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Business Standard
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UK immigration overhaul: Indians face new job, visa and salary rules
Indians working or planning to work and study in the United Kingdom must brace for sweeping changes in the immigration system, many of which come into effect from July 22, 2025. This is the first wave of changes following the Labour government's immigration white paper published in May 2025. Several Skilled Worker visa rules are being overhauled, with new restrictions on jobs, salary levels, and long-term settlement pathways. What's changing and who will it affect? According to an update from the UK Home Office, from July 22, all Skilled Worker roles must meet the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 benchmark, equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. This change cuts out hundreds of jobs previously considered eligible. Around 180 roles—especially in hospitality, logistics, and care—will no longer qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. These are sectors that often rely on positions below graduate level, such as care assistants, chefs, and delivery supervisors. However, there is a small reprieve for employers. Any Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued before July 21, 2025, will still be accepted under the current rules—even if the role no longer qualifies post-deadline. Salary thresholds are going up The minimum salary requirement is also being raised for several visa categories. For the Skilled Worker visa, the threshold is increasing from £38,700 (about ₹41.8 lakh) to £41,700 (about ₹45 lakh) annually. Other routes, including Global Business Mobility and Scale-up, will also see revised salary benchmarks. Crucially, all Skilled Worker visa holders applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after July 22 must meet the new salary threshold—even if they applied earlier under the old rules. Note: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a UK immigration status that allows a person to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. It's a step towards permanent residency and, ultimately, British citizenship. There is no transitional relief. 'The new salary thresholds apply immediately for those seeking settlement, so employers must plan accordingly,' said a release by the UK government. What employers need to do now With the new system now live, employers are under pressure to act quickly to stay compliant and avoid disruption to staffing pipelines. Immediate steps include: • Issue CoS before July 21 for jobs affected by the new rules • Audit sponsored job roles to check if they meet RQF Level 6 • Update salary bands and HR budgets to reflect the new thresholds • Identify employees who are already on the Skilled Worker route and may still qualify under transitional arrangements • Review recruitment strategies and invest in upskilling local workers • Communicate clearly with existing staff on potential implications • Consult legal experts to minimise the risk of non-compliance More changes expected this year The white paper released in May outlines several additional proposals expected to roll out later in 2025. These include: • Increase in the Immigration Skills Charge • Revised English language eligibility standards • New family visa rules • Graduate Visa duration cut from 2 years to 18 months • Proposal to double the Skilled Worker settlement period from 5 years to 10 Ten-year wait for permanent residence? Under the government's 'earned settlement' model, most migrants would need to wait 10 years instead of the current 5 to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain. However, those making 'Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society' may still qualify earlier. The Home Office has not yet explained how these points will be awarded or how much faster the accelerated route will be. 'We will consult on the earned settlement scheme later this year,' said Seema Malhotra, the UK minister for migration and citizenship in a written reply to Parliament. Who is exempt from the 10-year rule? So far, partners of British citizens and victims of domestic abuse have been confirmed as exempt. They can continue to qualify for ILR after five years. EU citizens protected under the EU Settlement Scheme will also retain their existing five-year pathway, as required under Article 15 of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. The Home Office has not yet confirmed whether other visa categories, such as the Hong Kong BN(O) route, will be exempt. Do the new settlement rules apply to existing visa holders? This is unclear. During a statement on May 12, 2025, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'We will set out further details of the earned settlement and citizenship reforms later this year, and we will consult on them'. She added: 'We want the settlement rules to be amended as swiftly as possible and to apply widely, but we will consult on the detail'. So far, the government has not said whether people already on existing visa routes will be affected or whether the ten-year requirement will apply only to new arrivals. Will MPs vote on these changes? According to an FAQ shared by the UK government, most of the changes will not be subject to a parliamentary vote. The UK immigration system is governed through Statements of Changes, which automatically take effect unless a motion of disapproval is passed within 40 days. In practice, this rarely happens. For example, the major visa changes introduced by the previous Conservative government in 2024 were not voted on, despite heated debate. However, changes requiring primary legislation—such as new levies on international students or amendments to citizenship law—will need Parliament's approval. Those are expected to be introduced in stages through separate bills.
