Introduction
2025 is a pivotal year for UK immigration. The government has already introduced, or is implementing, several changes to visa, sponsorship, skilled worker, family, and student routes. These changes affect eligibility, costs, and your preparation strategy. At Nora Immigration, we want you fully aware of what’s changed so you can plan your application correctly, avoid refusal, and ensure compliance.
In this article, we summarise the key immigration rule updates in 2025, how they impact different visa categories, and what you should do to stay ahead.
Major Changes Introduced in 2025
Here are some of the most important rule changes in 2025 so far:
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Increase in Immigration Fees (from 9 April 2025)
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Most visa application fees rose by around 5-10%. Womble Bond Dickinson+1
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The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee increased sharply for many routes (Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker, etc.) — from ~£239 to ~£525. Womble Bond Dickinson+1
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Sponsor licence application fees also rose (for both large and small sponsors). Womble Bond Dickinson+1
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Changes to Skilled Worker & Sponsorship Eligibility (effective from 22 July 2025)
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The minimum skill level requirement for new sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route has been raised to RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s-degree or equivalent) for general roles. That means many roles that were previously eligible under RQF Levels 3-5 will no longer qualify unless they appear on specific lists. UKVICAS+3Withers Worldwide+3Mondaq+3
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The home office introduced or expanded the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and temporary Temporary Shortage List (TSL). These lists allow certain roles below RQF Level 6 to be eligible under specific conditions, but with restrictions (e.g. dependants may not be allowed). Withers Worldwide+3GOV.UK+3DavidsonMorris | Solicitors+3
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Dependants Rules Tightened
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For roles under ISL or the TSL at RQF 3-5, new rules mean that for CoS assigned from 22 July 2025, new workers in those roles cannot bring dependants. Withers Worldwide+3GOV.UK+3DavidsonMorris | Solicitors+3
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Some transitional or grandfathering protections are in place for individuals already on Skilled Worker visas in such roles. GOV.UK+2DavidsonMorris | Solicitors+2
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White Paper and Future Proposals
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The government’s May 2025 White Paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, outlines further intended changes. Some proposals include tighter English language standards, raising family visa rules, reviewing which jobs are eligible for sponsorship, and changes to the immigration skills charge. Some of these are now in law or being phased in; others are proposals to be consulted on. House of Commons Library+1
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Student Visa Route Updates
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As of 9 April 2025, changes affect postgraduate doctors or dentists: certain foundation programmes are no longer recognised for the Student route. Applicants for those programmes must use other visa routes such as Skilled Worker where relevant. UKCISA
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The Short-term student (English language) route now includes a genuineness test for applications made on or after 9 April 2025. This means more scrutiny of applicants’ intent, and increased evidence requirements. UKCISA
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Impact of These Changes on Different Visa Categories
These shifts affect applicants, employers, and sponsors in various ways:
| Visa Category / Group | What Has Changed / New Rule | Key Impacts / Risks | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Workers / Employers | RQF Level 6 requirement for new roles; ISL and TSL introduced; salary thresholds increased. | Many lower / medium-skilled roles may no longer qualify. Loss of ability to bring dependants in certain roles. Employers must check if roles are on updated lists and adjust contracts/salary offers. | Before 22 July 2025, if possible, sponsor essential roles to secure eligibility under prior rules. After the date, check the updated ISL/TSL and ensure job meets RQF 6 or is on valid list. Evaluate whether dependants can be included. Review salary offers to meet new going rates or thresholds. |
| Family & Spouse Visas | The income threshold for family/spouse visas was raised earlier (to £29,000 in April 2024). In 2025, some proposals suggest it could rise further; but as of mid-2025, the £29,000 remains in effect. Mondaq+2House of Commons Library+2 | Applicants may face difficulty meeting financial requirements; those relying on savings will have increasing burdens. Delays or refusals likely if evidence is inadequate. | Make sure income documentation is strong. If relying on savings, ensure amounts, period held, and proof comply. Monitor proposals and updates to see if changes are confirmed. Plan early. |
| Dependants | New restrictions for dependants of workers in TSL/ISL roles at RQF 3-5 for CoS assigned from 22 July 2025. Student route changes affect whether dependants can be brought in some instances. | If you’re planning to bring a spouse or children, they may no longer be eligible under certain routes. Those already on visas may be protected, but future applications will face stricter rules. | If you need to include dependants, consider applying before restrictions take effect. Or ensure the worker role is beyond RQF 6 or eligible under the list. Check route permissions. |
| Students | Some programmes no longer qualify for Student visa; English language/genuineness tests tightened. | Those wishing to enter via foundation medical or dental courses under Student visa may no longer do so. Delays if genuineness or English test evidence is incomplete. | Confirm whether chosen course is still eligible. If not, explore Skilled Worker route or other visas. Ensure genuine intention is well documented. Prepare English test certificates from approved providers. |
| Sponsors (Employers/Institutions) | Licence fees, CoS fees increased; definitions of role eligibility shifted; workers in certain roles lose ability to bring dependants; obligations under new lists and thresholds. | Increased cost of sponsorship; potential loss of workers’ eligibility; more compliance obligations; risk of licence revocation if rules are broken (e.g. trying to sponsor ineligible roles). | Review sponsor licence, roles being assigned CoS, and check eligibility against new rules. Update internal HR/immigration processes. Budget for higher CoS and licence fees. Seek legal/immigration advice if unsure. |
Confirmed Rules vs Proposed Changes
It’s extremely important for applicants to distinguish between changes that are in force vs proposed/planned:
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In force: Fee increases (April 2025); RQF Level 6 requirement for many new Skilled Worker roles from 22 July 2025; ISL/TSL lists; restrictions on dependants for certain roles.
