Back in January we discussed updates to regulations coming in during 2025 as well as the introduction of the digital authorisation (ETA) for non-visa nationals visiting the UK. But as we move into the second quarter of the year, a huge number of additional changes are coming down the pipe which are significant for both individuals and businesses dealing with UK immigration in 2025.
The changes take effect from 9 April 2025 and focus primarily around sponsored workers, care providers, and visitors from Trinidad and Tobago. They are outlined in the UK Home Office’s Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 733) on 12 March 2025. So that’s what I’ll explain in this article – the changes that are being made by the UK Home Office and what they might mean for you. As always, if you’re confused about any of the updated regulations, it’s always best to speak to an immigration lawyer to ensure your application has the best possible chance of success.
Let’s dive in.
Changes to salary calculations for sponsored workers
One of the most notable updates affects deductions from a Sponsored Worker’s salary. Previously, certain deductions were allowed as long as they complied with employment law. Under the new rules, deductions related to immigration costs (such as visa fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge) will now be excluded from salary calculations for visa eligibility.
This means employers who provide loans to workers for immigration expenses and recover them through payroll deductions will no longer be able to count these amounts as part of the worker’s qualifying salary.
The changes also address self-sponsorship practices. If a worker has invested money into a business, the investment amount – averaged over the duration of the visa – will be deducted from their effective gross salary for visa purposes. This could significantly impact business owners or investors seeking Skilled Worker sponsorship to work within their own enterprises.
Salary threshold increases
The general salary threshold will rise from £23,200 per year (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour). This change affects Skilled Workers in the following cases:
- Those applying with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned before April 4, 2024, who scored points for a STEM PhD, a job on the Immigration Salary List, or being a new entrant.
- Those sponsored for jobs in health or education occupations.
- Those applying for settlement based on previous CoS points for a job on the Immigration Salary List or Shortage Occupation List, or a listed health or education job.
- Those applying for settlement with time spent as a Tier 2 (General) worker in specific science or teaching jobs.
It should also be noted that occupation-based going rates below £25,000 (£12.82 per hour) will also be adjusted accordingly.
New requirements for health and care workers
A major change affecting the health and care sector mandates that care providers must first seek to recruit from the existing pool of care workers already in the UK before sponsoring workers from overseas. This measure is intended to assist care workers whose sponsorships have lapsed due to employer non-compliance or loss of sponsor licences.
The requirement does not apply to:
- Workers outside England.
- Employers sponsoring someone who has already been working for them for at least three months under another immigration route.
In addition to this recruitment rule, the minimum salary for Health and Care visas will increase from £23,200 to £25,000 per year, aligning with the overall Skilled Worker salary adjustment.
Trinidad and Tobago removed from the non-visa national list
Effective from 12 March 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will now require a visitor visa to enter the UK. Additionally, those transiting through the UK en-route to another destination will need a Direct Airside Transit Visa. The UK government has not provided specific reasons for this change, but such measures are often implemented in response to concerns about irregular migration or security risks.
Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Several adjustments have been made to the EU Settlement Scheme, including:
- Allowing non-EEA applicants to use, as proof of identity, a UK-issued biometric residence card or permit that has expired by up to 18 months.
- Confirming that individuals with a pending administrative review of an EUSS decision will not be removed from the UK if they have not left the country or have been granted re-entry (except under immigration bail conditions).
- Enabling refusal of an EUSS application on suitability grounds, even without a deportation or exclusion order, if the applicant’s conduct before the Brexit transition period meets the relevant EU public policy test.
Exemption of British Nationals (Overseas) from ETA requirements
British Nationals (Overseas) will no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK. While this exemption is now in place, the government has stated that it will continue to review this policy.
Impact on employers and visa applicants
These upcoming immigration changes will have a significant impact on businesses, particularly those in the healthcare sector and those employing Skilled Workers. Employers must ensure compliance with new salary calculation rules and be mindful of recruitment priorities when hiring care workers.
For visa applicants, particularly those seeking self-sponsorship, the new investment deduction rules could pose additional hurdles. Prospective Skilled Workers should carefully evaluate whether their salaries meet the revised minimum thresholds after deductions.
The Home Office is expected to provide further clarification on how these rules will be implemented before the changes take effect on 9 April 2025.
Get the right immigration advice for you
When a large number of reforms are brought in, it can be overwhelming for both individuals and businesses trying to keep up – particularly when it’s a very small window before the changes take effect. That’s why it’s worth working with an immigration expert. When you work with an immigration lawyer you benefit from increased speed of application approval, a personal service tailored to your needs, advice and guidance after the initial application, as well as help with appeals and litigation. In short, it gives you the peace of mind that your application is in the best possible hands. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.
