Changes to the Immigration Rules, Part 2

By: Tiffany Carpenter

Just one week after the last changes to the Immigration Rules, which we discussed here, the government published yet more changes on 1 July 2025. The full statement and explanatory memorandum can be found here.  All changes will take effect on 22 July 2025.

The main changes are regarding the following routes.

Skilled Worker route

In the White Paper published in May 2025, the government outlined their intentions to reduce the number of people who qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, stating:

“We must go significantly further to ensure that migration continues to fall from the unsustainably high levels of the last few years, to reduce overseas recruitment in favour of training UK workers, and also to change the pattern and skill mix of the migration we do allow, to ensure a better contribution to the UK.”

Some of the key changes to the Skilled Worker route are:

• The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) will be increased to level 6. For the last several years, it was lowered to level 3, in part to help businesses adapt to Brexit. As a result of the increase, the government says that “around 180 occupations” will no longer be eligible.
  • However, people can continue to be sponsored in these occupations if:
    • they are already on the route, or
    • they are already sponsored for an application that is successful when the changes come into effect, or
    • an occupation is on the Immigration Salary List, or
    • the new interim Temporary Shortage list.
  • The salary requirements are being updated, in line with the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
  • Appendix Skilled Occupations has been restructured to reflect the eligible occupations + going rates.
  • The Immigration Salary List will be replaced by a Temporary Shortage List for occupations below RQF level 6.
  • After the changes come into effect, workers at RQF levels 3-5 will not be able to bring dependents.
    • However, dependent children born in the UK, or where the Skilled Worker has sole parental responsibility, are exempted.
  • Entry clearance applications for care workers (occupation code 6135) and senior care workers (6136) will be closed.
    • In country applications, for those switching from other visa routes, will be available until 22 July 2028.
  • The occupation code “6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants” will only apply to roles in environments where registered nurse roles also exist.

For now, transitional arrangements exempt workers who are already in the Skilled Worker route (or have been sponsored for an application which is later successful) when the changes come into effect from the increase to the skill threshold. For care workers, transitional arrangements will also apply if they are already in the route, or already sponsored and later successful, or who switch to the route before 22 July 2028.

However, this is a fast-changing visa route and both employees and employers are recommended to get updated advice from an immigration specialist.

Other work routes

• The salary requirements for Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes are being updated, in line with the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) route

• This route has been closed.
• Applications must have been made before 15:00 BST on 1 July 2025 to be valid.
• Those who submitted their application before this date can continue to make applications for immediate family members and additional family members.
• Appendix ARAP is being amended to clarify two stages in the application process. First, the Applicant must apply to the Ministry of Defence, who will decide if they are an eligible Afghan citizen. Second, if eligible, the Ministry of Defence will apply (on behalf of the Applicant) for entry clearance (if outside the UK) or settlement (if they are inside the UK).
• The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) will also be closed. The Home Office will continue to consider those who have had referrals made under the ACRS Separated Families pathway, but who have not yet received a decision.

Other changes

Once again, other changes are being made to ensure clarity. According to the Home Office, they do not represent policy changes and are merely intended to correct minor drafting errors.

If you are considering making an application to enter, stay, settle, or get citizenship, we highly recommend speaking to an immigration lawyer. They can assess your situation, offer tailored advice and help prepare the required forms and documents. If you would like to discuss your situation with us, please contact our advisors today at 0208 995 3556.