The UK Government has announced significant reforms to the Skilled Worker route, following the publication of the 2025 Immigration White Paper and the Statement of Changes HC 997. These changes will take effect from 22 July 2025 and will have wide-reaching implications for both employers and migrant workers, including those seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under this route.

Skills Threshold Raised to RQF Level 6

The minimum skill level for new Skilled Worker visa applicants is increasing from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6. This reverses the 2020 policy that lowered the threshold to facilitate post-Brexit labour market access.

Key impact:

• Around 180 occupations at RQF levels 3–5 will be removed from the Skilled Worker route.
• Only occupations at RQF 6+ will remain eligible, unless:
  • The worker is already in the Skilled Worker route before 22 July 2025, or
  • The occupation appears on the Immigration Salary List or new Temporary Shortage List.

Salary Threshold Increases

Salary requirements are being updated to reflect 2024 market data (ASHE) and the general salary threshold has increased from £38,700 to £41,700.

Specific salary levels have also been raised for the following options:

• Option B: £37,500 (was £34,830)
• Options C, D, E: £33,400 (was £30,960)
• Option F: £31,300 (was £29,000)
• Option G: £28,200 (was £26,100)

These changes apply across Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes.

Transitional Arrangements – Skills vs Salary

Under the new rules, transitional arrangements will apply to the skills threshold but not the salary requirements.

If you’re already on the Skilled Worker route, or have applied and are later granted a visa before the changes take effect on 22 July 2025, you will not be affected by the new requirement to work in RQF Level 6+ occupations. This means you can continue to:

• Extend your visa
• Change jobs
• Take supplementary work – even if your occupation is below RQF Level 6, as long as it remains eligible under transitional rules.

However, there are no transitional arrangements for the new salary thresholds. From 22 July 2025, all applications must meet the updated salary rates, regardless of when the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was assigned. This reflects standard Home Office policy, as sponsored worker salaries are expected to increase in line with broader UK wage trends (based on ASHE data).

The Government has confirmed that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will carry out a full review of salary requirements and discounts. Any future decisions about further transitional measures will only follow that review and should not be assumed based on the current rules.

Updated Job Tables & Eligibility

A restructured Appendix Skilled Occupations now divides roles by skill level:

• Tables 1, 2, 3: RQF 6+ (Skilled Worker eligible)
• Tables 1a, 2aa, 3a: RQF 3–5 (only eligible via shortage lists or if already in the route)

No Dependants for Some Lower-Skilled Roles

New rules bar dependants for workers sponsored in RQF 3–5 occupations, even if listed, unless:

• The worker was already in the route before 22 July 2025
• The dependent is a UK-born child or the Skilled Worker has sole parental responsibility

Closure of the Route for Care Workers

Care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) will no longer be eligible for entry clearance from 22 July 2025. There will be limited in-country switching allowed until 22 July 2028, with strict conditions:

• Must have worked legally for the sponsoring employer for at least 3 months
• No new dependants permitted
• The occupation will be fully removed after the transition period

Important change to Skilled Worker ILR (Settlement) Applications

One of the most significant changes impacts those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Skilled Worker route on or after 22 July 2025.

What’s Changing?

To qualify for ILR, Skilled Workers must now meet the full ‘going rate’ salary for their occupation as listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

• You cannot rely on discounted rates (e.g. 70%, 80%, 90%) even if:
  • You were previously eligible under those rates (e.g. with a PhD or shortage occupation)
  • You were assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the rule change

What This Means for You

• Salary progression is mandatory: Your salary must increase to meet the full going rate before you apply for ILR.
• Early planning is critical: Sponsors and applicants should ensure pay reviews are scheduled ahead of ILR eligibility dates.
• No exceptions for legacy CoS assignments: All settlement applications will be assessed under the new rules from 22 July 2025.

Next Steps for Employers and Applicants

• Review your sponsored roles: Check if they meet RQF level 6 and salary thresholds.
• Prepare for pay increases: Ensure employees on the Skilled Worker route can meet the full going rate by their ILR window.
• Use the shortage lists strategically: RQF 3–5 roles must be listed to remain eligible but are time-limited and cannot sponsor dependents.
• Care sector employers: Be aware of the Entry clearance application cut off date for 22 July 2025 and complete closure to route on 22 July 2028.

At Sincere Immigration, we’re here to help you navigate these important changes. If any of the updates outlined above apply to you, or if you’re unsure how the upcoming rules might affect your visa or settlement plans, we encourage you to book a free 30-minute consultation. Take action before 22 July 2025 to secure your options and ensure you’re on the right path.