Today, the Home Office published a new Statement of Changes HC 997 to the Immigration Rules with significant developments that merit urgent attention. Keep reading to find out more about the latest immigration rules update.
Closure of Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy
Effective from 3:00 p.m. today, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) has been closed with immediate effect, without any explanation or transitional arrangements. This abrupt closure may have serious implications for those seeking protection or relocation under the scheme.
Substantial Changes to the Skilled Worker Route Effective 22 July 2025
The Statement of Changes also sets out major amendments to the Skilled Worker route, which will take effect from 22 July 2025. Any applications submitted before this date will continue to be assessed under the current rules.
We have summarised the key upcoming changes to the Skilled Worker route below:
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Increase in Skill and Salary Thresholds
As anticipated in the immigration white paper published in May 2025, the skills threshold will revert to RQF Level 6. The Home Office’s explanatory memorandum indicates that approximately 180 roles will no longer qualify for sponsorship. However, today’s official press release contradicts this, suggesting that 111 occupations will be removed from the list of eligible roles.
While transitional arrangements will be available for those already in roles below RQF Level 6, the Home Office has confirmed that such provisions are temporary and “will be reviewed in due course.”
In addition, salary thresholds will apply to the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes.
For instance, the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route will rise from £38,700 to £41,700 per annum. For new entrants, the minimum salary will increase from £30,960 to £33,400.
Notably, no transitional arrangements will be offered for these salary increases. Individuals already on these routes must meet the new thresholds at the time of their next application.
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Expansion of the Immigration Salary List & Introduction of a Temporary Shortage List
Two shortage occupation lists will be introduced, based on reviews of the Migration Advisory Committee, the Department for Business and Trade, and HM Treasury:
- Expanded Immigration Salary List; and
- Temporary Shortage List, targeting occupations critical to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy (to be phased out by the end of 2026 or sooner).
Importantly, new applicants under these lists will not be permitted to bring dependants, though those already on the Skilled Worker route will retain this right.
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Care Worker Route Closed to Overseas Applicants
From 22 July 2025, care workers and senior care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) will no longer be eligible to apply for entry clearance from abroad. Sponsors must instead focus on recruiting individuals already in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.
However, a transitional period until 22 July 2028 will apply to in-country applications made by those who are already employed by a licensed healthcare sponsor.
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Expected Future Changes
The Home Office has also confirmed that the following changes will be introduced before the end of 2025:
- Changes to the Immigration Skills Charge;
- An increase in the English language threshold; and
- A new “family policy framework”.
Further measures affecting asylum and border control are also expected to be announced later in the year.
Conclusion
This latest Statement of Changes comes just one week after a separate update to the Immigration Rules, underscoring the pace and unpredictability of the current immigration policy landscape. The clear direction of travel suggests a continued focus on reducing net migration by significantly tightening the eligibility criteria for “lower-skilled” roles under the Skilled Worker route.
We strongly advise any prospective applicants or sponsors to seek legal advice and take timely action to submit applications before 22 July 2025, wherever possible, to benefit from the current rules.
If you have any questions regarding how these changes may affect you or your organisation, please do not hesitate to contact our team today.
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