Introduction
Major immigration reforms are taking effect on 22 July 2025, reshaping the UK Skilled Worker visa landscape. These new rules—outlined in Statement of Changes HC 997—tighten eligibility criteria, increase salary thresholds, and restrict routes below RQF Level 6. For many businesses and migrants, the window to act is rapidly closing.
This blog answers the most frequently asked questions and provides clear, practical advice. If you're an employer, care provider, or skilled migrant, understanding these changes is critical—and acting now could be the difference between success and rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes July 2025
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we're receiving:
1. What roles will be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship after 22 July 2025?
New applicants to the Skilled Worker visa route must be sponsored in a role equivalent to RQF Level 6 or above; here is the full RQF level 6 occupation list (effective 22 July 2025). Over 100 occupation codes previously eligible will no longer qualify after 22 July 2025. Roles like Chef (5434), Care Workers (6135), Senior Care Workers (6136), and Restaurant Manager are being removed from the eligible list.
2. Has the minimum salary for Skilled Workers increased?
Yes, the general minimum salary for a Skilled Worker is increasing; here is a guide for new skilled worker salary thresholds from 22 July 2025. If a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is assigned after 22 July 2025, it must meet the new salary requirements.
3. Can existing Skilled Workers in roles below RQF Level 6 continue in their jobs?
Yes, there are transitional protections in place. If you are already on a Skilled Worker visa or had a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned before 22 July 2025, you can continue in your current role, extend your permission, change employment, and remain sponsored in roles below RQF Level 6.
4. What happens to applications in process before 22 July 2025?
Skilled Worker visa applications submitted with a CoS assigned prior to 22 July 2025 will be considered under the previous rules. This underscores the importance of prompt action for those aiming to apply under the current regulations.
5. Can Skilled Workers in roles below RQF Level 6 bring their dependants to the UK?
No, after the changes on 22 July 2025, Skilled Workers newly sponsored in occupations at RQF Levels 3 to 5 (through the Temporary Shortage List or the Immigration Salary List) cannot bring their dependants to the UK. The Immigration Rules do not bar them from Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but reaching 5 years depends on being able to extend, and a job that relies on either list qualifies only where the CoS is issued before 31 December 2026 (22 July 2028 for care workers and senior care workers). If you are considering switching to the Skilled Worker route for a role between RQF Levels 3 to 5, you should ensure your dependants' applications are submitted before these changes take effect.
6. As an existing Skilled Worker, can I bring dependants to the UK?
Yes, if you are already on a Skilled Worker visa, you can still bring dependants to the UK—even after the 22 July 2025 changes, provided your visa or CoS was issued before that date. However, there’s an exception for Care Workers (6135) and Senior Care Workers (6136): if your visa was granted on or after 11 March 2024, you cannot bring dependants, as per earlier policy changes.
7. As an existing Skilled Worker, what changes are coming for me?
If you're already on a Skilled Worker visa or have a CoS issued before 22 July 2025, the new rules will not affect most aspects of your visa. You can continue your current job, switch employers, or extend your visa—even if your role is below RQF Level 6. The only important change is that your salary must meet the new minimum threshold. As long as your salary complies with the updated requirement, you can maintain your visa status under transitional protections.
8. What about the Temporary Shortage List and Salary List?
Both lists continue. The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) opens certain RQF 3 to 5 roles to sponsorship with no salary discount, and the Immigration Salary List (ISL) gives a lower general salary threshold. A job on either list qualifies only where the CoS is issued before 31 December 2026, except care workers and senior care workers on the ISL, where the date is 22 July 2028. Workers newly sponsored below RQF Level 6 through either list cannot bring dependants. For the rules that apply to an application today, see our Skilled Worker eligibility and salary guide.
9. Are Care Workers and Senior Care Workers still eligible for the Health & Care Worker Visa/Skilled Worker visa?
No, new overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers will end. Entry clearance applications for these roles will close from 22 July 2025. However, two in-country exceptions apply. A worker switching from another route can be sponsored as a care worker or senior care worker if they apply before 22 July 2028 and have legally worked for the sponsor in that role for at least the three months ending on the date the CoS is issued. A worker who already holds Skilled Worker permission as a care worker or senior care worker can extend or change sponsor, with no three-month requirement and no end date.
