04/07/2025
On 1 July 2025, the Home Office published a new statement of changes setting out significant changes to the Skilled worker route in the UK. These changes form part of the government’s broader plan, as set out in the White paper, with an aim to reduce net migration.
Following our general update, we have summarised below the key changes which specifically impact the health and adult social care sector:
- Closure of Care worker and Senior care worker visa to overseas applicants: From 22 July 2025, employers will no longer be able to sponsor new workers from overseas for the roles of Care workers (SoC code 6135) and Senior care workers (SoC code 6136) under the Skilled worker route.
This change has been introduced by the government as part of the wider measures to reduce abuse and exploitation in the adult social care sector, but it will have a significant impact on care providers who rely on overseas recruitment to fill workforce gaps.
Transitional arrangements are in place for those already in the UK and they will be able to switch routes, change employer/job and extend their visa until 22 July 2028, subject to them meeting the visa requirements. However, this will be kept under review in the light of any emerging compliance issues in the sector.
For those switching from other visa routes, the requirement to be legally working for the sponsor for at least 3 months before their Skilled worker application will continue to apply.
2. Increase to Skill level for Skilled worker visa: The skill level requirement for Skilled worker route has increased from RQF level 3 (A-level) to RQF level 6 (Degree). However, transitional arrangements apply to those already working on a Skilled worker visa allowing them to continue to extend and switch employers.
For Healthcare occupation codes, it has been clarified that Band 3 and Band 4 jobs can only be sponsored for existing Skilled workers who were in the UK under the rules in place before 22 July 2025 unless these roles are listed on Immigration salary list or Temporary Shortage list.
3. Increase to general salary threshold for a Skilled worker visa and going rates: The general salary threshold for a Skilled worker visa will increase from the current £38,700 to £41,700. Additionally, the new entrant rates are also increasing from £30,960 to £33,400.
However, the general threshold for healthcare occupations remains to be £25,000 while the going rates for most SoC codes have increased.
4. Tightening of rules around similar SoC codes: To prevent sponsors from switching to other similar job codes to bypass the new restrictions around sponsorship of overseas care workers, the Home Office has clarified that SoC code 6131 - Nursing auxiliaries and assistants will apply only to jobs in settings where registered nurse roles also exist.
5. Displaced workers pool requirement removed: In the light of the above changes, the current requirement for the sponsors to first explore the ‘displaced worker pool’ by engaging with regional care partnership has been removed.
When do these changes take effect
The above changes are coming to effect on 22 July 2025. However, applications relying on a CoS issued before that date will be decided in accordance with the current rules.
Impact and next steps for sponsors
As these changes take effect on 22 July 2025, sponsors should immediately review their current recruitment pipeline and be mindful of the deadline for closure of adult social care visa in the event they have any pending offers to overseas candidates. Given the increase to both the general salary threshold and going rate, sponsors should review the minimum salary requirements carefully before assigning any new Skilled worker CoS.
The changes mark a decisive shift in the UK immigration policy, particularly for adult social care sector. While transitional measures offer short-term relief to the care providers, in the long-term the employers need to rethink their recruitment strategy and how they source talent. Early planning and strategic workforce development will be essential to maintain continuity to care and avoid any staff shortages.
Further changes to be implemented by the end of 2025 include higher costs with a proposed 32% increase to the Immigration Skills Charge, to bring rates in line with inflation and the uplifting of English language requirement for skilled workers as well as across other immigration routes.
For further information or assistance to navigate these upcoming changes to the Immigration Rules, please contact our Employment, Pensions & Immigration team.
