Are you thinking of relocating to the UK for a job or you already have a work permit? It’s important for you to be aware of the existing changes in the visa system as well as the ones that will come to effect in 2025.
Your qualification, income, job type and even the duration of stay required for residency will depend on these changes. Here are the most significant changes regarding the working visa UK in 2025.
Working Visa Uk: Top 5 Changes in 2025
- New Skills and Job Eligibility Standards (Implemented from 22 July 2025)
One of the most important changes is that the government has made the skill level demand stricter and will no longer sponsor jobs below that level. The skill level demanded has been increased to RQF Level 6, which is almost the same as a bachelor’s degree.
For the individuals who possess a Skilled Worker visa and are already in the UK before 22 July 2025, there are provisions for transition. You will still be able to apply for an extension or switch jobs to lower skill levels until 22 July 2028 (in some cases).
- Higher Salary Thresholds
Along with the new skill requirement, salary minimums are going up:
- The general salary minimum for new Skilled Worker visas will rise to £41,700 per year.
- For PhD-level roles, different thresholds apply depending on whether the degree is STEM or non-STEM.
- Some roles on the Immigration Salary List or TSL may use lower (but still stricter) thresholds, but discounting or special reductions will be limited.
Employers will need to pay the higher of either the standard threshold or the going rate for the job (occupation-specific).
Also, a new wage floor of £17.13 per hour is introduced (for many roles, based on up to 48 working hours per week).
- Closure of New Entry for Care Workers Abroad
No more overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers (social care roles) will be accepted as of 22 July 2025.
There is a transition period till 22 July 2028. During that period, people who are already on such visas can renew, switch, or apply for and remain under certain conditions.
The change is for reducing the dependence on overseas manpower in the care sector.
- English language requirements: from B1 to A-level (B2)
One of the headline changes is the plan to raise the minimum English requirement. Currently, the majority of work visa applicants are required to prove that they have English language skills corresponding to the B1 level (Intermediate) on the CEFR scale.
On the other hand, the suggested reforms aim to set a higher standard—a level of an A equivalent (CEFR B2) for speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The government’s White Paper on immigration also suggests this change will extend to dependants (adult family members) who join visa holders.
For more about how migrants will be required to “pass a level standard of English,” see the official government announcement:
Gov.uk — migrants will be required to pass a level standard of English
- Fees, Graduate Visa, and Other Adjustments
- The Graduate Visa (for non-residents who graduated in the UK to stay and work) will have a shorter duration: it will be reduced to 18 months.
- The company that sponsors will have to not only review the jobs but also make sure they are properly paid according to the new salary brackets, and if necessary, make internal adjustments in terms of salaries.
Next Steps for Applicants
- Get Proficiency in the English Language: Try to scale your English level to B2 if you are on B1. This can save you from disqualification later on.
- Check your occupation code & skill level. Some jobs previously eligible may no longer qualify unless on the shortage list.
- Plan financially. The higher salary thresholds will exclude some roles.
- Watch dependent and settlement changes. The new rules require extra language skills or a longer waiting period if you are planning to bring family over or if you are considering a settlement.
In Summary
The United Kingdom’s working visa situation is undergoing a significant transformation at the start of 2025. Be prepared to meet the English language proficiency, outstanding skills and salary requirements, and slow changes in the student/graduate-to-work routes.
Always be informed, and if you are considering applying or moving to the UK, then prepare early.