Podcast | Workforce WorldView

    Major UK Immigration Changes Enforced on 22 July 2025 – What Do Employers Need to Know?

    July 2025
    Region: Europe
    Featuring:

    UK immigration news is a hot topic for employers, especially as the new UK immigration rules take effect, making it more costly and complex to sponsor workers from overseas. We join May Cheung and Annabel Mace as they talk through the recent reforms and their implications for sponsoring employers. While the discussion was recorded prior to the new UK immigration rules, it outlines steps to take following the UK visa updates, as well as future changes proposed in the recent UK immigration white paper.

    A few key points from the discussion:

    What new immigration rules are introduced on 22 July 2025?

    The major UK visa updates include elevating the skill level for the Skilled Worker category back to RQF level 6, meaning many roles no longer qualify for sponsorship. However, transitional arrangements allow current skilled workers to continue their employment and apply for extensions.

    Are roles below RQF level 6 no longer eligible for sponsorship?

    Not entirely. The new Temporary Shortage List permits sponsorship for 52 roles below RQF level 6, but this is temporary while the Migration Advisory Committee assesses what roles to include on the list to address long-term shortages in the UK job market.

    Will there be new salary thresholds for skilled workers?

    Yes. The minimum general threshold has increased to £41,700, along with increased minimum going rates for SOC codes. The salary threshold has risen to £33,400 for those relying on the new entrant rate, and to £31,300 for those relying on the previous transitional arrangement.

    The new rules are complex – what are some of the challenges for sponsors?

    Minimum salary requirements depend on various factors, so there’s a lot to consider when determining the correct salary for a certificate of sponsorship for a skilled worker visa. If there’s an error, a visa application could be refused, so it’s important to ensure accurate salary reporting – or ask one of our immigration lawyers to assist.

    What should employers do if sponsoring an employee with an expiring visa?

    Check if the job role meets the new RQF level 6 criteria for a skilled worker visa. If not, assess if the role falls under the Temporary Shortage List to determine eligibility for sponsorship under the UK work permit visa system.

    Will there be more UK immigration changes later this year?

    Yes. Additional immigration updates outlined in the recent UK immigration white paper, including an increase in the immigration skills charge and new English language requirements for adult dependants, are anticipated in autumn.

    For further insight on UK immigration news as it evolves, including UK sponsorship visa updates and the latest UK immigration visa rules, please do get in touch with a member of our Business Immigration team.

    Featuring

    May Cheung London
    Annabel Mace London

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