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Proposed / Under consultation: Further increases to the family visa income threshold beyond £29,000; higher English language requirements (level being discussed); changes to settlement/ILR residence requirements. These are likely, but not yet fully law. Monitoring is essential. House of Commons Library+2The Guardian+2
What You Should Do to Prepare
To navigate these changes effectively, here are practical steps:
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Review your current or planned visa route
If you are planning to apply after 22 July 2025, check whether your job, course, or sponsorship still qualifies under the new rules. Don’t assume old eligibility continues. -
Apply or secure CoS early if needed
Employers or applicants who need to assign a CoS for roles now at risk (if below RQF 6 and not clearly on ISL/TSL) may benefit from applying before the deadline (i.e. before 22 July 2025) to be under the older, more lenient regime. -
Strengthen evidence
For dependants, English tests, finances, accommodation — ensure documents are up-to-date, clearly meet the rule’s requirements, and leave no room for doubt. -
Budget for higher costs
Fee increases, CoS fees, sponsor licence fees – all cost more now. Include these when planning. -
Stay updated with Home Office / GOV.UK
Because some proposed rules are still under consultation, staying aware of announcements, new White Paper developments, official Statements of Changes is crucial. -
Seek expert advice when needed
If your situation is complex (e.g. combining incomes, wanting to bring dependants, borderline roles, or changes in law still pending), professional immigration advice helps reduce risk.
Common Mistakes Related to the 2025 Changes
Because many of these changes are new or in transitional periods, these mistakes are often made:
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Assuming that all roles previously eligible will still be eligible post-22 July 2025.
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Submitting sponsor licence or CoS requests for roles that now require being on ISL/TSL or at RQF 6 and above.
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Overlooking that some roles under ISL/TSL lose the right to bring dependants.
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Underestimating the increase in fees and not including that in budgeting.
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Failing to have strong English test results or failing the genuineness tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly do the July 22 changes affect me?
Any application where the Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned on or after 22 July 2025 must follow the new rules. If your CoS is assigned before that date, older rules may still apply. Withers Worldwide+2DavidsonMorris | Solicitors+2
Q: Will I still be able to bring my family (dependants) under the new skilled worker rules?
It depends. If your job is below RQF Level 6 and is under the ISL or TSL lists, then no, you likely cannot bring dependants for CoS assigned after 22 July 2025. If your role is RQF Level 6 or higher, or you were already in post before the change, there may be transitional protections. GOV.UK+1
Q: Has the family/spouse visa minimum income requirement changed again in 2025?
As of mid-2025, the income threshold remains at £29,000. There are proposals and reports suggesting further increase (e.g. to £38,700), but these are not yet law; they may be implemented later if confirmed. House of Commons Library+2The Guardian+2
Q: What about English language requirements?
Some proposals in the White Paper suggest raising English standards, and better enforcement is expected. But many of those proposals are not yet law. Always verify which level your category requires and use an approved provider for the test. House of Commons Library+1
Conclusion
2025 brings confirmed shifts in UK immigration rules — higher costs, stricter eligibility, tighter dependants rules, and revised visa route structures. These changes make careful planning more important than ever.
At Nora Immigration, we help clients understand exactly how these updates affect them, prepare their applications accordingly, and ensure all documents and sponsorships align with current policies. If you’re planning to apply this year or want to assess whether the new rules change your eligibility, contact us. We’ll help you avoid surprises, refusals, or delays, and give your case the best possible chance under the 2025 framework.
