The-Impact-of-UK-Skilled-Worker-Visa-Changes (1)
                     The Impact of U K  
Ski l led Worker  V i s a  
ChanJugly e202s5: A Strategic Guide for UK Employers
A  Histor ic  Immigrati on 
O erhaul
Most Signifi cant Immediate Impact 
Changes These reforms require 
The UK has implemented immediate attention 
one of the most from business owners, 
significant overhauls of its senior leadership, and 
immigration system in HR teams across major 
recent history. UK cities.
Strategic Focus
Designed to reduce net migration and focus on attracting 
higher- skilled talent to the UK.
Key  Changes  O er iew
The new regulations, effective July 22, 2025, fundamentally reshape how UK employers hire 
international talent.
01 02
Higher  S k i l l  Threshold Increased Sa lary  Requirements
Minimum skill level raised from RQF Level 3 to RQF General salary threshold increased from £38,700 to 
Level 6 (degree-level) for new applications. £41,700 for all new applications.
0 3 04
Re  ised Occupati on L i s t s Care Wor ke r  Restricti ons
Shortage Occupation List replaced with time- Overseas recruitment route closed for care and 
limited Temporary Shortage List until 2026. senior care workers.
Higher  S k i l l  Threshold Impact
The Major Shift
Previously, the minimum skill level was RQF Level 3 (A-levels). 
New rules require RQF Level 6 (degree-level) for all new 
applications.
Approximately 180 occupations are no longer eligible for 
sponsorship, including administrative positions and certain 
technical roles.
This requires employers to completely re-evaluate their recruitment strategies for mid-
skilled roles.
Salary  Threshold Changes
£38,700 £41,700 £ 3 , 0 0 0
Pre  ious Threshold N e w  Threshold Increase Amount
Old minimum salary Current minimum salary for all Additional budget required per 
requirement for Skilled Worker new applications with CoS issued sponsored employee for 
Visa applications. after July 22, 2025. compliance.
Businesses must budget for higher salaries and ensure they meet the "going rate" for specific occupations if 
higher than the general threshold.
Temporary Shortage L i st
Replacement System Time L imitati ons
The Shortage The TSL is time-limited 
Occupation List has until the end of 2026, 
been replaced with an creating uncertainty for 
interim Temporary long-term planning.
Shortage List (TSL).
Dependency 
Restricti ons
Workers sponsored under 
TSL cannot bring 
dependants to the UK, 
reducing role 
attractiveness.
Care Sector C r i s i s
Route Closure
The UK Skilled Worker route is now closed to 
new overseas care and senior care workers.
Existing visa holders are protected under 
transitional arrangements, but new overseas 
recruitment is no longer possible.
The care sector, which relied heavily on international recruitment, now faces significant challenges 
filling critical roles.
Proacti e Miti gati on Strategies
A reactive approach is no longer enough. Your business must act now to mitigate these changes.
Conduct  Workforce  Audit
Review current and planned roles against new RQF Level 6 skill and £41,700 salary 
thresholds.
Re-e  aluate Budget
Ensure financial planning accounts for higher salary thresholds for new hires and 
extensions.
Re  iew Transiti onal  Arrangements
Understand which current sponsored employees are protected by transitional 
provisions.
Strengthen Compliance
Ensure HR systems and record-keeping are impeccable to avoid increased Home Office 
scrutiny.
Strategic Opportunity
Go  ernment Strategy B us iness  Ad   antage 
These reforms represent Proactive businesses can 
a strategic shift strengthen compliance and 
emphasizing domestic talent strategies while 
recruitment and higher- competitors struggle to 
skilled immigration. adapt.
Expert  Support
Navigating without guidance is risky. Professional expertise 
ensures continued ability to attract talent.
Your  Next  Steps
The impact of UK Skilled Worker Visa changes is a reality that businesses must confront 
head-on.
Act  Immediately Seek Expert  Guidance P l a n  Strategically
Begin workforce audits and Partner with experienced Use these changes as an 
compliance reviews to immigration lawyers to opportunity to strengthen 
identify gaps and navigate complex your talent acquisition 
opportunities. regulations safely. strategy.
Conroy Baker Ltd. has extensive experience helping businesses in London, Manchester, and Birmingham adapt to 
evolving immigration rules.