The UK Home Office has issued a direct communication to sponsor licence holders regarding major changes to the immigration rules. These updates take effect from 22 July 2025 and are part of the government’s broader plan to build a high-skilled, high-wage economy and reduce reliance on low-skilled overseas workers.
Sponsor Licence Holders: Check Your Email for Important Instructions
If you are a sponsor licence holder, it is important that you check your registered email address for a recent message from the Home Office. This message outlines how the changes will affect your ability to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under various visa routes.
If you have not received the email, make sure your contact details are up to date in the Sponsor Management System (SMS). Delays or oversights could result in rejected applications or missed deadlines.
Summary of Key Changes Effective 22 July 2025
These new rules will affect any visa or extension application that relies on a CoS assigned on or after 22 July 2025.
Skilled Worker Route Updates
- The required skill level is increasing from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (graduate-level roles).
- Over 100 occupations will no longer be eligible under the Skilled Worker visa.
- CoS for jobs below RQF Level 6 will be rejected unless the role appears on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
Changes to Care Worker and Senior Care Worker Applications
- Out-of-country visa applications for SOC codes 6135 (care workers) and 6136 (senior care workers) will no longer be accepted.
- In-country switching will only be allowed if the worker has legally worked in a care role for at least three months on another visa route.
- In-country extensions are still allowed for workers continuously sponsored under these codes since their initial Skilled Worker visa.
Salary Thresholds Updated
Salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up visa routes will be updated in line with Office for National Statistics data. These new rates must be reflected in every CoS assigned on or after 22 July 2025. No transitional arrangements apply.
Temporary Shortage List Introduced
A new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is being introduced. It allows time-limited access to certain roles below RQF Level 6. However, these roles:
- Do not allow dependants,
- Do not offer discounted salary thresholds,
- And do not qualify for reduced visa application fees.
The CoS application form will be updated to reflect both the ISL and TSL. Learn more from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
Sponsor Management System Downtime
To implement these changes, the Sponsor Management System and sponsor licence application portal will be unavailable from 6:00 PM on Monday, 21 July 2025, until 9:00 AM on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. You must take action before this window if you need to assign any CoS under the current rules.
Need Help Understanding These Changes?
These changes may impact how and when you assign CoS, especially for care roles or lower-skilled positions. If you’re unsure how to proceed, we recommend reviewing the updated Sponsor Guidance collection, which the Home Office will update on 22 July.
For personalised guidance or compliance support, Register with UKVICAS. Our team can help you navigate these changes and ensure you stay compliant.