10. What is the new salary threshold for Skilled Workers?
The general salary threshold is increasing from £38,700 to £41,700. There are no transitional arrangements for salary—all CoS assigned after 22 July must meet the new pay levels.
11. Can I still apply as a Chef or Care Worker?
Only if your CoS is assigned before 22 July 2025. After that, these roles will be removed from the Skilled Worker route.
12. What should employers do now given these changes?
If you already have a sponsor licence, apply for your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) immediately, using the priority service if needed. Any CoS assigned before 22 July 2025 will still be valid, even for roles being removed from the list. If you don't yet have a sponsor licence, apply now and request priority processing. Once approved, assign the CoS before 22 July.
13. What should employees or applicants do now?
If you already have a UK employer who wants to sponsor you, push them to act fast. Ask them to apply for the licence or issue your CoS now. After 22 July, you may no longer qualify if your job doesn't meet the new RQF Level 6 threshold.
Why Act Fast Now? The 22 July 2025 Deadline
The deadline of 22 July 2025 is critical. After this date, the rules change significantly, and opportunities for certain roles will close. For employers, any Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned before this date will remain valid, even for roles that will no longer be eligible later. For migrant workers, if your job falls under an RQF Level 3-5 occupation code that is being removed (like Chef or Senior Care Worker), this is your last window to apply under the current rules.
Here is the video of the CEO of WorkPermitCloud explaining the things to do before the 22nd of July as an employer/employee:
How Can WorkPermitCloud Help?
WorkPermitCloud offers a Priority Service to help you beat the 22 July deadline.
Whether you're:
◆ An employer needing a fast-tracked sponsor licence,
◆ A sponsor trying to issue urgent CoS,
◆ Or a Skilled Worker at risk of becoming ineligible—
We’ll ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.
✅ Priority licence applications
✅ Fast CoS assignments
✅ Strategic eligibility reviews
✅ Expert immigration support within 24 hours
👉 Submit a Priority Service Request now: Submit Here
📞 Call us: +44 020 8087 2343
📧 Email: info@workpermitcloud.co.uk
📅 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/lutfur-workpermitcloud
Act fast—before the rules shut the door.
Conclusion
The clock is ticking. From 22 July 2025, the Skilled Worker visa route will undergo one of its most dramatic shifts in years. If your job or sponsored role falls below RQF Level 6, the opportunity to stay, work, or settle in the UK could be lost.
Whether you're a migrant, sponsor, or employer—this is your last chance to benefit from the current immigration rules. Don’t leave it too late.
WorkPermitCloud is ready to support you—submit your request today and let’s make it happen.
Glossary
Term | Definition |
| Skilled Worker Visa | A UK visa route for overseas workers with a job offer in an eligible occupation from a licensed sponsor. |
| RQF Level 6 | Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 6 typically includes graduate-level roles such as managers, engineers, and professionals. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | A digital reference number issued by a UK sponsor, required to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. |
| Sponsor Licence | Permission granted by the Home Office to UK employers allowing them to sponsor foreign workers. |
| Dependants | Family members (spouse/partner and children) who can apply to join a Skilled Worker in the UK. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residence status in the UK, typically granted after 5 years of lawful stay under eligible routes. |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | A list of occupations that can be sponsored with a lower general salary threshold, where the CoS is issued before 31 December 2026 (22 July 2028 for care workers and senior care workers). |
| Temporary Shortage List (TSL) | A time-limited list, running alongside the ISL, that allows certain RQF Level 3–5 roles to be sponsored with no salary discount where the CoS is issued before 31 December 2026. |
| New Entrant Route | A Skilled Worker salary concession available for younger applicants or recent graduates starting their careers. |
| Transitional Arrangements | Temporary protections for migrants or sponsors who applied before new immigration rules take effect. |
