By Michelle Holmes, MD of immigration consultancy Holmes & Partners
On 22nd July, the UK government rolled out several significant immigration reforms that will reshape how social care organisations hire overseas talent. The changes include:
- A sharp increase in the skilled worker salary threshold
- A return to RQF Level 6 as the qualification requirement, eliminating over 100 lower-skilled roles from eligibility
- The closure of social care visas to new overseas applicants
- The introduction of a temporary shortage occupation list as a partial workaround
These reforms form part of the Home Office’s broader strategy to “restore control” of the immigration system, following a near 40% drop in visa applications since Labour came to power.
What’s changing?
1. Skilled worker threshold tightens
The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa applicants has risen significantly, alongside a rise in the qualification level required (now RQF Level 6, which is equivalent to an undergraduate degree). This removes many roles in retail, hospitality and construction from eligibility.
2. Overseas recruitment in social care ends
Social care roles, including care workers and senior care workers, are now closed to new international recruits. Employers must now fill these roles with British citizens or those already residing in the UK with the right to work.
3. Longer settlement times and higher English requirements
Future proposals include increasing the settlement period from 5 to 10 years and raising English language requirements for visa holders and their dependents.
A full breakdown of proposed changes can be found in the Home Office white paper: Restoring Control Over the Immigration System. Read the official statement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-immigration-reforms-delivered-to-restore-order-and-control
While the government’s recent immigration reforms tighten the skilled worker route, many employers overlook an immediate, compliant solution: hiring international graduates already in the UK on Graduate visas. These talented graduates can fill critical roles and seamlessly transition into Skilled Worker visas later. It is a win-win for UK businesses facing skills shortages – and for graduates seeking long-term sponsorship.
What can employers do now?
While some white paper proposals remain under consultation, the changes being introduced this month are enforceable immediately. Employers should:
- Review current sponsorship plans and whether affected roles are still eligible
- Audit care recruitment pipelines to assess exposure
- Explore Graduate visa hiring routes as a strategic alternative
- Stay informed on proposed settlement and compliance changes due later in the Parliament
Photo by Global Residence Index on Unsplash
