The UK government has introduced significant updates to its immigration rules in 2025, aiming to reshape the Skilled Worker route and close certain humanitarian pathways. These changes, outlined in a comprehensive Statement of Changes from the Home Office, are important for international students, skilled workers, and their sponsors to understand. This blog highlights the most impactful changes and their implications.
Changes to the Skilled Worker Route
Increased Skill Threshold
The minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visa applicants has been raised from RQF level 3 back to RQF level 6. This means jobs that are considered medium-skilled (e.g. care assistants, junior chefs, etc.) will no longer qualify unless exceptions apply. The change is intended to reduce the misuse of lower-skilled roles and to better protect overseas workers from exploitation.
Reduced Eligible Occupations
With the increase in the skill threshold, around 180 occupations have been removed from the eligible list. However, existing Skilled Workers in those occupations, or those who have already applied successfully before the change, can continue under transitional arrangements.
Salary Threshold Updates
Routine updates to salary requirements are also implemented, based on the latest wage data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). This ensures that salaries for sponsored roles reflect current market conditions. Unlike the skill level changes, no transitional arrangements will apply to salary increases.
Restructuring of Skilled Occupation Lists
The Skilled Occupation Lists have been restructured to clearly distinguish between roles above and below RQF level 6. New tables have been introduced and salary bands updated accordingly. There are also corrections for Scotland-specific salary rates.
Temporary Shortage Lists
The Immigration Salary List will be phased out and replaced with a Temporary Shortage List. Occupations below RQF 6 can only qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship if included in this new list. The entries on the Temporary Shortage List will expire by the end of 2026, unless extended. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will review these entries based on industry workforce strategies and employer commitments.
Importantly, workers in roles under RQF 6 sponsored via the Temporary Shortage List will no longer be allowed to bring dependents, with limited exceptions.
Care Sector Restrictions
The government is ending new overseas recruitment for care workers (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) through entry clearance routes. This decision follows serious concerns over non-compliance and exploitation. However, those switching from another visa inside the UK may still apply until 22 July 2028, provided they have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least three months.
To close a potential loophole, the role of “nursing auxiliaries” (code 6131) is now clarified to apply only to registered medical environments.
Closure of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
The ARAP route, designed to support Afghan citizens who helped UK forces, will close to new principal applicants from 1 July 2025 at 15:00 BST. Over 21,000 individuals have already relocated under this scheme. The closure follows a government decision that the scheme has fulfilled its purpose and aims to prevent a last-minute surge in applications, most of which have historically been found ineligible.
Family reunification applications will still be allowed for those who applied before the deadline. The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) is also winding down, although pending family applications will continue to be processed.
Other Technical Adjustments
- Neonatal care leave has been added as a valid reason for work absences under sponsored roles.
- Minor corrections have been made to clarify rules, fix drafting issues, and ensure consistency across the Immigration Rules.
What These Changes Mean for Applicants
For Skilled Workers
- If your job is now classified below RQF 6, you may no longer qualify unless it appears on a shortage list.
- You must meet the new salary thresholds, and dependents may not be permitted in some job categories.
- Those already on the Skilled Worker route before July 2025 are protected under transitional rules, for now.
For Employers and Sponsors
- Be prepared to review your recruitment strategies and salary structures.
- Ensure compliance with the updated criteria and prepare for new responsibilities regarding sponsor checks.
For International Students and Future Migrants
- The Skilled Worker route may become more selective and competitive.
- Long-term planning, choosing the right course (preferably at RQF level 6 or above), and engaging with trusted advisors is key.
Final Thoughts
These immigration updates mark a major shift in how the UK manages work-related migration. The government’s clear intention is to raise standards, reduce exploitation, and promote sustainable employment. For students considering their career paths or graduates preparing to switch to work visas, it’s essential to stay informed, choose strategically, and prepare early.
If you’re considering applying for a UK visa, switching your status, or planning your academic journey toward employability, Universitio is here to help you navigate the process. Book a free consultation with us today.
