The UK government has officially kicked off a major overhaul of the immigration system. The first set of changes to support its new Immigration Strategy has just been laid before Parliament, and it’s clear they’re not holding back.

At the heart of this reform is a bold aim: cut net migration, raise the bar for overseas recruitment, and make the UK’s points-based system more robust. The direction is clear – move away from low-skilled, low-paid roles, and attract highly skilled workers who can contribute to a high-wage economy.

What’s changing?
One of the biggest shake-ups is the Skilled Worker visa. From now on, only graduate-level jobs (RQF Level 6 and above) will be eligible, cutting over 100 occupations from the list. If you’re already in the UK on a visa and working in a lower-skilled job, there’s a grace period – but only if you were here before 22 July 2025.

Salary thresholds have also been raised. This applies to Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes, and reflects the latest stats from the Office for National Statistics. Importantly, there are no transitional arrangements here, so employers will need to adjust quickly.

Social care has also seen a major clampdown. The visa route is now closed to overseas applicants due to concerns about exploitation. In-country switching is still allowed until July 2028, but long-term recruitment in this sector will need a fresh approach.

And finally, a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is being introduced for roles that don’t meet the new skill level. These jobs will be available on a time-limited basis and won’t allow dependants.

These changes mark a turning point in the UK’s immigration landscape. Employers, especially in social care and lower-skilled sectors, will need to rethink their strategies.