News & Updates

Skilled Worker – for COSs assigned on or after 22 July 2025 will need to meet the new requirements outlined below:

1. Skill Level Requirement Raised

• The minimum skill level is increasing from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree).
•  Current Skilled Workers already in the UK are exempt (for now), but new overseas applicants must meet the new level

2. Increased Salary Thresholds

• General salary threshold rises from £38,700 to £41,700, lower salary thresholds still apply to certain roles and for new entrants.
• Minimum hourly rate increases from £15.88 to £17.13.
• Employers must pay the higher of the general threshold or the occupation-specific “going rate.”

3. Temporary Shortage Occupation List Introduced

• The Immigration Salary List will be expanded temporarily (containing existing entries plus occupations at RQF Levels 3-5), then phased out by end of 2026, government reserve the right to bring that date forward.
• A new Temporary Shortage Occupation List will allow limited access to critical roles below RQF Level 6, but those applying for roles in these lists:

• No dependants allowed.
• No salary discounts apply

• Transitional Protections

• If a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is assigned on or before 21 July 2025, the current lower thresholds still apply—even if the visa application is submitted later

Small update to dependants of Students and Graduates - Immigration Rules updated 16 July 2025

Relationship requirement of dependent partner updated. Where a dependant applies at the same time as a Student/Graduate Route dependant, the Student/Graduate’s application must be granted for the dependant to meet this requirement. This is outlined in the following immigration rules.

Appendix ST 32.1: Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules: Appendix Student - Guidance - GOV.UK

Appendix GR 11.1: Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix Graduate - Guidance - GOV.UK

ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation

New ETA Requirement for Some Travellers from Ireland to the UK

The UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for individuals who:

• Entered Ireland from outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) and then travel to the UK;
• Previously had UK immigration permission that has now expired;
• Are not S2 Healthcare Visitors.

Even short local journeys from Ireland to the UK may now require an ETA, depending on how the person entered Ireland and their UK immigration history.

Previously, only visitors and creative workers needed an ETA—this rule now extends to more travellers.

EUSS – Permitted absences

Previously absences were limited to 6 month in any 12 month period, with only one longer absence of 12 month allowed.

New rules are a bit more flexible and allows continuous residence as long as they have resided in the UK for at least 30 months in the last 60 months. Any combination of time in and out of the country is fine as long as the 30 month threshold is met, they would have completed a five-year qualifying period.

You will still need to ensure you meet the lapsing leave rules and any other rules: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/returning-residents/lapsing-leave-and-returning-residents-accessible