New UK Immigration Rules for Skilled Workers Effective from 8th April 2025

The UK Government has recently announced significant updates to the immigration rules affecting Skilled Worker visa applicants, effective from 8th April 2025.

These critical amendments include updated conditions specifically targeting care workers, revised eligibility criteria for those extending visas under options H, I, J, and K of the Skilled Worker Appendix, and an increase in the minimum hourly wage threshold.

Revised salary threshold

A central update involves raising the minimum hourly wage for Skilled Worker visa holders to £12.82 per hour.

This change ensures fair remuneration for migrant workers and aligns wage standards with prevailing economic conditions.

Employers sponsoring workers under the Skilled Worker route must adhere to this updated hourly rate.

Increased ‘Going Rates’ for Skilled Worker visa extensions

For applicants extending their Skilled Worker visas who initially obtained their visa prior to 4th April 2024, the occupation-specific ‘going rates‘ will increase accordingly.

Applicants will thus be required to meet these adjusted salary thresholds, maintaining consistency with the dynamic labour market and ensuring fair compensation standards.

Specific changes for care workers and senior care workers

Under these new rules, distinct conditions apply to care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) whose jobs are entirely based in England. These roles will now face additional sponsorship criteria for:

• Entry clearance applications: New applicants applying to enter the UK.
• Permission to stay applications: Applicants extending their visa who were not previously granted Skilled Worker status under SOC 6135 or 6136 (or their SOC 2010 equivalents), unless they have legally worked for their sponsor in the relevant role for at least three months.

New sponsorship and recruitment requirements

A key element of the new immigration framework involves prioritising skilled workers already within the UK:

• Employers must first seek to recruit from existing UK-based Skilled Workers who:
  • Previously held sponsorship under SOC 6135 or SOC 6136.
  • Require new sponsorship due to:
    • Loss of their previous employer’s sponsor licence,
    • Insufficient work opportunities,
    • Identification by regional or sub-regional partnerships as requiring sponsorship support.

Regional or sub-regional partnership confirmation

Employers must obtain formal confirmation from relevant regional or sub-regional partnerships confirming attempts to recruit from the priority pool before sponsoring a new overseas worker.

Proof of unavailability of suitable UK-based candidates

If no suitable candidates are identified from the priority pool, employers may then proceed to hire migrant workers from overseas, provided the outlined recruitment process has been rigorously followed.

Implications for employers and skilled workers

These regulatory changes reflect the UK government’s commitment to addressing employment gaps while ensuring fair opportunities for UK-based skilled workers.

Health and social care sector employers, particularly those sponsoring care workers, must diligently comply with the enhanced recruitment processes and updated wage criteria.

Prospective migrants must thoroughly understand the revised sponsorship and eligibility requirements to ensure smooth immigration processing.

As the effective date draws closer, employers and applicants alike are encouraged to review and adjust their recruitment practices to ensure compliance with the new immigration standards.

This information is intended as general guidance. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, contact Five Star today.

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