Following the release of the UK Immigration White Paper on May 12, 2025, Lansha Jun received numerous inquiries. It's clear that prospective immigrants are deeply concerned about upcoming policy changes. On July 1st, the Home Office further amended immigration rules by issuing the "Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules: HC 997".
The White Paper centers on immigration management, establishing three principles: "Restriction + Structuring + Contribution Orientation", aiming to curb the surge in net migration seen between 2019-2024. Below, Lansha Jun analyzes key policy directions using Q&A format based on the original document.
Q1: Will work visa language requirements rise to RQF Level 6?
Post-Brexit, the UK lowered the Skilled Worker visa skill threshold from RQF Level 6 (degree) to Level 3 (A-Level) to address labour shortages. While this filled vacancies, it led to a spike in low-skilled visas and frequent migrant worker rights violations. Effective July 22, 2025, eligible occupations revert to RQF Level 6+, excluding approximately 180 occupations.
Key points:
Pre-existing visa holders/applicants unaffected
Current Skilled Worker visa holders may still renew/change jobs below RQF 6, but transitional provisions aren't permanent
RQF 3-5 occupations on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage Occupation List remain eligible
Lansha Jun Tip:
While some RQF 3-5 roles can apply for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) until Dec 31, 2026, chefs and restaurant managers are excluded. Those seeking visas for such positions must complete CoS applications before July 22.
Q2: Work visa salary threshold raised to £41,700?
Per the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), thresholds for multiple visa categories were adjusted:
Standard Skilled Worker: £38,700 → £41,700 (Row A)
PhD holders: £34,830 → £37,500 (Row B)
STEM PhDs/shortage occupations/new graduates: £30,960 → £33,400 (Row C/D/E)
New rates take effect July 22, 2025. Existing visa holders will face these thresholds when renewing, changing sponsors, or applying for settlement.
Q3: Low-skilled work visas to ban dependants?
The policy change explicitly prohibits new RQF Level 3-5 applicants from bringing dependants. Only occupations on these lists remain eligible for Skilled Worker visas:
Immigration Salary List (ISL): MAC-designated shortage occupations (2023-2024)
Temporary Shortage Occupation List: Critical roles aligned with UK's modern industrial strategy
The ISL will gradually be replaced by the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, subject to MAC review. Current RQF 3-5 visa holders retain dependant rights, as do applicants with UK-born children or custody rights.
Q4: Statutory parental leave now valid absence for visa holders?
"Newborn care leave" is now recognised as lawful absence for maintaining sponsored worker status. Note: Unpaid leave exceeding 4 weeks annually (excluding maternity/sick leave) risks visa cancellation. This policy benefits visa holders starting families in the UK.
Q5: Will PSW visa shorten to 18 months? Graduate discount threshold raised to £33,360?
The White Paper proposes reducing the Graduate Route (PSW visa) from 2 years to 18 months (PhD adjustments pending). While the graduate salary discount remains, the threshold increases from £30,960 to £33,360, indicating the UK's intent to retain high-value graduates.
Settlement pathway note:
The 5-year settlement qualifying period for Skilled Workers remains unchanged. Spouse visa settlement also maintains its 5-year pathway, potentially offering faster permanent residency.
Conclusion:
These reforms signal the UK's focus on attracting higher-value immigrants. Tightening policies will intensify competition among overseas candidates. While UK property ownership doesn't directly confer immigration status, it serves as evidence of "financial stability" that may indirectly support visa/ILR applications.
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