UK Tightens Work Visa Rules: 111 Occupations Cut from Skilled Worker Route

The United Kingdom has unveiled a significant overhaul of its immigration system, aimed at cutting net migration and raising the bar for skilled workers seeking jobs in the country.

Announced on July 1, 2025, these changes mark the first wave of reforms under the new Immigration White Paper, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper calling it “a complete reset.”

The reforms will be implemented from 22 July 2025, pending parliamentary approval, and are part of a broader Plan for Change to tighten border control, asylum processing, and labour market access.

Over 100 Occupations Cut from Skilled Worker Visa List

In a major policy shift, 111 occupations will be removed from the Skilled Worker visa route. These roles were previously listed on the Shortage Occupation List, which offered salary concessions and simplified requirements for foreign applicants.

By slashing this list, the government aims to curb dependency on overseas labour and promote local workforce development.

Key changes include:

• Ending the Skilled Worker visa route for social care workers
• Raising the salary and skill thresholds across all eligible jobs
• Phasing out sub-degree level roles unless they appear on a new shortage list
• Blocking dependents from accompanying workers under temporary shortage schemes

Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers to End

One of the most impactful changes is the closure of the care worker visa route to new overseas applicants. The government will allow transitional arrangements for existing care workers already in the UK, but it will bar new applications starting July 22, 2025.

This decision will likely cause a ripple effect across the health and social care sectors, which have long relied on foreign workers to fill chronic staffing gaps.

Temporary Shortage List Introduced — With Strict Conditions

Instead of the traditional Shortage Occupation List, the UK will now operate a Temporary Shortage List through 2026.

The UK government will include only roles it deems critical to the national interest, such as those in infrastructure, health, or strategic industries. However, employers must provide clear strategies to upskill and hire UK workers or risk losing access to this recruitment pathway.

Workers under this temporary list will face tighter conditions:

• No dependents allowed
• No visa fee discounts
• No salary concessions
• Eligibility is limited to roles approved by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)

The MAC will conduct a comprehensive review of pay, benefits, and shortage roles later this year to help shape the final structure of this list.

What Else Is Changing?

Additional reforms expected in the coming months include:

• Increased Immigration Skills Charge for employers
• Tighter English language requirements across visa categories
• A new family migration framework, likely affecting spouse and partner visa routes

These proposals are part of the government’s broader attempt to “restore control and order” to immigration after net migration figures quadrupled over the last four years.

Who Will Be Affected?

These changes will significantly impact:

• Foreign skilled workers applying for UK jobs
• Employers relying on international recruitment
• Care providers hiring from abroad
• Recruiters managing visa sponsorship pipelines
• Family members planning to join skilled migrants

What Should Employers and Migrants Do Now?

With less than a year until implementation, here are some steps to consider:

• Review current visa sponsorship plans
• Identify UK-based training opportunities to reduce dependence on international hires
• Stay updated on the MAC’s shortage list review
• Prepare for tighter language tests and financial requirements

Final Thoughts

The UK’s immigration reset signals a clear shift away from low-wage foreign labour and towards investing in domestic skills. While the government argues these steps are necessary for long-term sustainability, many employers, especially in care and construction, may face short-term challenges filling vacancies.

Travellers, workers, and employers are urged to monitor updates closely and consult with immigration experts to navigate the upcoming changes.