Britain’s biggest overhaul of work-migration rules for a decade is under way after the Home Office published a 215-page White Paper and an immediate Statement of Changes HC 997.
Degree-level jobs only — and 111 roles lose eligibility
From 22 July employers sponsoring a Skilled Worker must prove the post sits at RQF 6 (degree level), scrapping the A-level standard that has applied since 2021. According to ministers, 111 occupations — and possibly “around 180” once final checks are complete — will fall off the list. Hospitality supervisors, care-home managers and site carpenters are among the casualties.
Salaries to jump; discount list scrapped
Actual pay floors will rise later this year once the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reports. At the same time the Immigration Salary List disappears, to be replaced by a Temporary Shortage List that the MAC will review in 2026; access will be strictly time-limited and contingent on evidence of domestic up-skilling.
Social-care route closed
Citing “widespread abuse”, the government will end new overseas recruitment for care-worker visas on 22 July 2025. Transitional rules allow in-country moves or extensions until 22 July 2028 for staff already here. Sector leaders warn of a “perfect storm” for already stretched providers.
Costs climb: Skills Charge up a third
The Immigration Skills Charge — paid annually for every sponsored worker — rises by 32 % to £1,320 for large sponsors and £480 for SMEs/charities. Lawyers say a five-year visa for a single hire will soon top £10,000 once the higher charge, healthcare surcharge and legal fees are added.
Tougher English, longer wait for settlement
Main applicants must now reach B2 English; dependants enter at A1, renew at A2 and hit B2 to settle. And the headline measure: the qualifying residence for Indefinite Leave to Remain doubles from five to ten years, with a faster lane only for those who “demonstrate exceptional economic or social contribution”.
Graduate visa cut to 18 months
International graduates will have 18 months, not two years, to find work under the pared-back Graduate route, putting pressure on employers to sponsor earlier.
‘High-talent’ routes sweetened
To soften the blow, the White Paper promises a streamlined Global Talent visa and an expanded High Potential Individual route, both aimed at top scientists, engineers and founders.
New Labour Market Evidence Group
A cross-government Labour Market Evidence Group will use training and pay data to advise on shortages, replacing the current ad-hoc lobbying for shortage-occupation status.
What employers should do now
Fast-track any hires in roles that will fall below RQF 6 before 22 July.
Model the new costs — the Skills Charge jump plus higher salaries.
Audit sponsored staff to plan for 10-year settlement and English-language upgrades.
Re-tool recruitment & training plans; the government will expect evidence of domestic pipelines when the MAC revisits the TSL in 2026.
Strengthen compliance files: eVisa roll-out and more frequent sponsor audits are on the way.
Business groups predict a scramble to issue last-minute Certificates of Sponsorship before the higher bar arrives, while unions fear further shortages in social care and hospitality. For now, one thing is clear: the era of medium-skilled, lower-paid migration is closing fast.
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