UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide (August 2025 Update): What Changed & What You Need to Know

 

UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide (August 2025 Update): What Changed & What You Need to Know

The UK Skilled Worker visa is one of the most popular routes for international professionals seeking to build a career and life in the UK. But as of 22 July 2025, the government introduced major changes that affect both new applicants and existing visa holders.

If you’re considering applying, switching, or extending your Skilled Worker visa, this guide will help you understand the current rules, what has changed, and what to keep in mind in 2025 and beyond.

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows overseas professionals to work in the UK in eligible roles with a licensed sponsor. It can last up to 5 years at a time, and you can extend it as long as you remain eligible.

Traditionally, this visa was also a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years. However, as of 2025, settlement rules have changed (more on this below).

To qualify, you generally need:

  • A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK employer

  • A job offer that meets the skill and salary threshold

  • Proof of English language ability

  • Sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK

Key Changes That Came Into Effect on 22 July 2025

The government’s Restoring Control immigration reforms have reshaped the Skilled Worker route. The most important updates are:

1. Higher Skill Requirement (RQF 6 Minimum)

  • Jobs must now be at RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree level role) or above.

  • Lower-level roles (RQF 3–5) are no longer eligible unless they appear on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) or Immigration Salary List (ISL).

2. Salary Thresholds Increased

Salary requirements rose across the board:

  • General Skilled Worker: £41,700 (or the going rate, whichever is higher)

  • PhD (non-STEM): £37,500

  • STEM PhD / New Entrant / ISL role: £33,400

  • Health & Care roles: between £25,000 – £31,300, depending on category

  • Minimum hourly rate: £17.13/hour, capped at 48 hours per week

3. Removal of Mid-Skilled Roles

Over 100 mid-skilled jobs (previously eligible under RQF 3–5) have been removed from sponsorship unless specifically listed under shortage provisions.

4. Care Worker Route Closure

  • New overseas applications for care worker and home carer roles are now closed.

  • Existing visa holders in these roles may switch to another Skilled Worker visa in-country until 22 July 2028, provided they’ve been on the UK payroll for at least three months.

Other Immigration Reforms in 2025

The July updates are just part of broader immigration reforms happening in 2025:

  • Settlement (ILR) Timeline Extended: Skilled Worker visa holders now need 10 years of continuous residence (instead of 5) before applying for ILR, unless they qualify under special “earned settlement” categories.

  • English Language Requirements: Becoming stricter for both main applicants and dependants, with an expectation of progression over time.

  • Employer Sponsorship Costs: The Immigration Skills Charge increased by about 32%, which may discourage smaller employers from sponsoring.

  • Policy Direction: The government’s white paper Restoring Control signals ongoing tightening across migration routes—including reduced net migration targets, a digital ID system rollout, and limits to student post-study stays.

What Applicants Should Keep in Mind (August 2025 Onward)

If you’re planning to apply for or extend a Skilled Worker visa, here are the practical steps to focus on:

✅ Check your job’s eligibility — make sure it’s at RQF Level 6 and meets the salary threshold. Don’t rely on outdated lists.

✅ Confirm your employer’s sponsorship ability — higher costs and stricter thresholds may affect their willingness to sponsor.

✅ Plan long-term — with ILR now requiring 10 years, factor this into your career and relocation planning.

✅ Consider alternative visas — if your role is no longer eligible, look into Global Talent, Scale-Up visa, or family/work routes.

✅ For care workers — if you’re already in the UK, remember the 2028 deadline for switching into other Skilled Worker roles.

✅ Prepare strong documentation — English tests, financial evidence, and employment details are now scrutinised more closely.

Conclusion

The Skilled Worker visa remains an essential pathway for international professionals, but the rules are tougher and competition is higher in 2025. If you’re applying now, it’s crucial to stay updated, plan carefully, and ensure you meet the new thresholds.

If you’re serious about moving to the UK, don’t leave things to chance — double-check your eligibility before applying, prepare your documents in advance, and consider speaking with an immigration adviser if you’re unsure.

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