Skilled Worker Visa Changes Take Effect — Higher Salary and Skill Thresholds
22 Jul 2025
Significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa route have taken effect today, impacting both new applicants and employers sponsoring workers.
What Has Changed
- General salary threshold rises from 38,700 to 41,700 pounds per year
- New entrant salary threshold rises to 33,400 pounds
- Minimum hourly rate set at 17.13 pounds (based on a 48-hour week)
- Minimum skill level raised from RQF Level 3 to Level 6 (degree level), removing around 180 occupations from the eligible list
- Overseas social care worker recruitment has ended
Who Is Affected
These changes apply to new applications submitted from today. If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa, your current visa is unaffected. However, if you are planning to extend or switch employers, the new salary thresholds will apply at the point of your next application.
Impact on ILR Plans
If you are planning to apply for ILR on the Skilled Worker route, you should check that your current salary meets the new threshold. If your salary falls below 41,700 pounds, you may need to discuss a pay adjustment with your employer before your next visa extension or ILR application.
The continuous residence requirement (no more than 180 days absent in any 12-month period) remains unchanged.
Source: Skilled Worker visa (GOV.UK)