HC 997 July 2025: Statement of changes to the UK Immigration Rules Explained

Fatima Abdullahi
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1. Introduction

The UK’s immigration landscape is constantly evolving, and staying on top of the latest changes is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. On 1st July 2025, the Home Office released a significant update: Statement of Changes HC 997. This comprehensive document, accompanied by a press release, outlines the government’s ongoing efforts to “restore order and control” to the immigration system. Thus, these changes reflect many topics in the Immigration White Paper.

This latest statement introduces wide-ranging amendments, particularly impacting Skilled Worker visas and other work routes. With most provisions coming into effect on 22nd July 2025, it’s vital to understand what these changes mean for you.

2. Key Changes Introduced by HC 997

Let’s break down the most important updates in the Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997:

a. Skilled Worker Visa Skill Threshold Increase

From 22nd July 2025, new Skilled Worker Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) must be for occupations at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 or above (degree level). This adjustment is set to remove a significant number of occupations (estimated between 100-180) from general sponsorship eligibility.

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What this means for you:

● If you’re an employer, you’ll need to ensure any new roles you’re sponsoring meet this higher skill level.

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Crucially, for existing Skilled Worker visa holders: Transitional arrangements in HC 997 allow workers already in the Skilled Worker route (or those whose applications were submitted before 22nd July 2025 and are later successful) to be exempt from this increased skill threshold. This means they can continue to renew their visas, change employment, and take supplementary employment in occupations below RQF level 6. However, it’s important to note that these transitional arrangements are not indefinite and will be reviewed by the government in due course.

b. Higher Sponsored Work Visa Salary Thresholds

Good news if you’re earning well, but a challenge for some: all general salary thresholds and going rates across the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes have been updated using the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data.

Important Note: There are no transitional arrangements for applicants extending their visas or changing employers after 22nd July 2025. They will be required to meet the higher salary figures. The new salary thresholds under Appendix Skilled Occupations are shown below.

Row Previous Salary Threshold Updated Salary Threshold
A £38,700 £41,700
B £34,830 £37,500
C, D, E £30,960 £33,400
F £29,000 £31,300
G £26,100 £28,200

 

c. Introduction of Two Interim Shortage Lists

Until a permanent model is established, employers can still recruit below-degree staff if the job appears on one of two new lists, both effective from 22nd July 2025:

  1. Expanded Immigration Salary List: This includes existing entries plus RQF 3-5 occupations identified as being in shortage by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
  2. New Temporary Shortage List: This covers RQF 3-5 occupations deemed critical to the Modern Industrial Strategy by the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
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Both lists are set to expire on 31st December 2026, though ministers reserve the right to shorten this period.

d. Care Workers Removed from Eligible Occupations List

A significant change for the care sector: New entry clearance applications for SOC codes 6135 (care workers) and 6136 (senior care workers) will end on 22nd July 2025.

However, there’s a crucial exception: In-country switching into these codes remains possible until 22nd July 2028, but only where the employee has already worked for the sponsoring provider for at least three months. After July 2028, these roles will be entirely removed from all shortage lists.

e. No More Dependants for Sub-Degree Roles

From 22nd July 2025, anyone sponsored into an RQF 3-5 occupation on either of the interim shortage lists will be barred from bringing family members (dependants).

This restriction does not affect workers already in these routes or those sponsored in RQF 6+ jobs. This policy aligns with existing rules for care workers.

f. ARAP Route Shut to New Principal Applicants

Separately from employer sponsorship changes, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) closed to new principal applications at 3:00 PM BST on 1st July 2025. Afghan citizens who had not submitted an MOD application by this time can no longer start the two-stage relocation process. Family members of existing principals, however, retain a path.

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3. Employer Takeaways: What You Should Do Now

These changes require prompt action from employers. Here’s what you should consider:

✔ Salary Audit:

Immediately review the salaries of all your sponsored workers. Unlike the skill level changes, there are no transitional arrangements for the new salary thresholds. Any worker applying to extend their visa or change employers on or after 22nd July 2025 must meet the new, higher salary requirements. Ensure all planned sponsorships and renewals are compliant.

✔ Skill Level Check for New Roles:

If you intend to fill roles below RQF level 6, verify that they appear on either the revised Immigration Salary List or the new Temporary Shortage List. If not, they are no longer eligible for sponsorship.

✔ Care Sector Specifics:

If you’re a care sector sponsor, you must cease overseas recruitment into SOC codes 6135 and 6136. For in-country switches, meticulously maintain evidence that the worker has been employed by you for at least three months.

✔ Update HR Policies and Templates:

Revise offer letters, onboarding packs, and HR guidance to reflect the new dependant rules for RQF 3-5 shortage list roles. Update HR templates and Sponsor Management System (SMS) workflows with the new salary tables and Appendix Skilled Occupations sections.

✔ Staff Training:

Ensure staff responsible for sponsorship receive training before the rule changes take effect.

✔ Future Consultations:

The Government has indicated upcoming consultations on increases to the Immigration Skills Charge and higher English language requirements. Keep an eye on these to incorporate potential fee rises and eligibility changes into your 2026 budgeting and workforce plans.

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