UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025: Key Changes and Implications

Introduction to UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025

A major overhaul of the UK's Skilled Worker Visa scheme has been confirmed, coming into force in July 2025. These reforms, outlined in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997), aim to reduce net migration, prioritize high-skilled workers, and address labor market exploitation. Key updates include an elevated skills threshold, increased salary requirements, and restrictions on dependent applications.

For more detailed analysis of UK visa changes, visit our Visa Updates Blog.

Key Changes in the UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025

1. Higher Skills Threshold: RQF Level 6 Requirement

The cornerstone of the 2025 UK Skilled Worker Visa reforms is the substantial elevation of qualification requirements, moving from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6

• Impact: Over 100–180 occupations (e.g., care workers, construction roles) will no longer qualify for new visas.

• Transition Protection: The updated regulations include a safeguard allowing workers with CoS approval predating July 22, 2025 to extend stays or switch sponsors while remaining governed by the previous eligibility criteria.

• Short-Term Exemption: Certain occupations at RQF Levels 3-5 will remain eligible through the Temporary Shortage List, though this provision will expire on December 31, 2026.

For a full list of affected occupations, check our Skilled Worker Visa Occupation Guide.

2. Stricter Dependent Visa Rules

The UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025 introduce new restrictions on bringing dependents:

• RQF 3–5 roles: No dependents allowed for new applicants.

• Care workers: Overseas recruitment banned; in-country workers can switch until 2028 but cannot bring new dependents.

• Exemptions: UK-born children or sole parental responsibility cases are unaffected.

Read more about UK Dependent Visa Rules.

3. Increased Minimum Salary Thresholds

Salary requirements under the UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025 have risen significantly:

Category	Previous Threshold	New Threshold (From July 22, 2025)
General (Option A)	£38,700	£41,700
PhD Holders (Option B)	£34,830	£37,500
STEM PhD Holders (Option C)	£30,960	£33,400
New Entrants (Option E)	£30,960	£33,400

For salary calculator tools, visit our UK Visa Salary Checker.

4. End of Overseas Care Worker Recruitment

Effective July 22, 2025, the UK will cease issuing Health and Care Worker Visas to newly recruited overseas care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) following reports of worker exploitation.

• Transition Period: In-country workers can switch roles until 2028.

• Rationale: Curbing abuse and reducing reliance on low-paid migrant labor.

Learn about alternatives in our Care Worker Visa Alternatives Guide.

Impact of UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025

For Employers

• Talent Shortages: Difficulty hiring for RQF 3–5 roles.

• Higher Costs: Increased salaries and potential rise in Immigration Skills Charge.

• Action Needed: Audit roles, issue CoS before July 22, 2025, and review salary structures.

For employer compliance support, see our Sponsorship License Guide.

For Applicants

• New Applicants: Must secure RQF 6 roles or TSL positions.

• Existing Workers: Benefit from transitional rules but must meet new salary thresholds for extensions.

• Dependent Restrictions: Families of lower-skilled workers may no longer qualify.

Check your eligibility with our Skilled Worker Visa Assessment Tool.

Conclusion: Navigating UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025

The UK Skilled Worker Visa Reforms 2025 represent a major shift toward a high-skill, high-wage immigration system. Employers and applicants must adapt quickly to new salary thresholds, skills requirements, and dependent restrictions.

For the latest updates, always refer to the UK Government Immigration Portal and our Visa Updates Blog.