In our previous blog post, we shared with you the significant changes anticipated for the Skilled Worker visa as of 2025. Most of these provisions will officially come into force as of 22 July 2025.
The Statement of Changes (HC 997) published by the UK Home Office on 1 July 2025 has brought a fundamental transformation to the Skilled Worker visa. These provisions, which will come into force as of 22 July 2025, significantly narrow the scope of the system and have serious consequences for many applicants and employers.
The new system is not only a set of technical updates; it also changes the spirit of the Skilled Worker visa:
Fewer occupations are now eligible, higher salaries are required and family reunion has become more limited.
Chef Occupation Code Removed: Many Occupations Are Now Outside the System
With the new provisions, approximately 180 occupation codes have been removed from the Skilled Worker system. Most of these codes cover common, sector-specific managerial positions that have been eligible for sponsorship for many years. Applications can now only be made for occupations listed in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.
Some notable occupations that are now outside the system:
- 5434 – Chef
- 1221 – Hotel and accommodation managers and proprietors
- 1222 – Restaurant and catering establishment managers
- 1251 – Property, housing and estate managers
- 1253 – Hairdressing and beauty salon managers
- 1211 – Agriculture and horticulture managers
- 1150 – Retail and wholesale directors
As these occupations are no longer listed in any table under the Skilled Worker route, it is not possible for them to be sponsored in new applications. Even where they appear in a table, they have technically been removed from the system with a “Not applicable” note.
This means a very serious contraction, particularly for sectors such as hotels, restaurants, hairdressing, property, agriculture and retail.
💷 Salary Threshold: £41,700 and Above
Salary criteria have also been raised in the new system. In a Skilled Worker application, the following now apply:
- Minimum salary threshold: £41,700 / year
- Hourly equivalent: £20.64
- New entrant (entry level) salary: £33,400
- Going below this is only possible in special cases where 70% of the occupation’s “going rate” is permitted
These increases were made with the aim of striking a balance with the employment market within the UK and limiting the migrant workforce to skilled areas only.
🧒👫 Family Reunion Rights Are Limited
Under the new rules, it is only possible for people coming on a Skilled Worker visa to bring their spouse and children in the following cases:
- If the job code applied for is listed in Table 1, 2 or 3
- Or if the person obtained their visa before 22 July 2025 and maintains their status
This right is not granted for jobs under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL). For example, family visas are not granted for some technical positions or care workers that are still temporarily eligible.
🧓🏼 Care Sector: In a Temporary Transition Period
A temporary transition period has been granted for the care sector (6135 Care Worker, 6136 Senior Care Worker). However:
- The person must have been working lawfully for their sponsor for at least 3 months
- Only in-country switching applications are permitted
- The arrangement will continue until 22 July 2028
📋 What Should Be Done Under These Conditions?
Individuals who will apply:
✅ Should check whether their occupation code is still in the system
✅ Should assess whether the salary offer meets the new threshold
✅ Should find out in advance whether they have the right to bring family members
Employers who will act as sponsors:
✅ Should compare the SOC codes they use with the new tables
✅ Should revise their salary policies and job descriptions in line with the new system
✅ Should review switching and extension options for existing employees
🔚 Final Word
With the changes coming into force on 22 July 2025, the Skilled Worker visa has taken on a much more selective and restrictive structure within the UK immigration system.
- Approximately 180 occupation codes have been removed from the system
- Popular roles such as Chef, which were open to sponsorship for many years, are no longer eligible
- Family reunion rights have been limited to certain codes only
- Salary thresholds have been raised significantly
These changes directly affect not only individual applicants but also many sectors, such as restaurants, hotels, agencies, and education and healthcare institutions.
In the coming period, anyone who wishes to make a Skilled Worker application needs to:
✅ Check whether their occupation code is eligible
✅ Assess whether they meet the new salary threshold
✅ Consider whether they have the right to bring their spouse and children.
If you would like to plan your application together in line with the new rules, you can contact us.