The UK visa policy is undergoing significant changes that will affect many foreign workers planning to obtain a British visa. A new statement regarding the UK visa was published, outlining important updates effective from 22 July 2025. These changes involve minimum salary thresholds, skill levels, and rules for new applicants. This article explores the key aspects of these updates, focusing on general requirements, with a brief look at changes affecting the care sector.
New Minimum Salary and Skill Level Requirements
From 22 July 2025, new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) will require a minimum annual salary of £41,700. Additionally, job roles must meet RQF Level 6 skill requirements, significantly raising the professional qualification threshold. This aims to attract highly skilled professionals to the UK and reduce the number of low-skilled workers entering on a British visa. The new rules will apply to all worker categories applying through the sponsorship system.
Transitional Measures for Current Workers
Workers already in the UK on visas with lower skill levels (RQF Levels 3–5) will benefit from transitional measures. They can extend their stay until they qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided their salary meets the revised standards for their occupational code. This allows them to continue working in the UK despite stricter requirements and progress toward permanent residency.
Restrictions for New Applicants
New applicants for roles with lower skill levels (RQF Levels 3–5) will face additional restrictions. They can only apply for a UK visa if their occupation is on the Shortage Occupation List. Moreover, they will not be allowed to bring dependants, which may influence their decision to relocate to the UK. These measures aim to reduce migration and attract only professionals essential to the British economy.
Salary Increase for New Job Entrants
From 22 July 2025, the minimum salary for new job entrants will rise from £30,960 to £33,400 per year. This change will affect various worker categories applying for a British visa, reflecting the UK government’s commitment to ensuring fair wages and making jobs more attractive to local residents. Employers and applicants must account for these salary requirements when preparing visa documents.
What Applicants Need to Know
If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa, be aware of the new rules and their timelines.
Applications under existing conditions are still possible until 22 July 2025. After this date, new applications for lower-skilled roles will only be considered within the Shortage Occupation List framework. If you’re already in the UK, ensure your current salary meets the new requirements to avoid issues when extending your visa or applying for ILR.
Changes for Care Workers
The care sector (care workers with SOC codes 6135 and 6136) will face additional restrictions.
From 22 July 2025, new visa applications for care workers will no longer be accepted. Foreign professionals planning to work in this sector will not be able to apply for a British visa in these categories after this date. However, transitional measures allow those already working in the UK on these visas to extend or switch visa types until 22 July 2028. Employers in the care sector must adapt to the new requirements, including raising salaries to £41,700 per year and meeting RQF Level 6 for new Certificates of Sponsorship.
The new UK visa policy changes, effective from 22 July 2025, aim to raise the skill and salary levels of workers entering on a British visa. These measures will impact various professional categories, particularly those in lower-skilled roles. Applicants must prepare for the new requirements to successfully apply for a UK visa. Current workers benefit from transitional measures, but long-term prospects depend on meeting the new standards. Stay updated via official sources for the latest information.
