Big changes are here. As of April 9, 2025, the UK has rolled out major updates to its immigration policies—impacting workers, students, visitors, and employers. From salary hikes for Skilled Worker visas to increased visa application fees, these changes mark a significant shift in the UK’s approach to managing migration. If you’re planning to work, study, or travel to the UK, understanding these updates is crucial.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the new immigration rules, salary thresholds, visa costs, and more.
Overview of the 2025 UK Immigration Changes
The UK’s immigration system has been overhauled with new eligibility rules, salary requirements, and cost structures. These changes are designed to tighten immigration pathways while shifting more financial responsibility to applicants and employers.
Key areas affected include:
- Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds
- Employer sponsorship obligations
- Care sector recruitment rules
- Increased visa application and ETA fees
New Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements
From April 9, 2025:
- The standard minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visa applicants has been raised to £38,700 per year.
- Exceptions apply:
- Roles such as Care Workers and Senior Care Workers now have a reduced salary floor of £25,000 per year or £12.82/hour.
- Health and education sector jobs now align with national pay scales.
- Roles such as Care Workers and Senior Care Workers now have a reduced salary floor of £25,000 per year or £12.82/hour.
Important Notes for Employers:
- When assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) on or after April 9, 2025, salaries must meet the new thresholds.
- Employers must reassess salaries during visa extensions or job changes.
Transitional Relief:
- Applicants whose visas were issued before April 4, 2024, can continue applying under the £29,000 threshold until December 1, 2026.
- However, their pay is expected to increase over time in line with domestic wage growth.
Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for foreign nationals seeking employment in the UK. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- A job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
- A role on the eligible occupation list, with a required skill level of RQF level 3 or higher.
- Issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by your employer.
- Meet the salary threshold – typically £38,700 annually, unless an exemption applies.
- Score 70 points under the UK’s points-based immigration system.
- Visa validity: up to 5 years, with eligibility to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after that.
New Recruitment Rules for Care Sector Employers
Employers hiring Care Workers (SOC 6135) and Senior Care Workers (SOC 6136) in England now face stricter requirements. Before issuing a CoS to a new overseas worker, they must:
- Demonstrate efforts to recruit from in-country candidates who previously held sponsorship (e.g., lost jobs due to sponsor license issues).
- Consult relevant regional partnerships to ensure all domestic recruitment options have been exhausted.
This policy aims to prioritise UK-based candidates for care roles before sourcing talent internationally.
Changes in UK Visa Fees and Application Costs
As of April 9, 2025, visa application fees have increased across the board:
| Category | Previous Fee | New Fee | Increase |
| CoS for Skilled Workers | £239 | £525 | +120% |
| ETA for visa-exempt visitors | £10 | £16 | +60% |
| Other visa categories (e.g., student, work, visitor) | Varies | +5-10% | – |
These changes shift the financial burden from taxpayers to applicants and employers, significantly increasing the cost of coming to the UK.
ETA Requirements and Costs for Short-Term Visitors
From April 2, 2025, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for many travellers previously exempt:
- Applies to nationals of the EU (excluding Ireland), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.
- ETA is needed for short visits (up to 6 months) for tourism, business, family visits, or study.
- Cost: £16 (was £10) – valid for 2 years or until the passport expires.
- Required for each traveller, including infants and children.
- Apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK website.
You do not need an ETA if you’re only transiting through the UK and staying airside.
Summary: What You Need to Know
For Travellers:
- ETA now required for most EU and selected nationals.
- Fee increased to £16 per person.
- Apply early via official UK channels.
For Skilled Workers:
- Standard minimum salary now £38,700/year.
- Exceptions exist for health, care, education, and salary list jobs (£25,000/year).
- New employer requirements for recruiting Care Workers.
For Existing Visa Holders:
- If your visa was issued before April 4, 2024, you may still qualify under the old £29,000 salary threshold (until December 1, 2026).
Check other opportunities:
- Apply Now: 2025 Dr. Michael Simpson Scholarship to Attend IAC in Sydney, Australia
- UNDP Digital Transformation Internship 2025 (Global Call) – Work Remotely & Get Paid
- Canada Awaits! Join the Aga Khan Global Leadership Program 2025 (All Expenses Covered)
- Free Study Opportunity in Germany | Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships Open
- PTDF Overseas Scholarship 2025: Fully Funded MSc & PhD Opportunities for Nigerians
- Adinkra Fellowship 2025: Empowering the Next Generation of African and Diaspora Leaders
- Bank of America Summer Internship 2025 – Paid Opportunities Worldwide
