The UK Government is making July 2025 Immigration Rule Changes with the latest Immigration Rules update (HC 997), coming into effect on 22 July 2025. It introduces major changes to the Skilled Worker visa route. While the reforms aim to prioritise “high-skilled” migration and reduce net numbers, they carry significant consequences for industries we serve—especially construction, rail, engineering, IT, and professional services.

Here’s what Fusion People clients and candidates need to know.

1. Skilled Worker Route Limited to RQF Level 6 Roles or Above

From 22 July, the Skilled Worker visa will only be available by default to roles at RQF Level 6 or above—typically those requiring a degree-level qualification.

This is a game-changer for:

• Construction & Rail – Many roles (e.g. bricklayers, scaffolders, site operatives, rail track maintenance workers) fall below RQF 6 and are now excluded from the Skilled Worker route unless they’re on a special exemption list.
• Engineering & Technical Roles – Degree-qualified engineers and senior project roles remain eligible. However, technicians, fitters, and skilled tradespeople at RQF 3–5 will lose automatic eligibility.
• IT & Professional Services – Most positions (software developers, analysts, finance managers, legal professionals) remain eligible as they typically meet or exceed RQF 6.

2. Temporary Shortage List (TSL): Short-Term Access, Long-Term Uncertainty

The government has introduced a Temporary Shortage List to support selected roles at RQF 3–5. This allows limited-time access to the Skilled Worker route for specific “critical” occupations until December 2026.

Key notes:

• Only roles on the TSL will be eligible below RQF 6.
• After 2026, even these roles must be backed by an approved workforce training plan to stay eligible.
• Workers on the TSL cannot bring dependants—a major shift from previous policy.

Fusion People is actively monitoring which roles from construction, rail, and engineering will appear on the TSL. Some skilled trades may be included temporarily, but this is not guaranteed long term.

3. New Salary Thresholds: A Barrier for Some, Business as Usual for Others

The government has raised salary requirements across all Skilled Worker routes:

• Option A (Standard threshold): £41,700/year
• Option E (New entrant): £33,400
• Option F (Shortage occupation): £31,300

Implications by sector:

• Engineering/IT/Professional Services: Most roles already exceed these thresholds, so minimal impact is expected.
• Construction & Rail: Some skilled roles previously eligible under lower salary thresholds may now be priced out, especially if part-time or regionally adjusted salaries are involved.
  

4. Transitional Protections for Existing Visa Holders

If workers are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025, they’ll still be able to:

• Extend their visas,
• Switch jobs (within allowable categories),
• And, in many cases, settle in the UK.

However, the new salary thresholds still apply to extensions—so employers must be ready to increase pay accordingly.

Sector-by-Sector Summary

Sector	Impact Summary
Construction	Most RQF 3–5 trades now ineligible, unless added to the Temporary Shortage List. Long-term sponsorship will require domestic training commitments.
Rail	Technicians and operatives likely to lose Skilled Worker access unless exempted. Higher-level rail engineers remain eligible.
Engineering	Degree-qualified roles remain safe. Skilled trades (welders, fitters) at risk unless included in exemptions.
IT & Tech	Largely unaffected—software, data, and cyber roles continue to qualify.
Professional Services	Finance, legal, HR, and consultancy roles continue to qualify due to their RQF 6+ status and strong salary levels.

What Employers Should Do Now

If you’re in a sector affected by these changes, now is the time to act:

• Audit your current sponsored workforce: Who’s affected? Will salary uplifts be needed?
• Plan your hiring strategy: Identify which roles may lose visa eligibility after 2026.
• Invest in UK-based training and apprenticeships: Proving a domestic skills pipeline will be essential to maintain future sponsorship options.
• Monitor the TSL: Fusion People will provide updates as soon as the list is confirmed.

Final Word from Fusion People

At Fusion People, we understand how critical skilled workers are to major infrastructure projects, technical builds, and IT transformation. These immigration reforms present both challenges and opportunities—and we’re here to help you navigate them.

Whether you’re an employer preparing for change or a candidate wondering what your future looks like in the UK, get in touch with our team today.

Contact us for tailored advice or to review your recruitment strategy.