New Regulations on Job Sponsorship and Salary Disclosures Issued by the UK
The UK government has announced significant changes to the immigration rules for sponsored work visas, effective from 22 July 2025. These changes aim to better protect workers, reduce exploitation, and shift the focus towards higher-skilled immigration.
**Minimum Skill Levels**
The minimum skill requirement for Skilled Worker visas is being raised from RQF level 3 back up to RQF level 6, which corresponds to graduate-level skills. This means only occupations meeting or exceeding RQF level 6 will be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Around 180 occupations previously eligible at lower skill levels (RQF 3-5) will no longer qualify[1][2][5].
**Salary Levels**
The salary threshold for general Skilled Worker visa applicants will increase from £38,700 to £41,700 annually. This applies also to the Global Business Mobility and Scale-up visa routes. Employers will need to ensure sponsored roles meet these new salary floors to be eligible[4][5].
**Temporary Shortage List (TSL)**
A Temporary Shortage List has been introduced, valid until 31 December 2026, for occupations at RQF levels 3-5 that are experiencing shortages. Occupations on this list can still be sponsored despite the raised skill threshold but with restrictions:
- Skilled workers sponsored under the TSL will **not be allowed to bring dependants** to the UK. - The list currently includes lower-skilled roles that are temporarily exempt from the higher RQF 6 rule but will be kept under review by the Migration Advisory Committee[5].
**Care Worker Roles**
Care worker roles (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) will be closed to new entry clearance applications from 22 July 2025. In-country switching to these roles will continue during a transition period until 22 July 2028, with requirements ensuring continuity and suitability of employment to mitigate exploitation risks[3].
**Other Notable Changes**
Employers are advised to review their workforce and recruitment strategies carefully, communicate clearly with affected employees, and issue Certificates of Sponsorship before the cutoff date to have applications assessed under the existing rules.
In summary:
| Aspect | Previous Requirement | New Requirement (from 22 July 2025) | |----------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Minimum Skill Level | RQF Level 3 and above | RQF Level 6 and above | | Salary Threshold | £38,700 annual minimum | £41,700 annual minimum | | Temporary Shortage List| Not in use | Introduced until 31 Dec 2026 for RQF 3-5 occupations; dependants not allowed for sponsored workers under TSL | | Care Worker Roles | Eligible for sponsorship | Closed to new applications; in-country switching until 2028 with additional conditions |
The UK immigration system will undergo further changes, with some proposals from the White Paper, such as mandatory residence for indefinite leave to remain, increase in Immigration Skills Charge, English language level increase, reduction in Graduate visa length, roll out of targeted industry Workforce Strategies, expected to be rolled out towards the end of 2025 or into 2026[6].
[1] GOV.UK (2023). Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 1714. [online] Available at:
[2] Migrant Help (2023). Changes to the immigration rules for Skilled Worker visas. [online] Available at: [Accessed 10 May 2023].
[3] GOV.UK (2023). Care worker roles: changes to the immigration rules. [online] Available at:
[4] GOV.UK (2023). Global Business Mobility visa: changes to the immigration rules. [online] Available at:
[5] GOV.UK (2023). Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 1714: Explanatory Memorandum. [online] Available at:
[6] GOV.UK (2023). Changes to the immigration system: White Paper. [online] Available at:
The UK government's immigration changes for sponsored work visas, effective from 22 July 2025, will impact the employment landscape, particularly in businesses requiring skilled workers, as the minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visas is raised to RQF level 6. Additionally, the salary threshold for general Skilled Worker visa applicants is increasing to £41,700 annually, which might affect the finance decisions of businesses sponsoring foreign employees.
