The government recently published a white paper, Restoring control over the UK immigration system, which outlined the ways in which the government plans to reform the current immigration system. One of the main proposals in the white paper was reform of the Skilled Worker Visa route.

Some of the changes in the white paper came into force on 22 July 2025. These changes were significant and included:

• The removal of 180 SOC codes.
• Increasing the skill level from RQF level 3-5 to RQF level 6 (degree level) meaning that lower skilled roles are now not eligible for sponsorship to those who will be new to the Skilled Worker route.
• Increasing the minimum salary level to £41,700.

These are just some of the major changes that have been made to the Skilled Worker route and others are said to be coming in at some point this year.

What about those already in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa?

Transitional arrangements have been put in place for some of those individuals that are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa. It means that they can benefit from a reduced minimum salary level of £31,300, along with additional SOC codes eligible for sponsorship and lower going rates for these SOC codes.

Skilled Worker Visa from July 2025

For those new to the skilled worker route from 22 July 2025 or currently employed under a different time-limited visa route e.g. graduate visa, there is a risk that the role they are currently performing is no longer eligible for sponsorship under the new Skilled Worker immigration rules.

This has had a huge impact on businesses who rely heavily on skilled migrants to fulfil job roles that they cannot fill with domestic workers. The increase in the minimum salary and going rates has meant that businesses can no longer sponsor migrant workers for various highly skilled roles. This is forcing businesses to either have skills gaps in certain work forces or to hire people who do not necessarily have the skills to fulfil the role.

How we can help

If you currently employ migrant workers and are unsure whether their role is eligible for sponsorship going forward, please get in touch with our immigration team and we can discuss this with you.