSL) | New, time‑limited list for sub‑RQF 6 roles. No dependants permitted. Runs in parallel with the Immigration Salary List. | Employers in shortage occupations |
| Transitional protection | Existing Skilled Workers in sub‑RQF 6 roles can extend/change jobs under old rules – but only if first sponsored before 22 July 2025. Review promised. | Current visa holders & their sponsors |
The Government’s Immigration White Paper pledges to “restore control, cut net migration and support a high‑skill, high‑wage economy.” Lower‑skill routes were blamed for exploitation spikes and wage suppression; hence the pivot back to graduate‑level roles and higher pay bands.
Audit Your SOC Codes
Map every sponsored role to the new tables. If it has slipped below RQF 6, explore upskilling, role redesign or the new TSL.
Review Salary Budgets
Check the fresh “going rate” for each occupation; uplifts of 10‑14 % are common.
File CoS Early
Certificates of Sponsorship issued before 22 July 2025 lock in old skill rules for that worker’s future extensions.
Re‑Draft Recruitment Ads
Advertising a salary below the new threshold is a refusal trigger.
Update HR Policies & Right‑to‑Work Checklists
Ensure front‑line recruiters know when dependants are banned (TSL) and when social‑care hires must already be onshore.
| Scenario | Your Options |
|---|---|
| Currently on a Skilled Worker visa in a Level 3‑5 occupation | You can extend or change employer after 22 July 2025, but only in the same sub‑RQF role, and only until transitional rules are reviewed. |
| Planning to apply from overseas | Check if your job is RQF 6+ or on the TSL/Immigration Salary List. Otherwise, consider student or alternative routes. |
| Social‑care applicant abroad | New applications closed. Consider retraining or studying in the UK first, then switching in‑country. |
1 July 2025 – Rules laid in Parliament.
8–11 July 2025 – Home Office Teams Town‑Hall briefings (no registration needed).
22 July 2025 – New thresholds take legal effect.
July 2028 – Final date to switch in‑country into the care‑worker route.
Strategic Workforce Mapping – identify which roles remain eligible and design compliant job specs.
Salary Benchmarking – align pay offers with updated ASHE data to avoid refusals.
Licence Management – fast CoS issuance before the 22 July deadline, plus on‑call support during audits.
In‑Country Switch Packages – for care staff and others racing the July 2028 cut‑off.
☎ Book 30 or 60 minute consultation today – call 0207 112 4955
or email admin@ukimmigrationhelp.co.uk
This reform package signals a seismic shift: the UK wants fewer, higher‑paid migrants whose skills drive productivity – not fill short‑term gaps. Proactive compliance today will save refusals, civil penalties and operational headaches tomorrow.
Need tailored advice? Reach out to UK Immigration Help and let our expert solicitors secure your talent pipeline in the new era of UK immigration.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently; always seek tailored guidance.
No. Each SOC 2020 code has its own “going rate”. Some start above £50k, while others (e.g., certain NHS bands) use national pay scales.
No – dependants are barred for TSL‑sponsored workers
If you’re here lawfully you can extend, switch employer, or apply for settlement under current rules until at least July 2028.
The Home Office says the concession “will be reviewed in due course”; no sunset date yet.
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