Key Changes to the UK Skilled Worker Visa: White Paper May 2025
The UK government published a major immigration white paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, in May 2025. This document outlines significant reforms to the Skilled Worker visa and the broader immigration system. The changes are designed to reduce net migration, focus on higher skills, and encourage domestic workforce development.
Main Changes to the Skilled Worker Visa
1. Higher Skills Threshold
-The minimum skill level for the Skilled Worker route will be raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (degree level)
-Only jobs requiring degree-level qualifications will be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
-There will be limited, time-bound exceptions for certain shortage occupations, which must be listed on a new Temporary Shortage List and justified by the Migration Advisory Committee
2. Increased Salary Thresholds
–Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas will rise, although precise new figures have yet to be confirmed.
–The Immigration Salary List, which previously allowed for discounted salary thresholds in shortage occupations, will be abolished.
3. Settlement Rules Tightened
-The qualifying period for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) for most points-based system routes, including Skilled Workers, will double from five to ten years.
-Some exemptions and accelerated settlement options may be available for those making significant contributions to the UK economy or society
4. Stricter English Language Requirements
–English language proficiency for main applicants will be raised from B1 to B2 (Independent User) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
-All adult dependants of workers and students will be required to meet at least A1 (Basic User) English, with progression to higher levels required for extensions and settlement.
5. Social Care Visa Route Closed
-The overseas social care visa route will be closed to new applications.
-Those already in the UK on this route can extend or switch visas until 2028, but new overseas recruitment will cease.
6. Increased Immigration Skills Charge
-The Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers sponsoring Skilled Worker visas will increase by 32%
Additional Measures and Context
-Employers will be required to demonstrate investment in domestic workforce training and may face restrictions on sponsoring visas if they do not.
-The government will establish a Labour Market Evidence Group to inform future immigration policy and ensure that migration only addresses genuine, long-term shortages
-The Graduate visa will be shortened to 18 months for new applicants (down from 2–3 years)
Implementation and Transition
-These changes will be phased in, with some measures taking effect within weeks of the white paper’s publication and others subject to further consultation and legislative process.
-Transitional arrangements will apply for those already in the UK under existing visa routes
Summary Table: Proposed Key Changes
| Area | Current (pre-May 2025) | New Rules (May 2025 White Paper) |
| Skills Threshold | RQF Level 3 (A-level) | RQF Level 6 (degree level) |
| Salary Thresholds | Standard thresholds, discounts | Thresholds increased, discounts ended |
| Settlement Qualification | 5 years | 10 years (with some exceptions) |
| English Language Requirement | B1 for main applicant | B2 for main, A1+ for dependants |
| Social Care Visa | Open to new overseas applicants | Closed to new overseas applicants |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Baseline | Increased by 32% |
| Graduate Visa Duration | 2–3 years | 18 months |
The May 2025 white paper marks a decisive shift in UK immigration policy, prioritizing higher skills, reducing lower-skilled migration, and strengthening requirements for both migrants and employers. These changes will have significant implications for businesses, migrants, and sectors that have relied on international recruitment.
Whilst the May 2025 Immigration White Paper remains a proposal rather than enacted legislation, its publication clearly signals the government’s intentions for future policy development. We can expect that core elements from the White Paper proposal could likely be implemented even if not every detail becomes law, making this a particularly challenging period for immigration advisers who must adapt their practice and client counselling approaches accordingly.
HJT’s specialist consultation service offers direct access to leading immigration experts from our distinguished panel for confidential, one-to-one discussions about complex cases. This service enables practitioners to develop robust strategies for difficult scenarios and gain clarity on how proposed changes might affect individual client circumstances, providing essential support during this period of regulatory uncertainty. For more information on our consultation service please visit here
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Written by Shareen Khan – Legal Content Writer, HJT Training
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration advisors should consult the full decisions and official policy documents when advising clients on specific cases.
