Major UK Visa Updates Effective July 2025: What You Need to Know

The UK is changing its immigration regulations in several significant ways that will affect a lot of individuals seeking work and family visas. These changes will take effect on July 22, 2025.

The Skilled Worker Route, Health and Care Sector, Private Life Route, and EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) are some of the most critical visa categories that are affected by these changes.

It is crucial for both individual applicants and employers who rely on UK migration pathways to know how these changes might affect their current or future visa plans.

This blog will help you check out the major changes happening in UK immigration policies.

Key Immigration Update July 2025 UK

1. Skilled Worker Route

• New Minimum Salary Thresholds
  • The minimum salary for most skilled workers is rising from £38,700 to £41,700
  • Reduced threshold increases from £30,960 to £33,400
• Skill Level Requirement
  • Now set at RQF Level 6 (degree level) for most roles, up from RQF Level 3
  • About 180 job roles will be removed from eligibility.

Temporary Shortage Occupation List

• Some RQF Level 3 and 4 roles remain eligible, but only temporarily
• Dependents will no longer be allowed for these roles

Impact on Existing Visa Holders

• Changes apply to new applications; current holders must meet new requirements when renewing

2. Health and Care Sector

• Closure of Overseas Recruitment
  • Care Worker and Senior Care Worker roles will close to new overseas applicants from July 22, 2025
• Switching Within the UK
  • Allowed until July 22, 2028, for those already in the UK, subject to specific conditions.

3. Private Life Route

• Young Adults (18–25 Years)
  • Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years if they meet the half-life test
• Children (Under 18)
  • Eligible for settlement after 7 years of continuous residence.

4. EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

• Expanded Pathway to Settled Status
  • Pre-settled status holders may qualify for settled status after 30 months of residence in the UK, provided they have been in the country for at least 60 months.
  • Applies from July 16, 2025, to both automated and manual processes

For people applying to work or study in the UK

• Check your plans

Take a moment to see if your job or course still matches the new rules. Some options may have changed, so it's worth double-checking before you move forward.

• Get organized

Start gathering the necessary documents you will need, such as proof of your job offer, relevant qualifications, and evidence of your English skills. The earlier you prepare, the less stressful it'll be.

• Thinking about care jobs?

If you wish to work in adult social care, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible. The window for new overseas applications is closing fast.

• Stay in the loop

Keep an eye out for updates from official sources, so you're always one step ahead.

For employers

• Review your hiring

Make sure the roles you want to fill still qualify under the new system. You should adjust your recruitment plans.

• Plan for changes

Higher salary requirements and new restrictions could affect your budget and hiring process. Get ready for these shifts now.

• Support your team

Let your current staff know what's changing and help them with any paperwork or questions about renewing their visas.

If you are feeling unsure or the changes seem overwhelming, don't hesitate to get advice from an immigration expert. You may contact us to make everything much easier.

How ImmiLaw Global Can Help You

No matter where you are in your journey—worrying about your visa, hiring from abroad, or planning a new life for your family—ImmiLaw Global is here for 

Contact us today for advice you can trust—and let's move forward together.