Mid-2025 UK Immigration Update: What Changed in 2024 – And What’s Coming in Late 2025
Mid-2025 UK Immigration Update: What Changed in 2024 – And What’s Coming in Late 2025
By Nick Atwal, Immigration Lawyer & Lecturer | August 2025
The UK’s immigration system underwent a wave of reforms in 2024, many of which are now taking full effect in 2025. From income thresholds to visa compliance rules and the rollout of digital immigration status, here’s what you need to know right now — whether you’re applying, sponsoring, or advising.
1. Skilled Worker Visa Salary Now £38,700
The minimum salary threshold for most Skilled Worker visas rose to £41,700 in 2025.
- This increase replaced the previous £26,200 general threshold.
- Health and Care roles are exempt — the threshold for most care roles is currently £29,000.
- The previous 20% salary discount for Shortage Occupation roles was abolished.
2. Spouse & Partner Visa Income Now £29,000
The minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse or partner increased to £29,000 from 11 April 2024.
- This replaced the long-standing £18,600 rule.
- Originally, the government planned staged increases to £34,500 and then £38,700 — but these have been paused for review.
- Applicants can still use combined income or savings to meet the threshold.
3. Graduate Trainee Visa Salary Requirement: £25,410
As part of wider salary updates across immigration routes:
- The Graduate Trainee visa (under the Global Business Mobility route) requires a minimum salary of £25,410.
- This applies from April 2024 onwards.
4. Social Care Rules Tightened
Big changes apply to care workers and senior care workers:
- No dependants allowed for new applicants from March 11, 2024.
- Sponsors must be CQC-registered providers if operating in England.
- These measures target abuse and exploitation in the care sector.
5. Immigration Salary List Replaces Shortage Occupation List
The old Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024.
- The 20% discount on going-rate salaries for shortage roles was scrapped.
- The ISL offers fixed lower thresholds for certain jobs but no discount on job-specific rates.
- Fewer roles are included in the ISL compared to the old SOL.
6. NHS Surcharge Now £1,035 Per Year
Since February 2024, the standard Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is:
- £1,035 per year for most adult visa applicants
- £776 per year for students, children, and Youth Mobility applicants
- Exemptions apply to those on the Health and Care Visa (and their dependants)
7. Digital eVisa System Replacing BRP Cards
The UK is phasing out Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs):
- Most BRPs issued before April 2024 expire 31 December 2024.
- Some newer BRPs expire 31 December 2025 — and remain technically valid until then. ✅
- But from early 2025, visa holders are expected to use a UKVI online account (eVisa) to prove their immigration status.
- By end of 2025, the eVisa system will fully replace BRPs for nearly all users.
- BRPs will no longer be valid as standalone proof of status from 2026.
🧠What’s Next in UK Immigration Policy?
The new government is reviewing whether to pause or revise future changes to the spouse visa threshold and is also considering updates to the Immigration Salary List. Increased Home Office audits of sponsor compliance are expected in late 2025.
Need help with your visa or sponsoring staff?
📞 Call us at 07973 760075
📰 Visit www.ukimmigrationupdates.com for reliable news and weekly expert insights.
