Skilled Worker Visa UK 2025 deadline

If you’re applying for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, there’s an important update from the Home Office that could affect your chances and your timeline. From 22 July 2025, new immigration rules will come into force. But here’s the good news: you may still be eligible under the current, more favourable rules if you act fast.

This guide explains what’s changing, who’s affected, and what you need to do before the deadline. Whether you’re an applicant or an employer, acting quickly could save you from tougher visa conditions.

What’s Changing from 22 July 2025?

The UK Home Office has announced that stricter immigration rules will apply to all Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) issued on or after 22 July 2025.

These new rules are part of a wider immigration policy update. While the full scope of changes hasn’t been publicly released, they are expected to include:

• Higher salary thresholds
• Tighter skill level requirements
• Reduced eligible occupation list
• Stricter eligibility criteria for dependants

If your CoS is issued on or after 22 July, your visa application will be judged against these new rules. For many, that could make the Skilled Worker route more difficult or even out of reach.

Can I Still Apply Under the Current Skilled Worker Rules, before Skilled Worker Visa UK 2025 Deadline?

Yes if your CoS was issued before 22 July 2025, and you apply before that date, you can still be assessed under the current rules.

This is crucial. The date your CoS was assigned determines which rules apply, not the date you submit your application. But, if you wait until after 22 July, you’ll fall under the new rules even if your CoS was issued earlier.

In other words, your visa application must be submitted before 22 July 2025 to stay within the current (and more lenient) framework.

What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document your UK employer gives you, confirming that they’re officially sponsoring your Skilled Worker Visa application.

It includes important details like:

• Your job title and salary
• Employer details
• CoS issue date and expiry
• Unique CoS reference number

The issue date on your CoS is what matters in this update. If it’s dated before 22 July 2025, you can apply under current rules but only if you submit your application before the 22nd.

What Happens If You Miss Deadline?

If you don’t apply before 22 July 2025 and your CoS was issued before that date, you’ll likely be assessed under the new rules.

This could mean:

• Having to meet higher salary thresholds
• Needing a new CoS issued under the new system
• Facing visa refusal if your job or salary no longer qualifies
• Longer processing times and more supporting documents

Missing the deadline could also mean your employer will need to reassign a new CoS, which might delay your start date or affect your job offer.

How to Apply Before 22 July 2025

If you’ve got a valid CoS issued before the deadline, here’s what you should do:

1. Check Your CoS Issue Date

Make sure it was issued before 22 July 2025. The date is clearly stated on the document.

2. Start Your Online Visa Application

Go to the official UK government website and start your Skilled Worker Visa application. You’ll need your CoS reference number to begin.

3. Pay the Visa Fees

Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These are required before you can submit your application.

4. Book Your Biometrics Appointment

You’ll be asked to attend a visa application centre or upload your documents using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Mobile versions android or ios app

5. Submit Before 22 July

Make sure your application is submitted and paid for before the deadline. If in doubt, submit a few days early to avoid any issues.

Who Should Be Taking Immediate Action?

This rule change affects several groups:

Skilled Worker Applicants

If you already have a CoS but haven’t applied for your visa, you’re at risk of falling under the new system. Apply now while you’re still eligible.

Employers and HR Teams

Ensure your sponsored workers are aware of the deadline. Offer support in preparing their documents and encourage early applications.

Supporting Documents to Prepare Quickly

Time is tight, so have your documents ready:

• Valid passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Evidence of knowledge of English (if required)
• Proof of salary and job offer
• Tuberculosis test results (for some countries)

Double check your documents for errors. A small mistake could cause delays and push your application past the deadline.

Real Life Example: Why Timing Matters

Case Study: Anisha, a nurse from India

Anisha received her Certificate of Sponsorship on 12 July 2025 for a nursing role in Manchester. She was planning to visit family and delay her visa application until early August. Thankfully, her employer informed her about the deadline, and she submitted her visa on 20 July.

Because she acted quickly, Anisha was assessed under the current rules. If she had waited until August, she may have needed to meet new salary thresholds or risk having her application refused.

FAQs

Will my visa be refused if I apply after 22 July with a CoS issued earlier?

Yes, if your application is submitted after 22 July, it will likely be assessed under the new rules, even if your CoS was issued before.

Can I ask my sponsor to issue a new CoS?

Only if they agree. They would need to cancel the current CoS and issue a new one after the deadline. Not all employers will be willing or able to do this.

Are dependants affected by the changes?

While dependants are not directly impacted by the CoS issue date, their visa depends on the main applicant’s status. If your visa changes due to new rules, it could affect their applications too.

Speak to Deluxe Law Chambers an Immigration Solicitors in Manchester

Worried about the new Skilled Worker Visa rules? Don’t take chances. Get tailored legal advice and application support to stay ahead of the changes.

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or  Book an appointment 

We can help you apply before the deadline and avoid falling under the tougher rules.

This rule change is time-sensitive. If your Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 22 July 2025, the current visa rules still apply but only if you apply before that date.

Waiting too long could mean losing the opportunity to apply under a more favourable system. Whether you’re applying alone or with dependants, or sponsoring a team member, the time to act is now.