Skilled Worker Visa Changes From 22 July 2025: What Date Determines Which Rules Apply?

From 22 July 2025, changes to the UK's Skilled Worker visa route will come into effect, including a rise in the general salary and skill threshold and the introduction of a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List, (click here for our detailed analysis of the key changes that will take place on that day).

Importantly, due to the rise in skill threshold, many roles will cease to be sponsorable on 22nd of July.

Understanding which version of the Immigration Rules will apply to your employee's visa application is therefore essential before the rules change.

For Skilled Worker applications where a certificate of sponsorship is required (i.e. entry clearance/leave to remain but not indefinite leave to remain), the current rules will continue to apply if the relevant visa application is submitted using a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued (assigned) to the migrant worker before 22nd of July 2025.