New UK Business Immigration Rules: Key Impacts for Skilled Workers and the Care Sector

The UK Government has published a significant Business Immigration Update in the form of Statement of Changes HC 997, released on 2 July 2025. These amendments will have wide-reaching implications for employers and individuals using the Skilled Worker route, with some of the most immediate effects felt in the care sector.

The latest changes build on earlier updates announced in Statement of Changes HC 836 (24 June 2025), which included clarifications on EUSS continuous residence and long residence rules.

However, it is the new provisions, effective from 22 July 2025, that mark a decisive shift in the UK's immigration policy, aligned with the government's strategic aims of "higher skills, lower numbers and tighter controls."

Key Changes to the Skilled Worker Route

Salary Threshold Raised to £41,700

From 22 July 2025, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will rise to £41,700, up from £38,700. This applies to Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) issued on or after that date. Updated "going rates" will apply accordingly.

Some exceptions remain: health and education roles, and those under transitional salary bands (H–K), will retain a lower threshold of £25,000 per annum for now.

Skill level requirement elevated to degree level

The minimum skill requirement for most sponsored roles is now RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree).

1. This shift will render approximately 100 to 180 occupations ineligible for sponsorship under the general Skilled Worker route.

Introduction of a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL)

A new interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL) will be implemented from 22 July 2025:

1. It grants time-limited access for specific RQF Level 3–5 roles identified as critical.
2. The TSL will remain in place until 31 December 2026, subject to review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

Dependant Rules Tightened

As of 22 July 2025, sponsored workers in RQF 3–5 roles (including those on the TSL) will no longer be permitted to bring dependents to the UK

1. This brings these rules into line with existing restrictions already applied to care workers.

Impact on the Care Sector

The most immediate and acute consequences of these changes will be felt in health and social care:

1. From 22 July 2025, the recruitment of overseas care workers for   new entry clearance will close entirely.
2. Limited in-country switching will still be allowed until 22 July 2028, but only in specific circumstances, such as having worked with the sponsor for at least three months.
3. After this date, care roles will be fully removed from all shortage lists, presenting major challenges for providers relying on finding new overseas recruitment.

We are starting to work with businesses in  the Care Sector to consider which visa will need to be renewed before the deadline of 22 July 2028 and devise a clear strategy for its existing migrant workforce.

What employers and applicants need to do now

Employers

You should urgently review your sponsorship and recruitment plans, especially if you rely on roles that fall below RQF Level 6 or pay less than the new salary threshold.

1. Where possible, assign Certificates of Sponsorship and submit Skilled Worker visa applications before 22 July 2025 to take advantage of current rules.

Individuals

If you are considering applying under the Skilled Worker route, it's essential to:

1. Check your eligibility against the new salary and skill level requirements.
2. Plan your application timeline accordingly, especially if you're aiming to qualify under the existing criteria before they change.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with one of our Business Immigration lawyers, please don't hesitate to get in touch.