Economic Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
UK's special visa ballot for Indians to reopen on July 22. No job offer needed
The UK government will open the second and final ballot for the 2025 India Young Professionals Scheme visa at 1:30 PM IST on July 22, closing at the same time on July 24. The visa allows Indian citizens aged 18–30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How to enter the ballot? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Name Date of birth Passport details A scan or photo of passport Phone number Email address plan to apply for the visa, which costs £319 meet all the eligibility requirements for the visa - such as having an eligible qualification and enough money to support yourself Number of slots The UK government has announced that the second ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa for 2025 will open at 1.30 PM on July 22 and close at the same time on July 24. Interested candidates can enter the ballot at any time while it is Young Professionals Scheme visa allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to 2 enter the ballot, an applicant must be an Indian citizen who is eligible for the Young Professionals Scheme visa. Before entering, candidates should confirm their be eligible for the visa, you must hold a qualification at the bachelor's degree level or higher (equivalent to RQF levels 6, 7 or 8) and have at least £2,530 in savings to support yourself during your stay. Additionally, you must not have any children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you. Before applying for the visa, you must enter and be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. Individuals who have previously been in the UK under this scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme visa are not eligible to ballot entries will be picked at random. You will be sent the results by email within 2 weeks of the ballot is free to enter the ballot. You should only enter if you:There are 3,000 places available for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa in 2025. Most places were made available in the February ballot. The remaining places will be made available in the second and final ballot in can only submit one entry per person for each ballot. Any further attempts to enter will not be counted.
Scotsman
14-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
There's still time to lodge visa applications under the old rules
Changes to the immigration regime take effect from 22 July, says Ashley Fleming Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The key changes include an increase to the minimum skill level: New applicants must be sponsored in roles assessed by the Home Office at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 (degree level), up from the current RQF level 3 (A-level). Whilst roles must be degree level, applicants themselves do not need a degree level qualification. These changes apply only to new applicants. Skilled workers already in the UK and sponsored in roles below RQF level 6 can renew their visas, change employment and take supplementary employment at the same level. The Government has warned that these transitional arrangements will be reviewed in due course. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Further exceptions to the increased skilled level are provided through updates to the existing Immigration Salary List (ISL) and the introduction of a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL). The ISL includes roles identified by the Migration Advisory Committee ('MAC') as experiencing labour shortages and eligible for salary discounts. Although the ISL will be phased out by the end of 2026, interim measures will allow RQF level 3-5 roles to remain eligible for the Skilled Worker route if they appear on: Ashley Fleming is a partner, Harper Macleod The expanded ISL, which includes existing roles plus those at RQF levels 3-5 which the MAC identified as being in shortage in its 2023 and 2024 reviews; or the interim TSL, which includes RQF levels 3-5 roles deemed important for the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy by the Department for Business and Trade and His Majesty's Treasury. A total of 52 occupation codes are on the new TSL. These roles will not benefit from salary discounts, unlike those on the former Shortage Occupation List. Furthermore, main applicants will no longer be eligible to bring their dependants to the UK, which may deter them from coming. Another change is that salary thresholds are rising. From 22 July, the general threshold will increase from £38,700 to £41,700, and the new entrants threshold increases from £30,960 to £33,400. Transitional provisions apply to those sponsored before 4 April 2024, with their salary threshold increasing from £29,000 to £31,300 when extending or changing employer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The changes are significant for the care sector. From 22 July, sponsors won't be able to bring in care (SOC 6135) or senior care workers (SOC 6136) from overseas. In-country applications will be permitted until 22 July 2028, but the skilled worker must have been legally employed by the sponsor for at least three months at the time the CoS is assigned, or already hold a skilled worker visa as a care worker and be moving sponsor.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK's Skilled Worker rules change after July 22: Why this deadline matters for Indian tech professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers
