1. What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows people from other countries to come to the UK to work in jobs where there are not enough local workers. You must have a job offer from a UK employer that has a sponsor licence.

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What Has Changed from 22 July 2025

1. Only Higher-Level Jobs Are Now Accepted

You must now have a job that requires graduate-level education (also called RQF Level 6 or above). Many jobs in hospitality (such as restaurant managers or chefs) are no longer allowed.

2. Salary Requirements Are Higher

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, your job must pay:

At least 41,700 pounds per year for most jobs

At least 33,400 pounds per year if you are a new graduate or under 26 years old

At least 31,300 pounds per year if you were already on this visa before April 2024

3. Care Worker Visas Are Closed

You can no longer apply for a new visa to work as a care worker. If you already have a care worker visa, you may be able to extend it until 2028, but no new applications are allowed.

4. No More Visa Stickers in Passports

From July 2025, the UK is moving to digital visas (called e-visas). You will not get a physical visa sticker in your passport anymore.

5. New Rules for Permanent Residency

Before, you could apply for settlement (also called Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR) after 5 years. Now, you must live and work in the UK for 10 years before applying.

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What Is Happening Around the World

Worker Shortages

Many countries have shortages in skilled jobs like nursing, engineering, and technical work. A lot of older workers are retiring, and not enough young people are replacing them.

AI and Technology Are Changing Jobs

Some jobs are now done by artificial intelligence (AI). But there are also new jobs in areas like data, robotics, and clean energy.

Skills Matter More Than Degrees

Employers are now more focused on skills and experience, not just university degrees. Having extra training, certificates, or apprenticeships is very helpful.

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What Workers Should Do

Make sure your job is still on the approved list and meets the new rules

Check if your salary meets the new limits

Learn new skills, especially in areas like technology and healthcare

Improve your English language level, as higher standards now apply

 

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What Employers Should Do

Review the jobs you want to sponsor to make sure they still qualify

Increase salaries if needed to meet new visa requirements

Prepare for digital visas and update your HR systems

Help current sponsored workers renew their visas before 2028 if possible

 

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Summary

The UK Skilled Worker visa rules changed on 22 July 2025. The new rules make it harder to qualify unless you have a higher-level job and a higher salary. Jobs in care and hospitality are mostly no longer allowed. However, workers in engineering, healthcare, and technology are still in demand.

To succeed, workers need:

Good English

Strong skills

Work experience

Up-to-date knowledge of visa rules