The UK’s immigration system is undergoing one of its most significant overhauls in recent years. With sweeping changes taking effect from 22 July 2025, families and individuals navigating the immigration process must be aware of how these reforms could impact their rights, visa eligibility, and long-term plans.

At Ison Harrison, our Immigration is committed to helping businesses understand and respond to these changes with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re sponsoring a employee, applying for a visa, or facing uncertainty due to new restrictions, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What’s Changing in 2025?

The UK Government’s Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997), published on 1 July 2025, introduces a range of updates affecting the Skilled Worker, Health and Care, and Family Visa routes.

Key changes include:

  • Increased Salary Thresholds:
    The minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa has risen from £38,700 to £41,700. Discounts apply for applicants with PhDs or those on the Immigration Salary List, but even these thresholds have increased.
  • Higher Skills Requirement:
    From 22 July, only jobs at RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to degree-level roles) will qualify for sponsorship. Many lower-skilled roles will no longer be eligible unless they appear on a Temporary Shortage List.
  • Restrictions on Family Members:
    Workers sponsored under shortage occupations (typically RQF Levels 3–5) will no longer be permitted to bring dependants to the UK. This marks a significant shift for families hoping to reunite under these visa routes.
  • End of Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers:
    From 22 July 2025, new applications for care worker and senior care worker roles (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) from outside the UK will no longer be accepted. However, those already in the UK in these roles can extend their visas until 22 July 2028.
  • Transitional Arrangements:
    Individuals already in the UK under the Skilled Worker route may continue to extend their visas in roles below RQF Level 6, but this is a temporary concession and subject to review.

What This Means for Families

These changes will have a profound impact on families seeking to live together in the UK. You may be affected if:

  • You are sponsoring a partner or child under a Skilled Worker visa.
  • You or your loved one is employed in a role now excluded from sponsorship.
  • You are planning to switch visa categories or extend an existing visa.
  • You are relying on the ability to bring dependants under a shortage occupation.

How Ison Harrison Can Help

Our Immigration Team offers expert legal advice tailored to your family’s unique circumstances. We can help you:

  • Understand your rights under the new immigration rules.
  • Navigate complex visa applications and appeals.
  • Explore alternative routes to family reunification.
  • Plan ahead for visa renewals or changes in employment status.

We combine legal precision with a compassionate, client-first approach—ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout the process.

Take the Next Step

If you or your employee or your business may be affected by the 2025 immigration changes, don’t delay. Early legal advice can make all the difference.

Call us today on 
Email immigration@isonharrison.co.uk
Visit www.isonharrison.co.uk to book a consultation with our immigration and family law specialists.

Let Ison Harrison help you protect your family’s future because when it comes to immigration, clarity and timing are everything.

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