New UK Skilled Worker visa rules: Higher salaries, digital visas, and longer path to residency The United Kingdom will introduce new Skilled Worker visa rules beginning July 22, 2025, bringing significant changes to salary thresholds, skill level eligibility, settlement timelines, and visa processes. These updates are part of a broader overhaul aimed at reducing net migration and shifting towards a more digitally managed immigration system. The upcoming changes are particularly relevant to Indian nationals, who form the largest group of Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK. Professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare must carefully evaluate the new requirements and timelines, especially those planning to apply or renew visas under the current system. Skill and salary thresholds to rise significantly One of the most impactful changes is the increase in the required skill level. From July 22, only roles classified at RQF Level 6—equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree—will be eligible under the Skilled Worker route. Previously, jobs at RQF Level 3 (A-level or equivalent) were also accepted. This change excludes more than 180 occupations from eligibility, particularly affecting supervisory and technical roles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Salary thresholds are also increasing. The new general salary minimum for Skilled Worker visa applicants is £41,700. Roles requiring a PhD will need a salary of at least £37,500, while those in STEM PhD roles or listed under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) may qualify with a minimum salary of £33,400. Applicants who entered the UK before April 4, 2024, may still be eligible for a lower extension threshold of £31,300. For Indian IT professionals and engineers, who frequently apply under codes that previously fell under RQF Level 3–5, it is essential to verify if their role still qualifies under the updated skill classification. 10-year path to settlement begins From July 22, the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—the UK's settlement status—will double from 5 to 10 years for Skilled Worker visa holders. While transitional protections may apply in certain cases, applicants should plan long-term immigration goals accordingly. To qualify for ILR under the new rules, individuals must also meet the new salary requirements and show continuous legal residence over the 10-year period. Why the July 22 deadline matters The last date to apply under the current Skilled Worker rules is July 21, 2025. After that, all applications will be assessed using the updated salary and skill criteria. Applicants and sponsoring employers are advised to secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and submit visa applications before the deadline to benefit from existing eligibility conditions. Employers must also adapt their recruitment strategies. Medium-skilled jobs, including some IT support and health technician roles, may no longer qualify for sponsorship under the new RQF Level 6 requirement. Additionally, stricter sponsor licence compliance checks will be introduced. Digital visa system to apply from July 15 From July 15, 2025, all visas, including Skilled Worker visas, will be issued as eVisas. These are digital records linked to the applicant's passport and replace traditional visa stickers. Visa holders must keep their personal and passport details updated in the UKVI system to maintain valid immigration status. Employers and landlords will verify right-to-work and right-to-rent status through the digital system. This transition marks a shift to fully online immigration compliance for all new applicants. Key steps for Indian professionals before July 22 • Confirm whether your job remains eligible under RQF Level 6 • Ensure salary meets the revised thresholds • Have your employer issue a CoS before July 22 • Apply before the deadline to benefit from transitional rules • Prepare for digital compliance under the new eVisa system For Indian professionals seeking to live and work in the UK, acting before July 22 may be the most straightforward path under current immigration rules. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
What are the new UK immigration rules as major reforms to come into effect this month?
Immigration rule changes have been made in a bid to cut the number of foreign nationals coming to live in the UK Immigration is the word on everyone's lips at the moment. From the UK Government issuing a warning to citizens travelling to the US, to a recent crackdown on illegal working in Scotland, the issue is pertinent - and ever-changing. Now, in just a few short weeks, a suite of new immigration rules could be implemented in the UK. The proposals, unveiled on Tuesday, July 1, apparently aim to reduce the number of foreign nationals settling in Britain. Politicians have claimed that robust strategies are essential to train and hire UK workers, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper indicating that the government intends to totally revamp the existing immigration framework. "We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years," Yvette Cooper stated. "These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK." So, what are the new UK immigration rules? The forthcoming measures will halt overseas recruitment for social care positions and increase salary thresholds for skilled foreign workers. The baseline minimum salary for obtaining a Skilled Worker visa is set to climb from £38,700 to £41,700. In addition, the minimum salary for those holding a relevant PhD will rise from £34,830 to £37,500. If sanctioned by MPs, the initial changes will take effect from Tuesday, July 22. As per the Standard's report, the government plans to roll out a new temporary jobs shortage list for sub-degree level roles that are crucial to key infrastructure projects, valid until the end of next year. These individuals will no longer benefit from salary and visa fee reductions. They will not have the privilege of bringing family members to the UK, either. "The key change is raising the threshold for Skilled Worker visas from occupations at Regulated Qualifications Framework level 3 and above, approximately A-level skills, to occupations at RQF level 6 and above, mainly graduate professions," Seema Malhotra, Migration Minister, said. "Salary requirements for work visas are being raised in line with the latest Office for National Statistics data, ahead of an upcoming thorough review of salary requirements (including discounts) by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)." In the meantime, the government has warned it "will not hesitate" to restrict immigration access further "should there be clear signs of abuse and exploitation in sectors." Further changes to be implemented by the end of this year include raising the immigration skills charge, cracking down on people's level of English before entering the country, and setting out a new family framework. The government has also committed to abolishing the previous government's immigration salary list. The minimum salary is currently 80 per cent of the route's usual minimum rate to qualify for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa. The government will announce further measures on asylum and border security later this year, too. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
