Skills thresholds are risingSalary thresholds are increasing tooWhat employers should do nowMore changes are comingThe UK government has published a sweeping Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, due to take effect from 22 July 2025, marking the first wave of reforms from the government’s landmark immigration white paper. Build an immigration system that supports economic growth while drastically reducing net migration and UK businesses' reliance on overseas labour.While the broader white paper outlines systemic changes, the rules rolling out primarily target the Skilled Worker route, which is the pathway for migrant professionals. For employers and licensed sponsors, these changes will likely have a significant impact on hiring strategies, visa processing, and long-term workforce planning.So what exactly is changing? And what can employers do to prepare?Read more: Visa-free isn’t always free: Countries that still charge entry fees and travel taxesFrom 22 July, the minimum skills threshold for Skilled Worker roles will increase substantially. The cost of inaction could mean losing access to key talent, or worse, falling foul of new immigration regulations.

Source: The Times July 22, 2025 00:33 UTC