Further to our recent insight on the Immigration White Paper, the government has now published a Statement of changes to the immigration rules: HC 997, 1 July 2025 - GOV.UK, which is set to implement the first changes proposed in the White Paper. The changes will take effect on 22 July 2025 and will include the closure of applications for Skilled Workers sponsored as care workers or senior care workers. The key changes of most interest to our clients are discussed further below. 

Skilled Worker skills threshold increase 

The required skills threshold for sponsored Skilled Worker roles will increase from RQF level 3 (A-level) to level 6 (graduate level) or above. It is anticipated that this will involve the removal of up to 180 occupations which are currently eligible for sponsorship. There are transitional arrangements for existing Skilled Worker sponsors below RQF 6 but they will not be in place indefinitely and will be kept under review. 

Immigration Salary List (“ISL”) and Temporary Shortage List (TSL) 

The ISL will be phased out by December 2026 and replaced by the TSL. Roles on the TSL will only be permitted for a time-limited period (until the end of 2026).  

Employers will still be able to recruit to roles below graduate level (RFQ 3-5) where they are on the ISL and where the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has identified them as being critical roles in shortage. Alternatively, roles can be recruited to if they are on the new TSL.  The MAC will conduct regular reviews of the TSL. 

Employers should be aware that individuals being recruited to roles on the TSL or new applicants through the ISL would not be permitted to bring dependants into the UK. This restriction does not apply to roles sponsored at RQF 6 or above. It also won’t affect workers sponsored in occupations at RQF levels 3-5 who are already in the Skilled Worker route with permission to bring dependents.  

Minimum salary thresholds for sponsored work routes 

The minimum salary threshold for general Skilled Worker roles will increase from £38,700 to £41,700 (from £15.88 an hour to £17.13 an hour, or the going rate if higher). Lower thresholds will still apply for those in specific eligible roles, e.g. roles on the Health and Care Visa route or reductions for new entrants.  

No transitional provisions are available for applicants who extend their skilled worker leave or change sponsor after 22 July 2025. Any extensions must meet the new thresholds, unless their application relies on a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 22 July 2025. 

The salary threshold for sponsored occupations will be routinely updated. 

Social care visas 

From 22 July 2025, it will no longer be possible to sponsor new applicants seeking entry clearance via the skilled worker route for roles as carers and senior carers (occupation codes 6135 and 6136). However, until 22 July 2028, existing visas can be extended provided the sponsor has employed the worker for at least three months before their certificate of sponsorship was issued. In addition, those in the country who are applying to switch to the skilled worker route will continue to be able to do so as part of a transition period until 22 July 2028. These roles will be removed from the Shortage List after July 2028.  

What does this mean for you? 

These changes will come into effect on 22 July 2025. Employers will want to understand the impact of these changes on their ability to recruit overseas. We recommend that audits are undertaken to review salaries for all sponsored workers to identify salaries that may not meet the new threshold when it comes into effect. A review of recruitment for care workers should also be undertaken in light of the closure to recruit overseas for these roles. Employers should also consider workforce planning generally, taking into account skill levels for new or existing sponsored roles.  

How can Capsticks help

Our Business Immigration experts regularly support employers in the health and social care sectors with international recruitment and immigration issues. If you need advice or guidance on the upcoming changes that are due to be imminently implemented or the proposed changes in the Immigration White Paper, please get in contact with Raj Chahal and Nadi Choudhury.