The UK government has announced a series of substantial reforms to the UK Skilled Worker visa route, effective from 22 July 2025. These changes are designed to tighten eligibility, raise salary thresholds, and reduce net migration, while better aligning the visa system with the country’s labour market priorities.

Below is an overview of the key changes to the UK Skilled Worker system:

1. End of “New Entrant” Discount

The current salary discount for “new entrants”—including recent graduates and individuals under 26—will be scrapped. Moving forward, all applicants under the UK Skilled Worker visa must meet the full salary requirement, with no reductions based on age or limited experience.

Example: A recent Master’s graduate applying under the Skilled Worker UK visa route must now meet the same salary criteria as experienced professionals.

2. Unified Salary Threshold Structure

A new, standardised salary threshold will be introduced. Applicants must meet either this general threshold or the full “going rate” for their job—whichever is higher. This update removes all previous allowances and discounts.

Note: All applications for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) submitted under the UK Skilled Worker route after 22 July 2025 must comply with these new salary requirements.

3. Removal of Care Workers from Skilled Worker Eligibility

A major change to the UK Skilled Worker visa list is the removal of care workers and senior care workers from eligibility. New visa applications and extensions for these roles will be prohibited after 22 July 2025, with only limited transitional provisions available.

This shift comes amid rising concerns over exploitation, abuse, and non-compliance in the care sector. Employers in this field will no longer be able to hire overseas workers under the Skilled Worker UK system.

However, existing care workers may remain in the UK under transitional measures, provided they:

• Were employed by their sponsor for at least three months prior to 22 July 2025.
• Apply for extensions or switches before 22 July 2028.

4. Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL)

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be retained until December 2026, but will be gradually phased out. Replacing it will be the new Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL) for certain RQF Level 3–5 roles, including care and trades.

Key Restrictions for TSOL Visas:

• No dependants allowed
• Temporary only – no path to settlement
• Mandatory workforce training plans from employers
• Care roles will be removed entirely from TSOL after 2026

This TSOL track is distinct from the main UK Skilled Worker route and is intended as a strictly short-term labour solution.

5. Transitional Provisions for Current Skilled Worker Care Employees

Care workers already on a UK Skilled Worker visa may renew or switch their status once if they:

• Were employed by their sponsor for at least three months prior to 22 July 2025.
• Meet the new salary thresholds.
• Do not include dependants in their application.
• Are in roles still listed under TSOL at the time of application.

6. Tougher Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Criteria

From 2028, settlement under the UK Skilled Worker visa will become more difficult for care workers. Once care roles are removed from the eligibility list, they will no longer qualify for settlement or renewal.

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, care workers will need to:

• Transition to an eligible RQF Level 6+ job.
• Maintain five years of continuous sponsorship in a qualifying role.

7. Additional Upcoming Immigration Reforms (Late 2025)

The Home Office has hinted at further changes to UK immigration policy by the end of 2025, including:

• Increased Immigration Skills Charge
• Tougher English language standards
• New Family Migration Framework
• Note: The proposal to increase the ILR residence requirement from five to ten years has not yet been implemented.

Conclusion: Prepare for a More Demanding Skilled Worker Landscape

The changes taking effect from 22 July 2025 mark the most significant tightening of the UK Skilled Worker visa route since Brexit. With higher salary thresholds, stricter job eligibility, and the exclusion of entire occupations such as care workers, the UK government is clearly prioritising high-skilled migration and reducing overall immigration volumes.

Employers and applicants alike must be prepared for:

• Fewer visas granted
• Stricter compliance checks
• A stronger focus on domestic workforce development

To stay ahead, employers should review their long-term hiring and sponsorship strategies, while applicants must ensure they fully understand the new rules and meet the rising standards of the UK Skilled Worker system.

You may contact us by filling out our Quick Enquiry form whenever you need professional support or have questions about your UK Immigration. Alternatively, you can call us during office hours on 07544669131 / 0116 3800 744

Cross Border Legal Solicitors Ltd is a UK Solicitor law firm regulated by under the Solicitor Regulations Authority. It is Headed by Mr Tito Mbariti, a UK Immigration and Human Rights Solicitor practising lawyer and member of the Law Society of England and Wales.