UNITED KINGDOM – Update to UKVI Statement of Changes.

July 4, 2025


By: Sachini Gamage and Shelley Mohan

On July 1, 2025, UKVI published the latest Statement of Changes, further clarifying proposals outlined in the “White Paper” published on May 12, 2025. The significant changes effective from July 22, 2025, are outlined in this article.

Changes to the Skilled Worker and other work routes.

  • The RQF level (skill level) will be increased to RQF 6 (equivalent to Degree Level).
  • Skilled Workers currently employed under RQF Level 3-5 occupations can continue to remain in the same occupation and renew their visas. These transitional arrangements will not be in place indefinitely.
  • All general salary thresholds in the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes have been up-rated in line with the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. 
There are no transitional arrangements for applicants extending or changing employer after July 22, 2025.
  • Entry clearance applications for Skilled Workers in care roles (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) are to be closed immediately, with in-country applications for switching from other visa routes remaining available until July 22, 2028.

Salary threshold increases.

Skilled Worker Visa.

  • Threshold starting salary will increase from £38,700 to £41,700 per year.
  • The minimum hourly rate has been set at £17.13.
  • Other tradeable points for applicants such as new entrants will also increase from £30,960 to £33,400 per year. PHD/Immigration Salary List (ISL) salaries are also being increased.

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa​.

  • Threshold starting salary will increase from £48,500 to £52,500.

Graduate Trainee Visa.

  • Threshold starting salary will increase from £25,410 to £27,300.

Immigration Salary List (ISL) and Temporary Shortage List (TSL).

The ISL contains occupations eligible for Skilled Worker visas which the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) have identified as having labor shortages. The occupations under this list are eligible for discounted salaries. The stated changes will replace the ISL with a TSL, and the ISL will be phased out.

The TSL will be regularly reviewed and temporary measures will enable certain occupations below RQF Level 6 to be eligible for the Skilled Worker route. The occupations added to the TSL will have removal dates set at the end of 2026 with the exception of adult social care where there are specific separate arrangements.

Dependant family members.

  • Workers sponsored in occupations on either TSL/ISL list at RQF Levels 3-5 will not be able to bring dependants to the UK.
  • Workers sponsored under a RQF Level 6 occupation will be able to bring dependants.
  • Workers sponsored in occupations at RQF levels 3-5 who are already on the Skilled Worker route before the changes take effect will be able to bring dependants.

What does this mean for you as a sponsor?

The changes to skills threshold are likely to have an impact on businesses who wish to sponsor overseas workers in occupations below RQF level 6. The increased skill level from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 will result in the reduction of approximately 180 currently eligible occupations. Sponsors can continue to sponsor applicants who are already sponsored on the route when the changes come into effect.

Employers are advised to conduct a salary audit of all sponsored workers and identify any individual whose pay will fall short of the new minimum thresholds. Sponsored workers under RQF 3-5 roles will need to be earning the correct amount when they next apply to remain in the UK, as there are no transitional arrangements relating to these increases. New roles with Certificate of Sponsorships (CoS) assigned on or after July 22, 2025, must comply with the higher thresholds.

Employers intending to fill roles below RQF level 6 are advised to ensure these roles appear on either the revised ISL or the new TSL. Where a job is not present on either list, it is no longer eligible for sponsorship unless a CoS has been issued prior to July 22, 2025.

What does this mean for you as a Skilled Worker?

If you are currently employed under a RQF Level 3-5 occupation, you can still remain on the Skilled Worker visa route and renew your visa. You are also allowed to bring your dependants to the UK. However, if you are sponsored under a RQF Level 3-5 occupation after July 22, 2025, you will not be able to bring your dependants to the UK.

If you are currently employed under a RQF Level 6 occupation, you will not be affected, and you will be able to bring your dependants to the UK after July 22, 2025.

Please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement. We are here to help.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.