Hiring and moving to the UK under the Skilled Worker route looks different in late 2025. The Home Office raised salary floors to reflect newer earnings data, reduced the pool of eligible roles, and tightened dependant eligibility to curb net migration and shift the system towards higher-skilled, higher-paid jobs. For employers, that means re-benchmarking offer letters; for applicants, it means checking codes, going rates, and dependant rules before applying.
Expert view – Priya Menon, Corporate Immigration Lead:
“The 2025 reset makes three things critical: the right occupation code, a salary aligned to the new going rate, and clarity on dependants. Miss any one of these and the application is at risk.”
UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Overview
| Item | 2025 Position |
|---|---|
| General salary floor (new applicants) | £41,700 or the job’s going rate—whichever is higher. |
| Going rates | Based on SOC 2020 codes and updated tables (ASHE-based). |
| Eligible roles list | Trimmed from 22 Jul 2025; review before assigning a CoS. |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | Some roles can meet 80% of the usual minimum rate (route-specific rules apply). |
| Dependants | Care workers: restrictions continued (since Mar 2024). Medium-skilled roles: new restrictions from 22 Jul 2025 with limited transitional protection. |
| Biometrics/BRP | No new BRPs—eVisas and digital status guidance for dependants updated 22 Jul 2025. |
| IHS (health surcharge) | £1,035 per person per year (most routes). |
| Application fees (headline) | Up to 3 years outside UK: £769; over 3 years: £1,519 (standard). |
What exactly changed in July–October 2025?
A) Salary thresholds increased
- The general Skilled Worker threshold increased to £41,700 for new applicants, aligning with the latest earnings data and policy shift to higher pay. Offer letters below this or below the job’s going rate will fail.
B) Eligible roles pruned
- On 22 July 2025, the Government reduced the number of eligible “medium-skilled” roles that can be sponsored, with the revised list intended to run into 2026 while a further review proceeds. Employers must verify codes before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
C) Dependants: targeted restrictions
- Care workers/senior care workers: dependant bans introduced in March 2024 continue for new entrants, with narrow transitional exceptions.
- Other medium-skilled jobs: from 22 July 2025, many new Skilled Workers in these roles cannot bring dependants unless protected by transitional rules (e.g., already in the UK on SW before that date). Check the current gov.uk wording carefully.
D) Going rates and settlement rules—tables refreshed
- New going rate tables (based on SOC 2020) were published/updated in July 2025; the settlement section clarifies which columns apply when assessing ILR.
Policy analyst – Daniel Ho:
“2025 cemented the ‘salary-first’ test. Sponsors must budget for higher rates and ensure the occupation genuinely fits post-July eligibility.”
Eligibility Requirements
You must have:
- A sponsoring employer with an A-rated licence;
- An eligible occupation code under the updated list;
- Salary that meets £41,700 or the going rate (whichever is higher), unless a permitted ISL/new entrant/PhD exception applies;
- English at required level;
- Enough funds (if maintenance not certified) + TB test where required.
If using ISL or other tradable options: verify both route and code-specific minima (e.g., some roles meet 80% of the usual minimum) and remember going rates are typically based on a 37.5-hour week—pro-rate for different hours.
Fees & On-costs
| Cost item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (outside UK) | Up to 3 years: £769; >3 years: £1,519 (standard Skilled Worker). |
| IHS (health surcharge) | £1,035 per person per year (paid upfront for full visa length). |
| Priority/sponsor services | Select services saw price rises in Oct 2025; check current service fees before paying. |
Interactive calculator: Add salary, employer on-costs, IHS total (years × £1,035), application fee, and any priority charges. Sponsors should also plan for the Immigration Skills Charge (not shown here by amount—confirm your banding before CoS).
Step-by-Step: Job Offer to e-Visa
- Role check – Confirm occupation code still eligible post-July 2025.
- Salary mapping – Compare offer to £41,700 and the going rate table (pro-rate for hours).
- CoS issue – Sponsor assigns Certificate of Sponsorship with correct code, salary, hours and work location (follow latest sponsor guidance).
- Apply online – Pay fee + IHS; upload documents; biometrics as instructed.
- Decision / digital status – BRPs are no longer issued for new grants—keep your eVisa details and share status digitally when needed.
Can Dependants Join Too?
- Care worker routes: new entrants cannot bring dependants (transitional protection applies only if already in the UK on SW before 11 Mar 2024 and other conditions).
- Other medium-skilled roles: for many new Skilled Workers from 22 Jul 2025, dependants are restricted unless you fall under transition rules (already employed in the UK on SW before that date). Always check the current gov.uk text for your scenario before applying.
Compliance note – Julia Reeves, Solicitor:
“Don’t assume last year’s family policy still applies. The date you entered the route and your occupation code can change the answer.”
A Quick Comparison
| Rule | Pre-July 2025 | From 22 Jul 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| General threshold | £38,700 | £41,700 (new applicants) |
| Eligible roles | Broader | Reduced list—verify SOC code eligibility |
| Dependants (care workers) | Ban from Mar 2024 | Continues; narrow transitional allowances |
| Dependants (other medium-skilled) | Largely permitted | New restrictions for those not already in route by 22 Jul 2025 |
| BRP | Physical cards issued | Digital status; BRPs no longer issued |
Practical playbook for employers & applicants
For sponsors
- Re-cost roles now: build in £41,700+ and check going rates every renewal/hire.
- Audit CoS templates to reflect new codes/thresholds; read July 2025 sponsor guidance.
- Flag dependant restrictions at offer stage to avoid later disputes.
For applicants
- Screenshot the gov.uk going-rate page for your code to support salary talks.
- Use an IHS budget: years × £1,035 per person.
- Double-check if your role is on the ISL and whether its 80% rule applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skilled Worker minimum salary now?
£41,700 or the job’s going rate, whichever is higher (subject to specific exceptions like ISL or new-entrant rules).
Did the list of eligible jobs change in 2025?
Yes—22 July 2025 saw an initial reduction of eligible roles for sponsorship, intended to run into 2026 pending review.
Can my family come with me?
Restrictions apply. Care workers generally cannot bring dependants unless protected by transitional rules; many new medium-skilled entrants from 22 Jul 2025 are also restricted. Check your exact code/date.
How do I find my going rate?
Use the latest gov.uk going-rates table for SOC 2020 codes (37.5-hour basis; pro-rate for your hours).
What are the main costs?
Application fee (e.g., £769 for up to 3 years outside UK), plus IHS £1,035 per year per person, and any priority service fees.
