LONDON, 1 July 2025 — The UK Government today laid the first set of Immigration Rule changes before Parliament as part of its new immigration strategy, aimed at reducing net migration, raising skills thresholds, and restoring confidence in the points-based system.
The reforms represent a decisive shift towards building a high-skilled, high-wage economy by reducing reliance on lower-skilled overseas recruitment. These measures are the first phase in delivering the commitments set out in the Government’s recently published Immigration White Paper: Restoring Control Over the Immigration System (View White Paper).
Key Changes Announced:
Skilled Worker Visa Reforms
The skill threshold for Skilled Worker visas has been raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6, targeting graduate-level roles. As a result, over 100 occupations have been removed from eligibility.
Transitional arrangements will allow current visa holders to remain in sub-RQF Level 6 roles if they were in the UK before 22 July 2025. These arrangements will be subject to review.
Updated Salary Requirements
Salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up visa routes have been updated in line with the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. These changes apply immediately, with no transitional arrangements.
Social Care Visa Restrictions
The Social Care visa route has been closed to overseas applicants amid growing concerns over abuse and exploitation within the sector. However, in-country switching to the social care route will be permitted until July 2028 to support existing workers.
Temporary Shortage List (TSL) Introduction
A new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is being introduced to provide time-limited access to roles below RQF Level 6, ensuring critical labor gaps can be addressed without undermining broader migration controls. Importantly, TSL roles will not allow visa holders to bring dependents.
The TSL will operate alongside the existing Immigration Salary List, which continues to reflect roles identified by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
A New Era for the UK’s Immigration System
The Government states these reforms are essential to ensuring the UK’s immigration system works in the national interest, supporting higher wages, improved productivity, and economic growth.
Further changes are expected as the UK continues to overhaul its approach to migration in line with the priorities outlined in the Immigration White Paper.
Written by: LIIE IMMIGRATION
