UK Skilled Worker and Global Mobility route changes – 22 July 2025
The initial reforms outlined in the government’s White Paper in May are set to take effect soon. In this article, we outline the upcoming changes, including the anticipated increases in salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa route.
Key Skilled Worker salary updates
All occupation-specific going rates in Appendix Skilled Occupations will be uprated in line with the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The minimum salaries are:
| Category | Old Minimum Salary | New Minimum Salary |
| Skilled Worker visa | £38,700 | £41,700* |
| Skilled Worker: PhD relevant to the job (10% discount) | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| Skilled Worker: PhD in a STEM subject, Immigration Salary List, or New Entrant (20% discount) | £30,960 | £33,400 |
| SW: Extensions for applications submitted before April 2024 | £29,000 | £31,300 |
| Global Business Mobility | £45,800 | £52,500 |
Skilled thresholds raised
As of 22 July, Certificates of Sponsorship must be issued to occupations assessed at RQF level 6 or above, which is equivalent to university-level jobs. A significant number of lower-skilled occupations will no longer meet sponsorship criteria unless they qualify via a shortage concession.
Transitional arrangements are in place for those currently in the UK under the Skilled Worker route—they can continue to extend in roles below NQF level 6. This is a temporary measure and will be reviewed in due course.
Health and Care visa
Individuals already in the UK as care workers and senior care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) can extend their visas until 22 July 2028. In-country switching into these codes remains possible but only if the employee has already worked for the sponsoring provider for at least three months. New applications for entry clearance under these codes will end on 22 July 2025.
Shortage lists
A new Temporary Shortage List has been introduced to sit alongside the Immigration Salary List. These lists include many roles classified at RQF Levels 3 to 5 and are either deemed to be in shortage or a critical need to the UK. From 22 July 2025, sponsored workers undertaking roles from either list will not be permitted to bring family members to the UK.
Next steps
22 July 2025 is the critical date. Employers should check whether they are sponsoring workers who might be impacted by the new skill and salary thresholds.
In the medium term, review your current workforce and verify if any sponsored employees’ pay will fall below the new minimum thresholds when their visas are up for renewal.
If employing staff in roles on one of the shortage lists, ensure both recruiters and candidates are aware of restrictions on bringing family members to the UK.
Be aware that further changes are on the horizon. The latest Statement of Changes does not address proposed amendments to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) eligibility (from 5 to 10 years) or the planned 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge.
A better way to manage global immigration
With changes comes complexity. Until these new rules are well understood, we recommend seeking clarification from qualified immigration advisers or colleagues. Mistakes can be costly, especially for employees whose relocation depends on securing their visa authorisation on time.
If you would like to find out more about the integrated global immigration services offered by Smith Stone Walters and our parent company Envoy Global, please contact us today.
