If you're planning to come to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, there’s more to consider in 2025 than people may think. With new salary thresholds, tightened job eligibility, and restrictions that may affect your family and long-term future. Here’s what you need to know.

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Higher salary requirements from 2025

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The UK government has increased the minimum salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas to reflect rising wages across the economy. Most applicants will now need to earn at least £41,700 to qualify, up from the original salary requirement of £38,700. However, there are discounted thresholds for specific groups:

• If your job is PhD-relevant, the minimum falls slightly to £37,500.
• For those with a PhD in a STEM subject, or applying under the Immigration Salary List or as a New Entrant, the threshold is £33,400.
• Those extending applications submitted before April 2024 can still renew at £31,300, but this is a temporary carve-out.

It’s important to understand that the salary you’re offered must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for your specific occupation. This means some roles may require significantly more than the £41,700 baseline.

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Fewer eligible jobs

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From 22nd July 2025, only jobs assessed at RQF level 6 or above (roughly equivalent to a university degree) will be eligible for sponsorship. This means that many previously eligible, lower-skilled roles will be excluded unless they fall under one of the government’s shortage schemes.

If you're already in the UK under the Skilled Worker route, you can still extend your visa in roles below this level for now. However, this transitional rule is under review, and future extensions may require you to meet the new criteria.

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Updates to the Health and Care Visa 

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The popular Health and Care visa remains open, but with tighter conditions. Those already in the UK as a care worker or senior care worker, could have extended their visas until 22nd July 2028. However, switching into these roles is only possible if your sponsor has already employed you for at least three months.

Importantly, new overseas applications for these roles closed 22nd July 2025. This is a key deadline for anyone currently overseas and aiming to come to the UK in a health or care-related position.

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Restrictions for shortage occupations

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A new Temporary Shortage List now operates alongside the Immigration Salary List, including roles considered essential or difficult to fill, many of which fall below RQF Level 6. While this provides some flexibility for certain roles, from 22nd July 2025, workers in these roles are not allowed to bring family members with them to the UK.

This change could have a major impact on those planning to relocate with dependants. If your job is listed on either shortage list, it’s essential to factor this into your decision-making process.

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Should you have any queries regarding the above information or if you require assistance with your corporate, employment or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

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The information provided does not amount to legal advice.

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