The UK Skilled Worker visa salary threshold increase explained
The 2025 UK immigration reforms raise salary and skill requirements for overseas workers, impacting employer costs, eligibility and compliance. Here is what you need to know.
Saskia Johnston ● Aug 14, 2025
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In July 2025, the government announced major changes to the UK immigration rules, including higher minimum salaries for skilled workers and updates to routes such as Global Business Mobility and Scale-up. These reforms will have a direct impact on employers who rely on international talent.
To stay compliant and avoid delays, penalties, or risks to your sponsor licence, it is important to review your processes, update salary benchmarks and prepare for the new requirements.
This can be complex, particularly for organisations navigating multiple visa routes. Working with an experienced business immigration partner can help you apply the rules correctly, protect your sponsor licence and secure the talent your business needs.
Key changes in 2025
1. Salary threshold increases
To qualify for sponsorship, a worker’s pay must meet the highest of the following:
- The new general salary threshold
- The occupation-specific going rate
- The minimum hourly rate of £17.13, based on a 48-hour working week
The new salary thresholds:
| Visa category | Old minimum salary | New minimum salary (from July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| Skilled Worker: PhD relevant to the job | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| Skilled Worker: STEM PhD holder, qualifies under the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or as a new entrant | £30,960 | £33,400 |
| Skilled Worker: Extensions (for applications submitted before April 2024) | £29,000 | £31,300 |
| Global Business Mobility | £45,800 | £52,500 |
2. Higher skill level requirement
The minimum required skill level rises from RQF Level 3, equivalent to A-levels, to RQF Level 6, which is at graduate level. This change therefore now excludes many lower-skilled roles that previously qualified under the Scheme, such as:
- Care workers and senior care workers, with some exceptions
- Various construction labourer roles
- Certain hospitality positions
3. How the Temporary Shortage List works
Care worker roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship from outside the UK after 22 July 2025. Existing visa holders can switch roles until 22 July 2028.
The Health and Care Worker visa requires a minimum salary of £25,000 or the going rate, whichever is higher.
The government’s Temporary Shortage List allows sponsorship for some lower-skilled roles from RQF Levels 3 to 5, but with restrictions. These include:
- No dependants allowed
- Roles must be on the Temporary Shortage List
- The list expires on 31 December 2026
4. Who can still bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route
New workers sponsored under the Temporary Shortage List or in lower-skilled roles may not be able to bring dependants, which could affect relocation plans. This restriction does not apply to Skilled Worker visa holders in these roles who already have dependants in the UK before the rule change.
5. Changes to settlement (Indefinite leave to remain)
Higher salary thresholds apply at the settlement stage. Sponsored workers must meet the full salary requirement, which is £41,700 or the going rate with no discounted rates for new entrants or PhD holders.
What this means for UK employers
- Fewer eligible roles as some positions no longer qualify under the new salary and skill criteria
- Increased salary costs, as meeting higher pay rates is mandatory
- Limited visa options, as certain sectors may need alternative recruitment strategies
- Stricter compliance, because robust internal checks are essential to avoid penalties or licence loss
What employers should do now
- Audit all sponsored roles to match each position against updated salary and skill levels
- Identify gaps early and pinpoint roles no longer eligible while considering alternatives
- Plan ahead by adjusting recruitment strategies and updating internal processes before applications are affected
The 2025 salary threshold changes are already in effect. Acting promptly will protect your sponsorship licence and help you retain vital international talent.