UK Immigration Rule Changes 2025: Key Updates for Skilled Worker Visas & Care Sector Employers

On 12 March 2025, the UK government published the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 733), introducing significant amendments to the Skilled Worker visa route. These changes will impact care workers, salary thresholds, and employer obligations.

1. New Recruitment Rules for Care Workers

   From 9 April 2025, care providers in England must prove they have tried to recruit UK-based care workers needing sponsorship before hiring from overseas. Employers must obtain confirmation from the relevant regional or sub-regional partnership that they have made genuine efforts to recruit from this existing pool of workers before sponsoring new applicants from overseas. This prioritizes existing workers and reduces reliance on international recruitment. These rules do not apply to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

2. Tackling Exploitation and Visa Abuse

   The government continues to combat exploitation in the care sector, having revoked over 470 sponsor licences since July 2022. Employers can no longer pass sponsorship costs onto workers, preventing financial abuse and ensuring fair treatment.

3. Increased Minimum Salary Thresholds

   Another key change is the increase in minimum salary floor for Skilled Worker visa applicants. The Skilled Worker visa salary threshold has risen from £23,200 to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour). Employers must ensure compliance, as failure to meet salary requirements may lead to visa refusals or penalties.

4. Stricter Rules on Salary Deductions & Sponsorship Costs

   New measures prevent workers from funding their own sponsorship costs and ensure salary deductions are fair. Employers attempting to bypass these regulations risk licence revocation. Additionally, a loophole that previously allowed applicants to contribute towards their own salary by investing in their sponsor’s business has now been closed. This is part of a broader push to prevent financial abuse of visa applicants, ensuring that salaries paid to workers are genuine and not artificially inflated through indirect self-financing.

5. Revised ‘New Entrant’ Salary Discounts

   Salary discounts now only apply if an applicant’s training qualification is from the UK. This prevents misuse of salary reductions and ensures proper professional development.

6. Impact on Employers and Workers

   Employers must adapt hiring processes and comply with new salary rules. Care providers must work with regional partnerships to confirm recruitment efforts. Workers should ensure they meet salary thresholds and take advantage of priority hiring rules.

Future immigration policy updates are expected shortly, with policies aligning immigration with domestic workforce planning. Employers and workers should stay informed to navigate these changes effectively. Employers and visa applicants should stay informed and seek expert guidance to navigate the evolving UK immigration landscape. The changes to the Skilled Worker route are part of a wider effort to align the immigration system with domestic workforce planning.

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The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only.  They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice.  Before acting on any information contained in this blog, please seek solicitor’s advice from Gilson Gray.