Big changes are coming to UK immigration! Starting July 22, 2025, new rules will make it harder for some people to come to or stay in the UK. This is a “reset” by the government to control who comes in.
If you’re planning to live or work in the UK, it’s super important to understand these updates.
1. Skilled Worker Visa: Higher Job & Salary Rules
The Skilled Worker visa, which is for people coming to work in the UK, is getting tougher:
- Higher Skill Level for Jobs: Your job must now be at a degree level (RQF 6) or higher. Before, some A-level equivalent jobs qualified. This means about 180 types of jobs will no longer be eligible for this visa.
- Higher Minimum Salary: The general salary you need to be paid is going up from £38,700 to £41,700 per year. If you have a PhD or are a “new entrant” (just starting your career), the minimums also increase. These new, higher salaries apply to both new applications and when you renew your visa.
Note: Your job needs to be more skilled and pay more money to get this visa.
2. Care Worker Visa Closed for New Overseas Applicants
This is a big one: from July 22, 2025, the UK will stop allowing new overseas applications for Care Worker visas (SOC 6135 and 6136). This means UK care homes generally won’t be able to hire new care workers from outside the UK.
Note: If you’re a care worker outside the UK hoping to get a visa, you won’t be able to apply after this date. If you’re already in the UK as a care worker, there are temporary rules that might let you stay or extend your visa until July 2028.
3. No Family for Some Lower-Skilled Workers
If you get a work visa for a job that’s on a special “Temporary Shortage List” (these are jobs below the new degree-level requirement), you won’t be able to bring your family (dependants) with you from July 22, 2025. This is to help control the total number of people entering the UK.
Note: Some jobs won’t allow you to bring your family , contact FederPath to learn more.
4. EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Gets a Bit Easier
Good news for some EU citizens! From July 16, 2025, the rules for getting settled status (permanent residency) under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) are changing.
Before, if you were out of the UK for too long, it could stop you from getting settled status. Now, if you have pre-settled status, you might get settled status if you’ve lived in the UK for at least 30 months total in the last five years. These 30 months don’t need to be in a row!
Note: It’s now easier for some with pre-settled status to get permanent residency, even if they had some longer absences. Contact FederPath to learn more on this.
5. Other Important Things Coming Soon
- Higher Fees for Employers: Later in 2025, the fee that employers pay to sponsor a skilled worker (called the Immigration Skills Charge) will increase by about 32%.
- Tougher English Tests: Expect stricter English language requirements for many visa types later this year.
- New Family Visa Rules: The government also plans to introduce a new set of rules for family visas, which could bring more changes.
What Should You Do Now?
These are big changes! It’s important to:
- Stay Informed: Keep checking official UK government websites for the latest details.
- Act Fast (if you can): If you’re planning to apply for a visa, especially a Skilled Worker or Care Worker visa, see if you can apply before July 22, 2025, to fall under the current rules.
- FederPath Advice: UK immigration rules are tricky. Talk to an Immigration Consultant expert to understand exactly how these changes affect you.
The UK’s immigration system is changing a lot. Knowing these new rules now will help you plan your future in the UK.