New UK Visa Rules from October 2025 – Salary Thresholds, Skill Levels, and Who Qualifies Now

From October 2025, the UK will open applications for several work visa routes under a revised immigration framework. These changes reshape who qualifies to work in the country, how much they must earn, and what skills they need to demonstrate.

The Department for the Home Office and Department for Business and Trade have tightened conditions for the Skilled Worker visa, while non-sponsored options like the Graduate visa and High Potential Individual (HPI) scheme remain available.

These changes mark one of the most significant updates to the UK’s work immigration system in recent years.

Higher Salary Thresholds and New Skill Levels (from July 2025)

Starting 22 July 2025, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants has increased to £41,700 per year, or the job’s going rate, whichever is higher.

This move aims to ensure only roles offering competitive pay qualify under the Skilled Worker category. However, this also means many lower-paying roles that previously met the criteria are no longer eligible unless listed under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).

In addition, the minimum skill level requirement has been raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree-level). This shift significantly narrows the range of eligible occupations under the Skilled Worker route.

Temporary Shortage List (TSL): Limited Openings Remain

Some medium-skilled occupations—such as certain technical or health-related roles—can still qualify for sponsorship, but only if they appear on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).

Employers hiring under TSL-listed occupations can sponsor foreign workers even if the skill level falls below the new RQF 6 threshold, providing short-term flexibility to fill urgent labour gaps.

However, the government plans regular reviews of the TSL, which means positions may be removed if domestic supply improves.

End of New Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers

The UK Government confirmed that from 22 July 2025, new overseas recruitment under the social care worker occupation code will no longer be accepted.

This change reflects the government’s intention to reduce migration numbers while encouraging domestic hiring in the care sector. Employers are now encouraged to focus on local recruitment and retention strategies.

Visa Routes That Do Not Require a Job Offer

Not all UK work visa options demand an employer sponsorship or job offer. Several non-sponsored routes remain open for talented individuals, including:

• Graduate Visa – For those who have recently completed a degree in the UK and want to stay and work temporarily.
• Global Talent Visa – For exceptional talent or potential in fields such as science, arts, and digital technology.
• Youth Mobility Scheme – Allows young people from selected countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa – For graduates from top global universities, offering work flexibility without needing a pre-arranged job.
• Temporary Work Visas – Including Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, Religious Worker, and Seasonal Worker visas.

These routes allow applicants to gain experience and build UK work history before potentially moving into sponsored employment categories.

Transitional Protections for Existing Visa Holders

To minimize disruption, the Home Office introduced transitional protections for individuals already on a Skilled Worker visa or holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 22 July 2025.

These applicants can continue using the previous salary and skill thresholds when applying for visa extensions, role changes, or employer switches, ensuring they are not penalized mid-route.

For instance, in Scotland, Skilled Workers who began employment before July 2025 may still qualify for extensions under prior conditions.

Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide

Prospective applicants under the Skilled Worker route must follow several key steps to meet eligibility and avoid delays:

1. Secure a UK Sponsor: Obtain a job offer from a licensed employer holding a valid sponsorship licence.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Ensure the employer issues a valid CoS with correct job code and salary details.
3. Meet English Language Requirements: Provide evidence through testing or academic qualifications taught in English.
4. Financial Proof: Show sufficient funds to support living expenses, unless the employer certifies maintenance.
5. Submit Application Early: Applications can be filed up to three months before the job’s start date.
6. Provide Required Documents: Include identity documents, educational qualifications, salary proofs, and relationship evidence (if applicable).

Those already in the UK on another visa may apply to switch to Skilled Worker, provided they meet new requirements and apply before their current visa expires.

Processing Times for Work Visa Applications

Visa processing times vary based on application type and location:

• Outside the UK: Most applications are processed within 3 weeks of submission.
• Inside the UK (extensions or switches): Processing may take up to 8 weeks.
• Priority services: Fast-track decisions are often available for an additional fee.

Applicants are advised to track their case via the UKVI online portal and avoid travel until a final decision is received.

Impact on Employers and Businesses

The updated rules require employers to carefully audit their job roles, salary structures, and SOC codes to ensure compliance.

Failure to meet sponsorship obligations can lead to licence suspension or revocation, disrupting existing workforce plans.

The shift to higher skill and salary thresholds may especially affect sectors like hospitality, retail, and mid-level healthcare, where many roles no longer meet the visa criteria.

Advice for Prospective Applicants

To improve chances of success under the revised framework, applicants should:

• Map the job role accurately to the correct Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code.
• Verify salary levels meet both the general threshold and the job’s going rate.
• Check eligibility on the updated Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
• Consider alternative visas, such as Graduate, Global Talent, or HPI, if Skilled Worker criteria are not met.
• Seek professional immigration advice to ensure a smooth and compliant process.

These steps can help applicants navigate a system that’s more competitive and compliance-driven than before.

Challenges and Concerns in the New Framework

Experts note that the July 2025 reforms may reduce the accessibility of the UK labour market for mid-skilled professionals.

Industries reliant on international workers—such as IT support, logistics, and healthcare—could face staff shortages unless local training efforts quickly expand.

There’s also concern about how effectively the Home Office communicates transitional measures, as confusion could lead to missed opportunities or rejected applications.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Control and Competitiveness

The UK government aims to strike a balance between immigration control and economic competitiveness.

Officials argue that the new system protects wages and job quality for UK workers while still attracting top global talent.

The next few months will reveal whether the changes deliver this intended balance or create new barriers for skilled migrants seeking UK employment.

Summary Table of Key Updates

Key Change	Detail	Effective Date
Salary threshold	£41,700 or job’s going rate (whichever higher)	22 July 2025
Skill requirement	RQF Level 6 (degree-level)	22 July 2025
Temporary Shortage List	Allows limited mid-skill roles	Ongoing
Social care recruitment ban	Ends new overseas hiring for care roles	From 22 July 2025
Application opening	Work visa routes open	October 2025
Transitional protection	Applies to pre-July visa holders	2025–2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When do UK work visa applications open under the new rules?
Applications for 2025 work visa routes open from October 2025, following the July reforms to salary and skill thresholds.

2. What is the new minimum salary for the Skilled Worker visa?
From 22 July 2025, applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the role’s “going rate,” whichever is higher.

3. Can I still apply for a UK visa without a job offer?
Yes. Routes such as the Graduate, Global Talent, Youth Mobility, and High Potential Individual (HPI) visas do not require a job offer.

4. Are current Skilled Worker visa holders affected by the new rules?
Existing visa holders with sponsorship or approval before 22 July 2025 can extend or switch under the old rules due to transitional protections.

5. How long does the UK work visa process take?
Most overseas applications are processed within 3 weeks, while UK-based extensions or switches typically take up to 8 weeks.