New UK Immigration Changes I Long Residence, Private Life, EUSS Explained I HC997 Statement

Summary

The UK government has introduced major immigration changes, effective July 22, 2025. Key updates include higher salary thresholds for skilled workers, the closure of care worker visas to overseas applicants, the removal of 180 job roles from the skilled occupation list, and the introduction of a new temporary shortage list for essential sectors. These shifts aim to reduce low-wage foreign hires and encourage domestic training. While some rules remain unchanged, such as indefinite leave to remain, further changes are expected later in 2025. Stay informed to navigate these evolving immigration rules successfully.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UK Home Secretary announced a major immigration shakeup that will affect skilled workers, care workers, and job seekers starting July 22, 2025.
• 😀 From July 2025, new immigration rules will raise salary thresholds for skilled workers, with the minimum salary for many roles increasing significantly.
• 😀 The care worker visa route will be closed to overseas applicants due to issues like exploitation, fake jobs, and underpayment, though existing applicants within the UK can still apply or extend their visas.
• 😀 More than 180 job roles have been removed from the skilled occupation list, with the skill level now set to a bachelor’s degree requirement rather than high school-level roles.
• 😀 A temporary shortage list will replace the old immigration salary list, with only critical roles to the economy qualifying, like healthcare and essential services.
• 😀 Industries that want to hire internationally from the shortage list must prove they are training workers within the UK, or they will lose access to global talent.
• 😀 Workers on the shortage list will face new rules, including no dependence visas, no salary or visa fee discounts for employers, and a limited validity for roles on the list until 2026.
• 😀 Indefinite leave to remain after five years, the 24-month graduate visa, and the 10-year rule for indefinite leave remain are currently unchanged but may be updated later in 2025.
• 😀 Other potential changes in late 2025 include stricter family immigration policies, increased immigration skills charges, and tougher English language requirements.
• 😀 Asylum and border reforms are also expected to impact entry rules in the near future, with sudden changes possible, so staying informed is crucial.
• 😀 A live Q&A session with a UK immigration lawyer is planned to address concerns and offer clarity on how these changes might impact individuals.

Q & A

What is the major change happening on July 22, 2025, regarding UK immigration?

Starting from July 22, 2025, significant changes to UK immigration laws will come into effect, particularly impacting skilled workers, care workers, and job seekers. These changes include higher salary thresholds, the closure of the care worker visa route to overseas applicants, and stricter rules for job roles listed on the skilled occupation list.

What happens to the care worker visa route after July 2025?

The care worker visa route will be completely closed to overseas applicants starting July 2025. This change is being made due to concerns over abuse, exploitation, and fake job listings within the UK care sector.

How will the salary requirements for skilled worker visas change after July 2025?

The salary threshold for skilled worker visas will significantly increase starting July 2025. For most roles, the minimum salary requirement will rise by thousands of pounds per year, including for new graduates and early career applicants. Anyone who has a visa issued before April 2024 will also see their salary requirements raised.

Why were 180 jobs removed from the skilled occupation list?

More than 180 jobs have been removed from the skilled occupation list because the skill level required for these roles has been raised. Previously, jobs at A-level (high school level) were acceptable, but now, only roles that require a full bachelor's degree will be eligible.

What is the new temporary shortage list, and who qualifies for it?

The UK will introduce a new temporary shortage list to replace the old immigration salary list. This list will include only jobs deemed critical to the economy, such as those in healthcare and infrastructure. Employers must prove that they are training workers within the UK if they wish to continue hiring from abroad.

What are the new restrictions for workers on the shortage list?

For workers on the new shortage list, there are several changes. For instance, they will not be able to bring dependents, and their employers will not receive salary or visa fee discounts. Additionally, these roles are only valid until the end of 2026, and they will be subject to continuous review for misuse or underpayment.

Will the indefinite leave to remain rule change after these updates?

For now, the rule regarding indefinite leave to remain remains unchanged. Applicants can still apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years of living and working in the UK.

Are there any updates regarding the graduate visa after July 2025?

Currently, the graduate visa remains valid for 24 months, and there are no changes to this as of now. While rumors suggested it might be reduced to 18 months, no official changes have been announced.

What are some possible changes expected later in 2025 regarding UK immigration?

Later in 2025, there may be new updates, including a family immigration policy affecting dependents and spouses, higher immigration skills charges, stricter English language requirements, and major changes to border and asylum rules.

How should applicants prepare for the upcoming UK immigration changes?

Applicants should stay informed and strategic, ensuring they meet the new salary and skill requirements. Employers should also prepare by proving that they are training local workers to retain access to international talent. Being proactive and well-prepared will be crucial for anyone hoping to work in the UK after these changes.