The UK government has implemented significant changes to its immigration system through HC 997, with staggered implementation dates throughout July 2025. These changes represent one of the most substantial overhauls to skilled worker visas and refugee programs in recent years. Here’s what you need to know about how these changes might affect you, your business, or your immigration plans.
Key Implementation Timeline
Understanding the precise timing of these changes is crucial for planning:
- 1 July 2025 at 15:00 BST: ARAP scheme closes to new principal applications
- 22 July 2025: Skilled Worker route changes take effect, including salary thresholds and skill level requirements
- 22 July 2028: Final deadline for care worker visa transitions
Skilled Worker Route: A Return to Higher Standards
Skills Threshold Raised Back to Graduate Level
The most significant change affects the Skilled Worker visa route, taking effect on 22 July 2025. The qualification threshold has been raised from RQF level 3 back to RQF level 6 – essentially requiring graduate-level skilled positions. This change eliminates approximately 180 occupations from eligibility, marking a clear shift toward attracting higher-skilled workers.
What this means:
- Jobs now need to be at bachelor’s degree level or equivalent
- Many mid-level skilled positions are no longer eligible
- Existing visa holders are protected by transitional arrangements
Salary Requirements Update
From 22 July 2025, salary thresholds will be updated in line with ASHE 2024 data. Importantly, there are no transitional provisions for salary updates – the new requirements apply immediately to all new applications and renewals.
New Shortage Lists Replace Old System
The government is phasing out the Immigration Salary List and introducing a new Temporary Shortage List. This isn’t just a name change – it represents a fundamental shift in how the UK manages labor shortages.
Key changes:
- Occupations below RQF level 6 must appear on shortage lists to remain eligible
- New interim measures protect some existing pathways temporarily
- Most shortage list entries expire at the end of 2026, with adult social care roles having separate removal timing due to care worker route closure
- The government reserves the right to remove occupations earlier if compliance issues arise
Impact on Families
Workers sponsored in lower-skilled positions (RQF levels 3-5) will no longer be able to bring dependants to the UK from 22 July 2025. This represents a significant change for families planning to immigrate together.
Exceptions apply for:
- Workers already in the UK with dependants
- Existing skilled workers transitioning between roles
- Children born in the UK or where the worker has sole parental responsibility (these exceptions apply specifically to lower-skilled list restrictions, not as universal dependent exceptions)
Adult Social Care: Addressing Exploitation Concerns
Care Worker Visa Routes Closing
The government has taken decisive action on care worker visas, citing widespread concerns about exploitation and non-compliance. New entry clearance applications for care workers and senior care workers are now closed.
What’s changing:
- No new care worker visas from overseas
- Existing workers can continue until 22 July 2028
- In-country applications allowed only for those switching from other visa routes (not renewals via entry clearance)
- Sponsors must demonstrate that workers have been employed for at least 3 months before the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued
Protecting Vulnerable Workers
These changes aim to address well-documented issues of exploitation in the care sector, where visa holders have found themselves without work due to over-estimating demand or sponsor non-compliance.
Afghan Resettlement: End of an Era
ARAP Scheme Closes After Four Years
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) closes to new principal applications at 15:00 BST on 1 July 2025, marking the end of a program that has relocated over 21,000 people since its launch.
Government rationale:
- 95% of applications historically found ineligible
- Defense resources needed for other security priorities
- Most eligible individuals believed to have already applied
- Backlog of 22,000 cases needs processing
Continuing Commitments
The government emphasizes it will honor existing commitments to those already in the system and their family members. The related Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) is also closing, having resettled over 12,800 people.
Transitional Arrangements and Protection
Protection for Existing Visa Holders
The government has included transitional arrangements to protect current visa holders, allowing them to:
- Continue renewing their visas in previously eligible occupations
- Change employers within their current skill level
- Take supplementary employment
Important note: While there are transitional provisions for occupation eligibility, there are no transitional provisions for salary updates taking effect on 22 July 2025.
What This Means for Different Groups
For Employers
- Higher-skilled sectors: May find it easier to recruit internationally
- Lower-skilled sectors: Will need to focus more on domestic recruitment or ensure roles appear on shortage lists
- Care providers: Must adapt to new restrictions and demonstrate compliance with 3-month employment requirements
- All sponsors: Need to prepare for updated salary requirements with no transitional period
For Prospective Immigrants
- Graduate-level professionals: More opportunities in skilled worker route
- Mid-level skilled workers: Fewer direct pathways available unless roles are on shortage lists
- Care workers: Very limited new opportunities (in-country switches only)
- Families: More restrictions on bringing dependants for lower-skilled roles
For Current Visa Holders
- Existing skilled workers: Protected by transitional arrangements for occupation eligibility
- Care workers: Can continue until 2028 transition deadline
- All visa holders: Must meet new salary requirements immediately from 22 July 2025
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The government has indicated this is just the beginning of immigration system reforms. Key developments to watch include:
- Migration Advisory Committee review of salary requirements
- Potential earlier removal of occupations from shortage lists
- Regular monitoring of compliance in affected sectors
- Possible further restrictions based on implementation outcomes
Preparing for Changes
For Individuals
- Check your occupation’s status on the new shortage lists
- Review salary requirements effective 22 July 2025 (no transitional provisions)
- Consider timing of applications and renewals carefully
- Seek professional advice for complex situations
For Employers
- Audit your current workforce and sponsorship arrangements
- Develop domestic recruitment strategies for affected roles
- Ensure compliance with employment law requirements, including 3-month employment periods for care worker switches
- Stay updated on guidance changes and precise implementation timelines
The Bigger Picture
These changes reflect the government’s broader immigration strategy of “restoring control over the immigration system.” They represent a clear shift toward:
- Prioritizing higher-skilled immigration
- Addressing exploitation in vulnerable sectors
- Completing post-conflict resettlement commitments
- Encouraging domestic workforce development
Conclusion
The July 2025 immigration rule changes mark a significant turning point for UK immigration policy. With ARAP closing at 15:00 BST on 1 July 2025 and skilled worker changes taking effect on 22 July 2025, the timing of these implementations is crucial for those affected.
While these changes create challenges for some sectors and individuals, they also reflect the government’s commitment to creating a more selective, compliance-focused immigration system. The lack of transitional provisions for salary updates means immediate compliance is required from 22 July 2025.
Whether you’re an employer, a prospective immigrant, or someone already in the UK on a visa, staying informed about these changes and their precise implementation dates is crucial. The transitional arrangements provide some protection for existing visa holders, but the direction of travel is clear: the UK is moving toward a more restrictive, higher-skilled immigration system.
As these changes take effect, it will be important to monitor their impact on labor markets, compliance rates, and the broader immigration landscape. The government has committed to regular reviews, suggesting further adjustments may be on the horizon.
Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for general informational and interpretive purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and policies are subject to frequent change, and individual circumstances vary significantly. The information provided is based on our understanding of UK immigration law as of July 2025 and should not be relied upon without seeking professional legal guidance tailored to your specific situation. For comprehensive advice regarding your immigration matters, please contact ARK Law Limited at 0203 633 6005 or info@arklawuk.com. We are authorised and regulated to provide UK immigration advice by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).
This analysis is based on the official explanatory memorandum HC 997 published July 1, 2025. Immigration rules are complex and subject to change. Always consult official government sources and consider professional advice for specific situations.