Major Changes to UK Visa Rules: What You Need to Know
Hey everyone, there’s big news coming from the UK Home Office regarding immigration policies, and it’s going to have a significant impact on those looking to work in the health and care sector. If you’re planning to move to the UK as a skilled worker or a care worker, these changes could affect your eligibility and financial planning.
On March 12, 2025, the UK government laid out new immigration rules that will officially come into effect on April 9, 2025. One of the major changes involves an increase in the minimum salary threshold for skilled workers. It’s jumping to £12.82 per hour or £25,000 per annum, up from £23,200. That means entry-level Band 3 healthcare roles, which are currently below this threshold, will no longer qualify for international sponsorship unless future pay adjustments are made.
Another key update is that care providers in England will now need to prove they have attempted to recruit local workers before they can sponsor a new employee from overseas. This is a significant shift in the recruitment process and could make it tougher for international applicants to secure jobs in the sector. Moreover, the Home Office is tightening controls on short-term student visas to prevent misuse, giving caseworkers more authority to reject applications they suspect are not genuine.
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For NHS trusts and care providers, this means a period of adjustment. The increased salary threshold puts many entry-level roles at risk of being cut off from international sponsorship, at least until the next pay award announcement. However, Band 3 workers earning at the top step point (£25,674) will still meet the criteria and can continue to be sponsored.
These changes are designed to prioritize domestic recruitment and reduce the reliance on overseas workers in social care. However, for thousands of skilled workers around the world, it adds new hurdles to their dream of working in the UK. Employers and prospective workers will need to stay updated on further pay adjustments and any potential exemptions that may come up.
If you're already working in the UK under an existing visa, don’t worry—these changes won’t affect international workers currently being sponsored in SOC 6135 or SOC 6136 roles. But for new applicants, it’s crucial to assess whether your job offer meets the new salary requirements before making any commitments.
This is a developing situation, and more updates will be available soon. Stay informed, plan accordingly, and if you have any questions, reach out to official sources like NHS Employers or the UK government website.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Are they a step in the right direction, or do they make it harder for skilled workers to contribute to the UK’s health sector? Let’s discuss!
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