UK Immigration Overhaul – July 2025: Guide for Skilled Workers, Students, and Employers

The UK’s immigration system has undergone one of its most significant shake-ups in years. From 22 July, reforms affect skilled worker visas, student routes, family settlement, and care sector recruitment. Whether you are an employer, an overseas applicant, or a current visa holder, understanding these changes is crucial for your future plans.

Skilled Worker Visa Rules Changed

To try and reduce reliance on overseas labour, the new system places a greater emphasis on 'higher-skilled' roles:

1. Minimum Skill Level Raised - Only jobs at RQF Level 6 (degree level) and above now qualify for new sponsorship from overseas

2. Over 100 Roles Removed - Occupation such as chefs and hospitality workers have been cut from the list

3. Temporary Shortage List Introduced - Around 70 key roles (including HR officers and IT technicians) still qualify with lower salary thresholds until the end of 2026

4. Existing Visa Holders Protected - If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa in a removed occupation, you can still extend or switch riles, but the government will review these permissions in future

These changes make it essential for employs to check recruitment plans and for applicants to ensure their role still meets the new criteria.

Carer Recruitment Halted

Since 22 July, carer and senior carer roles are no longer eligible for overseas sponsorship. The decision is aimed at reducing dependency on migrant labour in the sector, but healthcare leaders warn it could worsen already critical staffing shortages.

• Ongoing applications submitted prior to the cut off shall still be processed

• Future workforce planning will rely heavily on domestic recruitment and retention strategies

• Migrant workers in country on the Skilled Worker route, or an alternative route, may still switch to be sponsored as a carer as long as they meet certain conditions

Student & Graduate Visa Adjustments

International students also face tighter rules:

1. Graduate Visa Duration Reduced – Graduates now have less time to secure UK employment after completing their studies

2. Stricter Compliance – Universities and colleges must monitor attendance and academic progress more closely, with visa revocation possible for non-compliance

3. Mandatory eVisa Rollout – All new visas will be issued as fully digital records, replacing passport vignettes

For students and education providers, these measures mean greater scrutiny and faster decision timelines.

Family and Settlement Updates

A series of rule changes aim to streamline certain settlement routes:

• EU Pre-Settled Status Upgrades – Automatic transition to full settled status over time, without a separate application

• Private Life Route – Quicker settlement options for long-term residents and UK-born children under private life provisions

• Crown Dependencies – Time spent in Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man now counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain

These adjustments could help some applicants reach settlement status sooner than before.

The July 2025 immigration reforms are more than administrative tweaks – they mark a shift towards a high-skill, high-wage migration model. For many, the impact will be immediate. Staying informed and adapting quickly will be the difference between securing your UK future or having to change course entirely.

Whether you’re an employer, skilled worker, student, or family member, we will help you understand your options and guide you through the process step-by-step — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us at info@ctcadministration.com today to learn how we can support you.