[Immigration] Notification of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules – Effective 22nd July 2025

The Home Office have on 1st July released notification of changes to the Immigration Rules that will take effect from 22^nd July this year. In brief, the key changes are:

• New Skilled Workers will need to sponsored in roles that are at or above RQF Level 6. Currently, sponsorship is permitted for any role above RQF Level 3 and therefore allows for a much wider range of lower-skilled roles. RQF 6, in very general terms, means that workers will need to be either manager level or holding other specialist roles.
  There will be an exception for jobs that are listed on the new Temporary Shortage List – which will initially be valid only for Certificates of Sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026.
• The overall salary threshold for Skilled Workers increases from £38,700 to £41,700.
  Some exemptions will continue to apply depending on individual circumstances, such as New Entrant, PhD level, etc.
• The transitional salary threshold for Skilled Workers originally sponsored before April 2024 increases from £29,000 to £31,300.
• Similarly proportionate increases to the salary requirements for the specific job codes – it will still be necessary to pay the higher of either the job code minimum salary or the overall salary threshold.
• Transitional provisions for lower salaries will apply for individuals who have held Skilled Worker visas prior to 22 July 2025.
• The Senior/Specialist Worker overall salary threshold increases from £48,500 to £52,500.

At this time there is no reference to increasing the time period required to qualify for permanent residence (settlement) in the UK.

Businesses in the UK currently sponsoring migrant workers will need to start planning in relation to their future requirements, particularly in relation to how they will fill more junior level roles that do not meet either skill level RQF 6, or the increased salary requirement.

How 3CS can help

The recent changes to the Immigration Rules may require businesses to adjust their hiring strategies and ensure they are compliant with the new requirements. The team at 3CS can assist businesses with navigating these changes and ensuring that their sponsorship practices are in line with the new regulations. If you have any concerns or need guidance on managing your sponsorship responsibilities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.