Big changes rarely happen all at once. But when they do, it pays to be alert and strategic.
On 1 July 2025, the UK Government published a 138-page Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997). It’s the first official move in what ministers are calling a “complete reset” of the immigration system. Here’s the bottom line:
If your business sponsors overseas talent (or plans to), the rules just changed, which job seekers also need to stay informed about.
Let’s break it down.
1. Salary Thresholds Are Rising (Again):
From 22 July 2025, all new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) must meet these updated minimum salaries:
| Category | What It Means | Previous | New |
| A | General threshold | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| B | STEM PhDs / ISL roles (90% rate) | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| C, D, E | New entrants / PhD discounts (80%) | £30,960 | £33,400 |
| F | New entrant salary floor | £29,000 | £31,300 |
| G | Lowest band (70%) | £26,100 | £28,200 |
And there is a new baseline: £17.13 per hour.
If that’s higher than the job’s discounted going rate? Employees must use it.
=> Only 48 hours/week count. Overtime won’t be counted.
2. The Skills Bar Is Now RQF Level 6+:
That’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
More than 180 job roles previously eligible have now been eliminated.
If the role isn’t at RQF Level 6 or higher, it doesn’t qualify for sponsorship, unless the worker is already in the UK under transitional rules.
3. Closure of Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers
From 22 July 2025, employers can no longer sponsor care workers from overseas.
Exceptions:
- Care workers already in the UK
- Switching jobs within the same sponsor
- Must have worked 3+ months legally in the role
These rules stay in place until July 2028. After that, this route may close entirely
4. New Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL)
This list gives time-limited access to certain lower-skilled roles, but with stricter conditions:
- No dependents allowed
- No salary or visa discounts
- Will be reviewed by MAC by the end of 2026
Think of it as a stopgap, not a long-term solution.
5. Implementation Timeline
Government Position
The Government has made its stance clear: Train UK workers or lose access to global talent.
Sectors with poor compliance or ongoing misuse of the visa system will face tighter restrictions or be removed from future immigration pathways entirely.
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK.”
— Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary
ABL Recruitment: Helping You Stay Compliant and Competitive
We have helped clients and candidates navigate changes for over 30 years. We continue to stay ahead of every legal and market shift by offering:
✅ Real-time advice on role eligibility and salary alignment
✅ Expert support (extended) for sponsorship and compliance
✅ Candidate sourcing that meets the latest immigration and job market standards
📩 Let’s talk! Whether you’re adjusting your hiring strategy or planning international recruitment, we are here to support.
