The UK has made big changes to its work visa system starting June 2025. These rules are now stricter and target low-wage migration. The government wants to bring in highly skilled workers and reduce overall immigration.
If you are a migrant or an employer, these new rules will affect your plans. This article explains all the changes simply and clearly. We cover salary, skills, student visas, family rights, and more.
What Are the Big Changes?
The UK government changed rules across major visa types. These include worker visas, student stay time, family rights, and settlement.
You’ll need more money, better qualifications, and stronger English. Many old visa paths are now blocked. But there are new options for top-level workers.
Use this table to see who is affected and how.
| Category | Change | Who It Affects |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Salary now £38,700 | Most migrant workers |
| Job Skill Level | Must be RQF Level 6+ | Excludes mid and low-skilled jobs |
| Graduate Visa | Now 18 months only | International students |
| Family Sponsorship | Income rule tightened | Migrants with dependants |
| ILR (Indefinite Stay) | Now takes 10 years | Long-term migrants |
| Care Worker Route | Closed | Care sector workers |
| English Language | Must meet B2 level | All main applicants and spouses |
| ETA (Travel Pass) | Now required | Tourists from visa-free nations |
| Visa Fees | Costs 32% more | Employers hiring from abroad |
| Global Talent/HPI | Routes expanded | Skilled and high-potential pros |
Skilled Worker Visa: What’s Different Now?
This visa is the main way migrants work in the UK. But now, the rules are stricter. You need more pay and a higher job level.
Minimum Salary: £38,700
You must earn at least £38,700 per year to apply for the Skilled Worker visa. Before, many roles qualified with just over £26,000.
This affects:
- Entry-level workers in service or support jobs
- Employers offering low-paying roles
- Migrants who recently graduated
Job Must Be RQF Level 6+
Only roles at RQF Level 6 or higher now qualify. This level means professional or specialist roles.
Examples that qualify:
- Doctors
- Engineers
- IT specialists
- Teachers
Roles no longer allowed:
- Cleaners
- Retail assistants
- Delivery drivers
- Warehouse helpers
Graduate Visa Shortened to 18 Months
This visa was meant to help international students stay after graduation. It gave them time to find jobs and settle in.
That window has now been shortened. Instead of 2 years, students now get 18 months.
What You Should Know:
- You must find a job sooner
- It’s harder to switch visas last minute
- Use school career offices early
- Pick a course with strong job prospects
This change adds pressure on graduates. Plan ahead while still in school.
Family Sponsorship Rules Got Tougher
Many migrants move with their family. Under the new rules, this is much harder. You now need to earn more and meet other conditions.
If you earn less than £38,700, you can’t sponsor your family.
What Changed:
- Low-income workers can’t bring dependants
- Social care workers are excluded from family sponsorship
- You may need proof of housing and savings
- The UK wants to reduce family-based migration
Prepare documents early if you’re planning to bring a spouse or children.
Want to Settle in the UK? It Takes 10 Years Now
Many people dream of settling in the UK long-term. This is called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It lets you live without visa renewals.
Before, you could apply after 5 years. Now, it takes 10 years.
Who Can Settle Faster?
Only those with “exceptional contribution” may apply early. These are usually:
- Scientists
- High earners
- People in vital roles
Everyone else must live and work in the UK for a full decade.
Care Worker Visa Route is Closed
This visa helped care homes bring in staff from abroad. Thousands used it to work in the UK legally.
As of June 2025, new applications are no longer allowed. The route has been shut down.
What This Means:
- Employers must hire local UK workers
- Pay may increase to attract staff
- Renewals may be limited
- Shortage roles may be the only path left
If you were hoping to work as a caregiver, this path is now blocked.
ETA System Now Mandatory for Visa-Free Visitors
Before now, many visitors from Europe or America could enter without applying. That has changed.
The UK now uses Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This is required before travel.
How It Works:
- Apply online
- Pay £16
- Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires
Who Needs It?
- US, Canada, and EU citizens
- Anyone from a visa-free country
- Starts March 2025 for EU
- Mandatory from April 2025 for everyone
You may be denied entry without this approval.
Higher English Test Scores Now Required
If you’re applying to live or work in the UK, your English must be stronger.
You now need B2 level English for most visas. This includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
What to Expect:
- B2 for main visa applicants
- A2–B2 for dependants
- IELTS or other approved tests are needed
- You may be re-tested during visa renewal
Practice often and prepare early. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Immigration Fees Just Got More Expensive
Bringing in a foreign worker now costs 32% more than before. This fee is paid by employers, not workers.
Who Pays:
- UK companies who sponsor workers
- Colleges hiring foreign professors
- Hospitals bringing in doctors or nurses
The goal is to push employers to hire local staff. Small businesses may struggle to meet the new costs.
Global Talent and HPI Routes Are Now Wider
Not all doors are closing. The UK has expanded special visas for top talent.
If you’re highly educated or skilled, you may not need a job offer.
Global Talent Visa:
- For leaders in science, tech, or arts
- Fast-track application
- No salary limit
- Long-term stay allowed
HPI Visa (High Potential Individual):
- For graduates of top 50 global universities
- No sponsor needed
- Great for young professionals
These are ideal for those with top skills and a clean record.
What You Should Do Now
With so many rule changes, it’s easy to get confused. Here’s what to do:
For Migrants:
- Find jobs that pay at least £38,700
- Check your job’s skill level (RQF 6+)
- Start job hunting early after graduation
- Study for the B2 English test
- Look into Global Talent or HPI routes if eligible
For Employers:
- Review staff salaries
- Update job ads to meet visa criteria
- Prepare to pay higher visa fees
- Consider training local talent
- Use legal help if unsure
🗨 Common Questions
Q: Can I still apply for a care job?
A: No. That visa path is closed.
Q: Can I bring my spouse as a student?
A: Only if you meet income and visa rules.
Q: When can I apply for settlement?
A: After 10 years, unless you’re highly skilled.
Q: What English level do I need?
A: B2 for workers. A2–B2 for dependants.
Q: Is the Graduate visa still good?
A: Yes, but find work quickly to extend your stay.
Final Words
The UK is now harder to enter if you earn less or lack high skills.
But the door is still open for qualified professionals. Prepare well. Follow the rules. Plan early.
That’s the best way to live, work, or study in the UK under the new 2025 system.
