These stem from the Immigration White Paper “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” and associated official rulings :
Skill threshold raised: New Skilled Worker roles must be at least RQF Level 6 (i.e. graduate‑level). Lower‑skilled roles (RQF 3–5) are excluded—except where listed on the Temporary Shortage List. Workers already in those roles by 22 July 2025 can renew, switch employers, or extend until at least 2028 under transition rules . Salary floors increased: Option A general threshold: £41,700 (up from £38,700) PhD‑level: minimum £37,500 STEM‑PhD / new‑entrant / salary‑list roles at RQF 6+: £33,400 RQF 3–5 roles on shortage lists: £25,000 Additionally, new recruits in RQF 3–5 roles can no longer bring dependants. Existing dependants with permission granted before the cutoff may continue under family rules .
📈 Additional Reforms & System‑wide Overhauls
Announced in May–July 2025, these measures form a broader migration reset :
Path to settled status (ILR) extended: minimum residency increased from 5 to 10 years, unless applicants qualify early through significant economic contributions . English proficiency requirement: raised standards apply to principal applicants and adult dependants . Care‑worker recruitment from abroad ends 22 July 2025, with extensions possible for existing visa holders until 2028. No new applicants accepted in care roles . Immigration Skills Charge increased by 32%, raising employer costs . Graduate/post‑study visa duration cut: reduced from two years to 18 months . Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) introduced in April 2025 for visa‑exempt nationalities .
👨💼 Impact on Skilled Worker Visa Holders
New applicants (after 22 July 2025) face much stricter eligibility: must have graduate‑level vacancies paying at least £41,700 and stronger English ability. Lower‑skilled roles (RQF 3–5) largely disconnected unless listed in Temporary Shortage List — and no dependent allowance if joining after the cutoff. Employers bear higher costs: sponsors cannot pass certain charges to employees (effective 31 December 2024) and must pay increased Immigration Skills Charge . Existing Skilled Worker holders remain eligible to renew or extend even in lower‑skilled roles (until at least 2028), and can still sponsor dependants under current rules .
🏢 Self‑Sponsorship (Starting Your Own UK Company)
Mechanics unchanged overall: setting up a UK company, obtaining a sponsor licence, issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting salary, CV, English, funds, and genuineness criteria . However, since self‑sponsored visas are still processed under the Skilled Worker route, the new higher thresholds apply to new self‑sponsored applicants as of 22 July: Your proposed job must be RQF Level 6+ and meet the revised salary minimums. English requirement remains B1 or higher. Demonstrating a genuine and active UK company is crucial. If you were already self‑sponsoring before the changes take effect—and your Certificate of Sponsorship is issued before 22 July 2025—you benefit from transition protections, allowing renewals or extensions even in RQF 3–5 positions for now .
✅ Summary Table
Situation
Applicable Requirements After 22 July 2025
New Skilled Worker applicant
RQF 6+ role, ≥ £41,700 salary, strong English, no dependants if RQF 3–5
Existing Skilled Worker holders
Can renew/extend in pre‑cutoff roles; dependants allowed
New self‑sponsorship applicants
Must meet RQF 6+, salary and English thresholds
Ongoing self‑sponsorship cases
If CoS issued before 22 July 2025, can continue under transition rules
🧾 Final Thoughts
The reforms represent a major tightening of the Skilled Worker route: making immigration more restrictive for mid‑level roles, increasing financial burdens for employers, and elongating the path to permanent settlement.
Self‑sponsorship remains possible—but only for graduate‑level roles paying above the new threshold if you’re applying after the cutoff. Planning ahead (e.g. securing a Certificate of Sponsorship before deadline) is crucial.
Here’s the updated summary with hashtags and a strong call to action tailored for use on WordPress or LinkedIn:
🇬🇧 Latest UK Visa & Immigration Changes (2025): What Skilled Workers & Self-Sponsorship Applicants Need to Know
The UK government’s new immigration rules, effective 22 July 2025, are reshaping the Skilled Worker and Self-Sponsorship routes. If you’re planning to live and work in the UK, here’s what you need to know:
🔧 Key Changes
Higher salary threshold: Minimum now £41,700 for most Skilled Worker jobs. Higher skill level: Jobs must now be graduate level (RQF Level 6+). No dependants for new applicants in lower-skilled roles (RQF 3–5). Self-sponsorship still available — but only if your UK business can offer a graduate-level role meeting salary and English language thresholds. ILR route (settled status) now takes 10 years, up from 5, unless special criteria are met. Care worker recruitment from abroad ends; existing visas remain valid for renewals. Employer costs increased: immigration skills charge and administrative requirements are higher than ever.
📌 What You Should Do
Already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa?
✅ You can renew even in RQF 3–5 roles and keep dependants. Planning to apply after July 2025?
⚠️ Ensure your role is RQF 6+ and your salary meets new minimums. Want to self-sponsor? You’ll need a UK company offering a genuine, skilled role with full compliance. Thinking about settlement? Plan for a 10-year residency.
📣 Call to Action
✅ Need help with Skilled Worker sponsorship or launching a self-sponsorship visa through your own UK business?
📩 Reach out now;
📧 Email: zeki@zeklegal.co.uk
💬 WhatsApp: +44 7748 245 895
🔖 Hashtags
#UKVisa #ImmigrationUK #SkilledWorkerVisa #SelfSponsorship #UKImmigration2025 #SponsorLicence #VisaUpdates #UKSettlement #StartABusinessUK #WorkInTheUK #EmreKurtLaw #BusinessImmigration #UKVisaSupport