The United Kingdom Changes to Skilled Worker Visa for 2025

Key Points 

• The United Kingdom raises skill and salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas and introduces a Temporary Shortage List for select mid-level roles 

U.K. Skilled Worker Visa Reform 

The United Kingdom (U.K.) will implement major changes to the Skilled Worker visa route effective 22 July 2025. These changes include increased salary thresholds, a raised skill level requirement and new restrictions for certain roles. To qualify for sponsorship, roles must now be assessed at RQF Level 6 or above, equivalent to graduate-level jobs. This change removes eligibility for over 180 previously accepted occupations. Transitional arrangements will allow current Skilled Worker visa holders in roles below RQF Level 6 to continue extending their visas, though this is a temporary measure subject to review.

Salary thresholds have also increased across all categories. The new minimum salaries are:

• Skilled Worker visa: £41,700
• PhD relevant to the job: £37,500
• STEM PhD, Immigration Salary List, or New Entrant: £33,400
• Extensions for applications submitted before April 2024: £31,300
• Global Business Mobility: £52,500

All salaries must meet both the general threshold and the occupation-specific going rate.

To address short-term labor needs, the U.K. has introduced a Temporary Shortage List. This list includes roles at RQF Levels 3 to 5 that are considered in shortage or critical to the U.K. However, sponsored workers in these roles will not be permitted to bring family members to the U.K. starting 22 July 2025.

Health and Care visa holders already in the U.K. under SOC codes 6135 and 6136 can extend their visas until 22 July 2028. In-country switching into these roles remains possible only if the employee has worked for the sponsoring provider for at least three months. New applications for entry clearance under these codes will close on 22 July 2025.

These changes align with the UK’s broader strategy to reduce net migration and prioritize high-skilled workers. Additional reforms are anticipated. Notably, the latest Statement of Changes does not yet include proposed amendments to Indefinite Leave to Remain eligibility, extending the qualifying period from five to ten years, or the planned 32% increase to the Immigration Skills Charge.