Detailed Questions & Answers For Skilled Worker Visa Changes

Significant reforms to the UK Skilled Worker visa route are coming into force on 22 July 2025, reshaping who can live and work in the UK under this immigration category. The changes, introduced through the Statement of Changes HC 997, raise salary thresholds, limit eligible job roles, and introduce stricter qualification criteria—especially for occupations below RQF Level 6.

If you’re an employer, healthcare provider, or migrant worker, time is running out. Missing the 22 July deadline could mean your role or job offer no longer qualifies under the Skilled Worker route.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our experienced immigration solicitors in London are helping clients across the UK—including Manchester, Birmingham, and Belfast—navigate these complex updates.

FAQs: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes – July 2025

Below, our immigration experts answer the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming changes:

What jobs will qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship after 22 July 2025?

From 22 July 2025 onwards, only occupations classified at RQF Level 6 or above will qualify under the Skilled Worker visa route. Over 100 existing roles—including Care Workers (6135), Senior Care Workers (6136), Chefs (5434), and Restaurant Managers—are being removed from the list of eligible occupations.

Is the salary threshold increasing for Skilled Workers?

Yes. The minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas is rising. If a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued on or after 22 July 2025, it must meet the new salary threshold.

New general salary threshold: £41,700 per year (up from £38,700).

Can existing Skilled Workers in lower-level roles stay in the UK?

Yes. Transitional protections apply. If you’re already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa—or have a CoS assigned before 22 July 2025—you can:

• Continue in your current job
• Extend your visa
• Switch employers
• Remain sponsored even in RQF Level 3–5 roles

What happens if my CoS is issued before 22 July 2025?

If your Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned before 22 July 2025, your visa application will be assessed under the current rules—even if the application is submitted later.

Can Skilled Workers in roles below RQF Level 6 bring dependants?

No. After 22 July 2025, migrants sponsored in roles at RQF Level 3–5 will no longer be allowed to bring dependants (partners or children) to the UK. They will also be ineligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

I’m already a Skilled Worker—can I still bring my family?

Yes—if your visa or CoS was issued before 22 July 2025, you can still bring dependants to the UK. However, restrictions introduced on 11 March 2024 still apply to Care Workers (6135) and Senior Care Workers (6136). These workers cannot bring dependants if their visa was issued on or after that date.

What other changes affect existing Skilled Workers?

Most current Skilled Workers will retain their rights under transitional arrangements, including the ability to:

• Extend their visa
• Change employers
• Remain in the same role

However, you must still meet the new salary threshold if applying for a visa extension or change of employment.

What’s happening to the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) is being replaced by the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). While some lower-skilled roles may still be eligible under the TSL, they:

• Won’t lead to settlement (ILR)
• Won’t allow dependants

Are Care Workers still eligible for sponsorship?

From 22 July 2025, overseas recruitment of Care Workers and Senior Care Workers will no longer be permitted. Entry clearance applications for these roles will close. However, individuals already in the UK on valid visas may continue in their roles under transitional rules.

What is the new salary threshold from 22 July 2025?

• General threshold: £41,700 per year
• There are no transitional concessions for salary. All CoS assigned on or after 22 July must meet the updated threshold.

Can I still apply as a Chef or Care Worker?

Yes—but only if your CoS is assigned before 22 July 2025. After this date, these roles will no longer be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

What should employers do now?

If you already have a sponsor licence, you should:

• Assign your Certificate of Sponsorship immediately
• Use the priority CoS service if available
• Ensure your role and salary meet the current rules

If you don’t yet have a sponsor licence, apply now—and request priority processing to get approved before the deadline.

What should workers and applicants do now?

If you’re a migrant worker planning to apply for a Skilled Worker visa:

• Push your employer to act now
• Ensure your job is still eligible under RQF Level 6
• Get your CoS assigned before 22 July 2025

Why You Must Act Before 22 July 2025

After 22 July 2025, many Skilled Worker roles—especially in health, hospitality, and care—will no longer qualify. For employers, any CoS assigned before the deadline will still be valid under the old rules. For applicants, this is your last opportunity to secure sponsorship in now-restricted job roles.

How Deluxe Law Chambers Can Help

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our team of experienced UK immigration solicitors is ready to guide you through the Skilled Worker visa reforms. We provide:

✅ Urgent sponsor licence applications
✅ Fast-tracked CoS assignments
✅ Pre-deadline compliance checks
✅ Bespoke legal advice within 24 hours

📞 Call us now: 01614644140
📧 Email: info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk
📅 Book a consultation: Book An Appointment

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Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

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