Major Shake-up in UK Immigration Policy – What International Applicants Need to Know !!

In a landmark announcement, the UK Government has introduced sweeping reforms to its immigration system, aimed at reducing net migration, raising the skill threshold, and limiting dependence on low-wage foreign labor. These changes were introduced under the new Immigration White Paper by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who described it as a “complete reset” of the UK’s immigration strategy.

Key Highlights

✅ 111 occupations to be removed from the Skilled Worker visa list
✅ Overseas recruitment for care workers to be discontinued
✅ Sub-degree level roles to be time-bound on the shortage list with strict conditions
✅ The Migration Advisory Committee will conduct a review of shortage roles, pay, and benefits
✅ Minimum salary thresholds for Skilled Worker Visas:

• Until 21 July 2025: £38,700
• From 22 July 2025: £41,700 

🛂 What Has Changed?

This new approach marks a clear shift in direction and will impact skilled workers, international students, and employers looking to hire from overseas. Below are the major highlights of the announced reforms:

🔸 Removal of 111 Occupations: A total of 111 job roles are being removed from the Skilled Worker Visa list. This means fewer job categories will now qualify under the Skilled Worker route.

🔸 End of Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers: One of the most notable decisions is to stop the recruitment of care workers from overseas. This will affect thousands of aspiring applicants in the healthcare support sector who were previously eligible for jobs in the UK under this visa route.

🔸 Restrictions on Sub-degree Level Roles: Jobs that do not require a full degree will now be restricted to a time-bound shortage list and subjected to strict eligibility conditions. This will significantly narrow the options for applicants targeting such roles.

🔸 Salary Threshold Increase: The minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas has also been revised:

• Until 21 July 2025: £38,700
• From 22 July 2025: £41,700
  This change reflects the government’s intent to attract highly skilled, better-paid professionals to fill genuine shortages.

🔸 Migration Advisory Committee to Review Shortage Occupations: The government has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a thorough review of the shortage occupation list, including recommendations on pay, benefits, and workforce conditions.

🎯 What Does This Mean for International Aspirants?

These policy changes are expected to impact:

• International students aiming to transition into work visas after graduation
• Healthcare and social care professionals hoping to migrate to the UK
• Employers that rely on foreign talent to fill essential but lower-wage roles
• Visa applicants who now need to meet higher salary and qualification thresholds

For many, this may mean revisiting their migration strategy, identifying alternate roles, or even considering different study or career pathways in the UK.

💼 Need Guidance?

Navigating immigration reforms can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At TG Overseas Education, we stay updated with the latest policy changes and help students and professionals make informed decisions.

Whether you’re applying for a UK student visa, planning a career move, or simply exploring your options, we’re here to guide you at every step.