New UK Immigration Rules for Skilled Worker Route: Key Changes Explained

The United Kingdom is radically changing its immigration rules: salary and qualification requirements are increasing, the visa channel for care workers is being closed, and more than 100 professions are being excluded from access to the visa system. Find out how these changes will affect Ukrainians and what is important to know for those who are planning to move or already working in the UK

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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From July 22, 2025, large-scale changes to immigration policy will come into force in the United Kingdom. The new rules aim to establish stricter control over migration flows, reduce the country's dependence on low-skilled foreign workers, and make the system more demanding. These steps could significantly affect Ukrainians who are planning to move or are already in the UK.

Key changes to the UK immigration system

The immigration reform, initiated by the new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, provides for a complete “reset” of the system. Key changes include:

- Higher qualification and salary requirements for Skilled Worker visas.

- Closure of the visa channel for social workers, including caregivers from abroad, due to numerous cases of exploitation.

- Removal of access to over 100 professions that previously allowed entry into the country.

- Introduction of a limited temporary list of shortage occupations, which will only be open to critically important professions — those that are important for infrastructure or economic development.

- A ban on bringing family members for workers on the shortage list, as well as no discounts on visa fees and salary thresholds.

These changes are being introduced for the first time as part of a new immigration strategy outlined in the Immigration White Paper.

The government promises that this will be a step toward “restoring order and control” in migration policy after a significant increase in migration in recent years.

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What does this mean for Ukrainians?

Ukrainians planning to apply for work visas to the UK, especially in care or other unskilled areas, will face new restrictions. For example:

- The visa route for carers is no longer available to new applicants.

- Access to the list of shortage occupations is temporary and significantly restricted. Only those working in truly critical sectors will be eligible for a visa.

- Foreign workers will no longer be able to automatically bring their family members with them.

To remain on the list of shortage occupations after 2026, an occupation must be approved by an independent Migration Advisory Committee.

For Ukrainians already working in the UK on a care work permit, there will be a transition period, but the details of their status are yet to be clarified.

Next steps: what else will change by the end of 2025

Several more changes are expected to be introduced by the end of the year:

- An increase in the Immigration Skills Charge.

- Tighter language requirements.

- A new family reunification policy, which will be presented to Parliament separately.

- Additional measures in the area of asylum and border protection, to be announced later.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized:

“We are completely overhauling our immigration system to reduce migration, stop exploitation, and invest in skills in Britain. Every sector must train its own workers — or lose access to the immigration system.”

For Ukrainians considering the UK as a place to work or live, it is important to keep a close eye on the new rules.

The tightening of requirements means that visa opportunities will be reduced, especially for those who are not highly skilled or do not have a sufficient level of English.

If you are planning to apply for asylum or appeal a refusal, you should seek professional support. The Visit Ukraine platform offers the services of immigration lawyers who have experience working with European immigration systems and can help with preparing documents, drafting applications, and providing legal support in foreign jurisdictions.

We remind you! Ukrainian refugees in the UK are trapped. Their temporary visas are expiring, and the government is not offering any path to permanent residence. Despite their integration into society and the danger of returning, thousands of Ukrainians remain without guarantees for the future. Read why London is delaying decisions in our previous article.

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