The significant changes to business immigration that are now in place

The government’s plan to “create an immigration system which promotes growth but is controlled and managed” has led to a number of updates. Here, our team of experts looks into the latest significant changes to business immigration.

In May this year, the Home Office published its white paper on immigration, outlining plans to significantly reform legal migration. The aim was to reduce net migration and create a system more closely aligned with skills.

The white paper proposed major changes, particularly to the Skilled Worker route. These include a substantial reduction in the number of eligible occupations, the closure of the senior care route, an increase in the immigration skills charge and more.

On 1 July 2025, UKVI announced the implementation timeline for these changes, giving sponsor licence holders only a few weeks to prepare. Most of the proposed changes were then implemented as of 22 July 2025.

Reduction in eligible occupations

As of 22 July 2025, the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker route has been reduced to include only occupations at RQF Level 6 and above, replacing the previous threshold of RQF Level 3 and above. Consequently, approximately 180 occupations have been removed from the list of eligible roles.

Some previously eligible occupations have been moved to the ‘temporary shortage occupation list’ and will remain eligible for a limited period, subject to stricter conditions. Nevertheless, the majority of occupations at RQF Levels 3 to 5 have been removed, and sponsors can no longer recruit new overseas workers for these roles.

Migrant workers who were already in the UK and sponsored under the Skilled Worker route before 22 July 2025 may continue to be sponsored in RQF Level 3 to 5 roles. This includes visa extensions, employment changes, or supplementary employment. However, this is subject to future review.

Sponsors should review the updated appendix of eligible occupations before taking any steps toward sponsorship. The mere presence of a role in the appendix does not necessarily mean it remains eligible under the new rules. It is also advisable to review the list of currently sponsored migrant workers to assess their eligibility for sponsorship extension.

These changes align with UKVI’s stated intention to reduce net migration and better link immigration to domestic skills and training priorities. The Home Office has reiterated its aim to reduce reliance on immigration to address skills shortages and to focus instead on upskilling the settled workforce.

Temporary shortage list & immigration salary list

When determining whether a role at RQF Level 3 to 5 remains eligible, sponsors must check whether it appears on either the temporary shortage occupation list or the immigration salary list. These lists include several occupations at RQF Levels 3 to 5 that have experienced persistent shortages and have therefore been selected by the Home Office to remain eligible, subject to stricter conditions.

Migrant workers arriving from overseas to be sponsored in these roles after 22 July 2025 will not be permitted to bring dependants.

However, the list is intended to remain in effect only until 31 December 2026, and the included occupations will be subject to ongoing review by the Migration Advisory Committee. As labour market conditions evolve, occupations may be added or removed accordingly.

Changes to minimum salary threshold

Among the recent changes is a significant increase to the minimum salary threshold. From 22 July 2025, newly sponsored workers must be paid at least £41,700 per year (based on a 37.5 hour working week), or the going rate for their occupation – whichever is higher.

Some migrants may be paid less if a salary discount applies. This may be the case, for example, if:

• the job is on the immigration salary list
• the migrant is a recent student or graduate
• the migrant holds a PhD level qualification relevant to the role.

Additionally, transitional arrangements may apply to migrant workers who received their first certificate of sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route before 4 April 2024, or to those applying for an extension under the Health and Care visa route.

Closure of the route for adult social care workers

As of 22 July 2025, UKVI will refuse new entry clearance applications based on certificates of sponsorship assigned for SOC codes 6135 (care workers) and 6136 (senior care workers). This marks the closure of the Health and Care visa route for new overseas applicants in adult social care.

In addition, UKVI will introduce further restrictions on in-country switching into these roles, as well as on visa extensions for individuals already in the UK. These transitional arrangements will remain in place until 22 July 2028 and are subject to ongoing review.

After this cut-off date, both SOC codes will be removed from the immigration salary list and the temporary shortage occupation list, effectively ending sponsorship under these routes.

What should sponsors do following these significant changes to business immigration?

Sponsor licence holders need to be aware of the changes not only when sponsoring new migrant workers, but also when extending sponsorship for their existing migrant workforce.

It is advisable to review the list of currently sponsored workers and their salaries and assess them against the upcoming salary requirements. Additionally, businesses should update their recruitment policies and procedures to reflect the latest immigration rules and salary thresholds, ensuring compliance and consistency in hiring practices.

If you have any questions about the latest significant changes to business immigration, please get in touch with our expert legal team.

Our Legal 500-rated employment law & business immigration team are experts in guiding businesses of all sizes and backgrounds through a range of issues that may arise.