What’s Happening?
The UK Government has just released significant immigration rule changes under HC 997, and they will come into effect on 22 July 2025.
If you’re an international student, skilled worker, or sponsor, these new rules could reshape your career path, eligibility for sponsorship, and your ability to bring dependants.
At ISCANET, we’ve broken down the key changes and explained exactly what you need to do, in plain English.
Key Changes in the July 2025 Immigration Rules (HC 997)
1. Salary Thresholds Have Increased
The minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa will now rise to £41,700 from 22 July 2025.
If you’re a New Entrant (e.g., under 26, switching from student visa), your new minimum is £34,830, but you must meet 70% of the going rate for your job.
Minimum hourly rate across the board: £17.49/hour
2. New Entrant Category Updated
Only those under 26, recent graduates, or those in regulated training routes qualify.
The old 60–67% salary discounts are gone. You now need to meet at least 70% of your role’s going rate.
3. Care Workers Can No Longer Apply From Overseas
From 22 July 2025, overseas recruitment of care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) is being stopped.
You can only apply from within the UK, and only if you've been with your sponsor for 3+ months before they assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
This rule change ends by 22 July 2028, giving limited protection for in-country applicants.
4. Restrictions on Dependants
You can no longer bring dependants if your job is at RQF Level 3–5 (i.e., lower-skilled roles), even if the role is on the shortage list.
Only Skilled Workers in RQF Level 6+ roles may sponsor dependants under the new rules — unless protected by transitional provisions.
5. Transitional Protection for Existing Skilled Workers
If your visa was granted before 22 July 2025, and you have stayed in continuous lawful status, you can:
- Extend your visa
- Change employer
- Switch job roles (if eligible)
Your current role may still be sponsorable even if it no longer qualifies under the new list, but only under transitional protection.
What You Should Do Now
Whether you're applying for a job, changing employers, or preparing to switch from a student visa, here’s what you need to do immediately:
- Check your SOC code and salary eligibility
- Apply before 22 July 2025 to use existing thresholds where possible
- Employers: issue CoS before the deadline to sponsor under current rules
- Care workers: confirm if you qualify for in-country switching before the sector closes
To read our full 9-page explainer (with visuals and timelines):
📄 Click here to view the full HC 997 guide
How ISCANET Can Help You Navigate These Changes
At ISCANET, we are more than a career platform, we’re your AI-powered career partner built specifically for international students and skilled migrants.
We offer:
✅ Real-time visa policy updates
✅ AI career tools for CVs, interviews, and job matching
✅ Visa-sponsored job listings
✅ 1-to-1 expert coaching
✅ Employer support for sponsorship and compliance
Ready to Take Control of Your Career in the UK?
Join thousands of global talents already using ISCANET to navigate UK immigration, land jobs, and build the careers they deserve.
👉 Create your free ISCANET account today
✅ It’s fast, free, and made just for you.
Stay informed. Stay empowered. Stay career-ready.
– Team ISCANET