Immigration has been an issue for successive governments over the last two decades or so. The discourse on this issue will not leave our political landscape for a long time to come. Political parties have used immigration as a tool to malign one another. While in power, the last two Conservative governments led by Boris Johnson and later the Rishi Sunak government tried to implement the ‘Rwanda Policy’, which was met with legal challenges. To my mind, it was a bold attempt to send a signal to the gangs who control the trade and the vulnerable people who patronise the trade of the gangs. On the first day of assumption of office, Sir Kier Stammer confirmed that the policy is dead and buried. Before then, the Theresa May government created the term ‘Hostile Environment’. It was a policy designed to make life difficult for undocumented or illegal immigrants living in the UK.
The current government is implementing a raft of changes to our current immigration system, dubbed ‘Restoring Control’, to tackle this thorny issue. On 1st July 2025, the Home Office released a significant update: Statement of Changes HC 997. This document outlines changes in our current immigration system and underscores how the government intends to manage immigration to the UK.
The following highlights some of the changes to consider if you are still under immigration control or intend to apply for a skilled visa to enter the United Kingdom.
Skilled-worker route
Effective from 22nd July 2025, the Skilled-worker route (Certificate of Sponsorship) is now limited to graduate-level jobs (RQF6); non-degree roles are allowed only via the short-term or temporary shortage lists. These lists allow employers to sponsor overseas workers for certain sub-degree (RQF Level 3–5) roles that are considered critical to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. This means that most occupations, possibly 100- 180, are removed from the eligible list. It is important that sponsors, or skilled workers, take note of these changes. Shortage List (temporary until end 2026) replaces the Immigration Salary List but comes with no dependents, lower fees, or reduced salaries
For existing skilled worker visa holders or those who submitted their applications before the 22nd of July 2025 and are successful, this higher qualification threshold will not apply. This means that they can continue to seek or change employment under the current rules. Take note, however, that this arrangement is transitional and can be subject to change.
Effectively therefore, from the 22nd of July 2025, The Care-worker visa route is closed for new overseas applicants from 22 July 2025 (with in-country switching allowed until 2028).
Introduction of Two Interim measures – Shortage Lists
Apart part of these ongoing changes, employers can still recruit below-degree staff if the job appears on one of two new lists, both effective from 22nd July 2025 until a permanent model is established.
Expanded Immigration Salary List: This includes existing entries plus RQF 3-5 occupations identified as being in short supply by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
New Temporary Shortage List: This covers RQF 3-5 occupations deemed critical to the Modern Industrial Strategy by the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
It is anticipated that these lists will be in existence until 31st December 2026, but they can be shortened if the government or ministers deem it necessary.
Salary Requirements Higher Sponsored Visa
The salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes have all been updated.
| Appendix Skilled Occupation | Previous Salary Threshold | Updated Salary Threshold |
| A | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| B | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| C, D, E | £30,960 | £33 400 |
| F | £29000 | £31,300 |
| G | £26,100 | £28 200 |
English-language standards upgraded: main applicants need B2 level, dependents must satisfy A1 level
Dependants for Sub-degree roles (RFQ3-5)
Effective from the 22nd of July 2025, anyone who has sponsorship below RFQ6 can no longer bring dependents.
Settlement & Citizenship
Residence required for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) increased from 5 to 10 years, with a new points-based system and “earned settlement” options.
Refugees entering via “dangerous” routes (e.g., small boats) may never be eligible for citizenship, as per new guidance from February 2025.
Student & Graduate Route
Effective from the 22nd of July 2025, the Graduate visa duration will be shortened from 2 years to 18 months for international students. Tighter compliance/language requirements are being applied to student dependents.Conclusion.
This policy change marks a significant shift in the UK’s immigration policy, reflecting the government’s commitment to managing the current immigration system by implementing a unified, skills-based system.
This shift aims at prioritising economic contribution and aligning immigration more closely with labour market needs and public sentiment over nationality. To many people, this policy presents a vision of fairness and control. But to some, especially people in industry, the proposed policy raises concerns, particularly its potential impact on key sectors reliant on lower-skilled labour and the implications for social cohesion and integration.
It will be a while before we know whether ‘Restoring Control’ is a panacea for the current immigration system.
