The UK Government has introduced significant updates to the Immigration Rules, with several amendments taking effect from 1 July 2025, as outlined in Statement of Changes HC 997. At Lumine Solicitors, an experienced immigration law firm based in London, we outline the key rule changes and explain what applicants, sponsors, and employers need to know.

Implementation Dates

1 July 2025 – Provisions relating to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy take effect.

22 July 2025 – Other changes, including major updates to the Skilled Worker route, will apply.

Applications made before these dates will generally be assessed under the prior Immigration Rules.

Skilled Worker Route Salary Thresholds Increased

The minimum salary thresholds have risen across the board. If you are applying under the Skilled Worker route on or after 22 July 2025, you will need to meet the updated salary thresholds, unless transitional provisions apply:

• General salary threshold (SW Option A): increased to £41,700
  
• New entrant rate (SW Option F): increased to £31,300
  
• Health and Care roles (SW Option G): must meet updated rates in the new Appendix Skilled Occupations

In addition to salary changes, employers and applicants must now refer to the SOC 2020 occupation codes. This replaces all prior references to SOC 2010. At Lumine Solicitors London, we routinely support Skilled Worker applications and can advise you on meeting the new financial and sponsorship criteria.

Changes to Care Worker Sponsorship

Care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and 6136) can still apply to remain under the Skilled Worker route, but new restrictions now apply:

• Applicants must have been legally employed in the role for at least three months with the sponsor prior to CoS issuance
• Applications must be submitted before 22 July 2028 to benefit from transitional arrangements

In some transitional cases, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulation requirement is now removed for those continuously sponsored since before 11 Mar 2024. Our London based immigration team can help sponsors and care workers ensure compliance with these detailed new provisions.

Updated Shortage Occupation List

The previous Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Temporary Shortage List, which applies only to Certificates of Sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026. Eligible roles include:

• Laboratory Technicians
• IT Operations Technicians
• Welders
• Estimators and Valuers
• Several roles in construction, care, engineering, and technical fields

Note: From January 2027, this list will no longer apply unless extended.

Lumine Solicitors can confirm whether your job remains eligible and guide you through transitional protections.

Expanded Definition of Supplementary Employment

Skilled Workers with permission granted before 22 July 2025 may now undertake supplementary employment in additional SOC 2020 roles (including Tables 1a, 2aa, or 3a), offering greater flexibility to work in certain secondary jobs. Employers must still ensure that supplementary work complies with the occupation code and hour restrictions.

Changes Affecting Dependants

Rules regarding children of Skilled Workers have been revised:

• Children must usually be linked to roles listed in Tables 1–3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations
• Transitional protection exists for those sponsored under older SOC codes (e.g. 6145/6146)

Similar updates affect the eligibility of partners under Appendix Family Members. Speak to Lumine Solicitors London if you’re unsure how these rules affect your family’s visa eligibility.

Introduction of the Immigration Salary List 

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) now works alongside the Temporary Shortage List to set out jobs eligible for salary reductions or other benefits. Roles on the ISL benefit from relaxed salary thresholds but still require strict sponsorship compliance. This list will continue to shape future visa eligibility decisions.

Transitional Provisions – Who’s Protected?

There are key exemptions and protections for those who:

• Were granted Skilled Worker visas under rules in force before 22 July 2025
• Are applying for extensions or changes of employment with the same sponsor
• Hold permission under former SOC 2010 care worker codes (6145, 6146)
• Have dependants applying under pre-July 2025 conditions

We strongly recommend reviewing your position with an immigration expert at our firm before submitting any further applications.

How Lumine Solicitors can help

At Lumine Solicitors, our London-based immigration solicitors specialise in Skilled Worker, health and care visas, sponsor licensing, and family immigration. We provide clear legal guidance, check your eligibility under transitional arrangements, and ensure all applications meet the new evidentiary standards.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect you or your sponsor duties, contact Lumine Solicitors London at 020 3950 2246, or Google “Lumine Solicitors London” to learn more about our services and legal updates. You can also fill out our contact form HERE.

Zehra Raza – Lumine Solicitors