🗓️ Effective Date: 22 July 2025 (some changes ongoing until 2028)
📍 Source: UK Home Office, Immigration White Paper, Parliamentary Updates
🎯 What’s Changing?
✅ 1. Skilled Worker Visa
- 111 job roles have been removed from eligibility for new Skilled Worker visas.
- The required skill level is now RQF Level 6 (degree level).
- You must meet higher salary thresholds, with no discounts.
✅ 2. Social Care Visa Route
- The visa route for new overseas care workers closes on 22 July 2025.
- If you’re already employed as a carer or senior carer, you can still:
- Extend your visa,
- Bring dependants,
- Change jobs within the sector — until July 22, 2028.
- Employers must prove you’ve worked for them for at least 3 months before they can renew your sponsorship.
✅ 3. Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
- Some sub-degree roles will be allowed on a short-term basis (valid till Dec 31, 2026).
- No family visas or fee concessions for these routes.
- After 2026, sectors must train UK workers to access these roles.
✅ 4. New Rules on Settlement (ILR)
- The government plans to consult on earned settlement — which could mean longer waiting times for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- Details will come later this year.
⚖️ Why the Changes?
The government says this is a “reset” to:
- Prioritise higher-skilled migration
- Reduce exploitation in sectors like social care
- Encourage employers to invest in UK workforce training
- Restore public trust in the system
🔎 What Should You Do Now?
| Situation | Impact | Action Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Already sponsored care worker | You can extend or switch in the UK until July 2028 | ✅ Check your sponsor’s licence status; ✅ Keep employment records; ✅ Watch for deadlines |
| Planning to come as a new care worker | New overseas applications closed from 22 July | ❌ This route is closed. Do not pay agents for new UK care roles! |
| Skilled worker in other roles | Must hold a degree & meet new salary | ✅ Check your job code on the new list; ✅ Talk to your HR |
| Non-graduate role via TSL | Limited visas to end-2026, no dependants | ✅ Ask your sponsor for clear pathway |
| Employers | Must invest in UK training | ✅ Stay compliant; ✅ Avoid illegal recruitment practices |
🛡️ Avoid Exploitation
🚫 Do not pay huge fees to agents promising “guaranteed care jobs”.
✅ Always verify your sponsor on the Home Office register.
✅ Keep all job contracts, pay slips, and communication records.
✅ If your sponsor loses their licence, get advice immediately — don’t become undocumented.
💬 FAQs
Q1: I’m already a carer in the UK — can I stay?
✅ Yes, you can extend your visa, switch employers in the UK, and bring dependants — but only until 22 July 2028. After that, this route will close.
Q2: Will the waiting time for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) increase for me?
⚠️ Possibly. The government says new settlement rules will apply “broadly” but will consult before confirming. Watch for updates later this year.
Q3: Can I switch jobs or sponsors if my employer loses their licence?
✅ You can switch if you qualify, but you must find a new licensed sponsor quickly. Don’t wait until your visa expires.
Q4: Can I bring my family if I’m on the Temporary Shortage List?
❌ No. TSL visas do not allow dependants or fee discounts.
Q5: Who can help me if I’m worried about my visa?
🗣️ Talk to an OISC-registered immigration advisor, your union, or community group like Naija‑UK Connect.
✅ Key Takeaway
The UK is shifting to high-skill migration only — so check your qualifications, stay alert for deadlines, and don’t fall for fake job offers!
✨ Share this with friends, family & colleagues — let’s navigate this new terrain together! ✨
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