UK Immigration Changes –July 2025 (HC 997)
Elaborate Summary of UK Immigration Changes –July 2025 (HC 997)
1. Overview
On 1 July 2025, the UK government released a series of immigration rule changes under Statement of Changes HC 997. Most updates will come into effect on 22 July 2025. The changes cover salary thresholds for Skilled Workers, closing the care worker route to new applicants, redefining rules for dependent’s, and refining transitional protections for individuals already in the UK under specific roles. These rules aim to tighten access to work-based immigration while protecting the existing workforce under transitional provisions.
2. Salary Threshold Increases
Significant increases have been made to salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa route. These changes affect new applications and those switching roles within the UK. The adjustments are based on the 25th percentile of full-time earnings from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
| Category | Previous Salary | New Salary |
| General threshold (Row A) | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| New entrants (Row C/D/E) | £30,960 | £33,400 |
| Lower threshold (Row G) | £26,100 | £28,200 |
| Row B (Education roles) | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| Row F (Public sector workers) | £29,000 | £31,300 |
3. Health and Care Worker Route
The care worker route under SOC codes 6135 (Care Workers) and 6136 (Senior Care Workers) will be closed to new overseas applicants from 22 July 2025. Only individuals who held a Skilled Worker visa in these roles before this date can extend their stay, change employers (if continuously employed), or apply for settlement. Employers may still sponsor these individuals for internal transfers provided they have worked for the organization for at least 3 months. These transitional rights will expire on 22 July 2028.
4. Student Visa Restrictions
Student visa holders can no longer switch into the Care Worker or Senior Care Worker roles after 22 July 2025 unless they previously held Skilled Worker permission in that job. Switching into other Skilled Worker eligible roles, such as Nursing Assistant (SOC 6131), remains permitted if other conditions are met, including salary thresholds and sponsorship requirements.
5. Dependants and Family Members
New rules restrict who can bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route. A child may only be sponsored if the main visa holder is in an eligible role listed in the new Appendix Skilled Occupations (Tables 1–3). Exceptions apply to legacy care workers (SOC 6145, 6146, 6135, 6136) who were granted permission before the new cut-off dates and have maintained continuous leave. These changes limit new family migration for future care worker applicants.
6. Transitional Provisions
Applicants who were granted permission under a now-restricted route before the cut-off date (22 July 2025 for care roles) may continue extending their visas and applying for settlement if they meet continuity rules. Employers can continue to sponsor care workers until July 2028 if they meet the 3-month employment requirement. These provisions ensure minimal disruption to the existing workforce.
7. Temporary Shortage Occupation List
A new Temporary Shortage Occupation List has replaced the previous Shortage Occupation List and will remain valid until 31 December 2026. Roles such as HR Officers, Payroll Clerks, Electricians, Welders, and certain Design Technicians are included. Applications made under this list are still subject to the new salary thresholds.