The United Kingdom has introduced a fresh wave of immigration reforms that officially came into effect on June 11, 2025. These updates are part of a broader strategy to curb net migration, streamline visa categories, and prioritize high-skilled immigration. From work and student routes to family reunification and visit visa changes, the revised UK visa policies impact a wide range of applicants. Understanding these changes is crucial if you’re planning to enter or stay in the UK under any visa category.
Skilled Worker Visa: Salary Thresholds and Criteria Tightened
One of the most significant revisions affects the Skilled Worker visa route. The minimum salary requirement has now been raised to £38,700 per year for most jobs, a sharp jump from the previous £26,200 threshold. Health and care workers are partially exempt from this increase, but other sectors must now meet the new income level. This change is designed to reduce low-wage migration and push employers to seek highly skilled professionals only.
In addition to salary hikes, the shortage occupation list has been replaced with a more restrictive Immigration Salary List, narrowing the fields eligible for exemptions and making it harder for employers in sectors like hospitality, retail, and logistics to sponsor foreign workers.
Family Visa Rules: Higher Financial Barriers for Sponsors
For those looking to bring their spouses or family members to the UK, the government has increased the minimum income requirement to £29,000 per year, up from £18,600. This threshold is set to rise further later in the year, eventually aligning with the Skilled Worker level of £38,700. This change affects British citizens and settled residents trying to sponsor partners or dependents, introducing new financial barriers that may prevent some families from reuniting in the UK.
Student Visas: Tighter Controls on Dependents and Switching Routes
International students are also facing new restrictions. From June 11 onward, students enrolled in most postgraduate taught courses are no longer allowed to bring dependents with them to the UK. Only PhD and research-based programs retain the right to sponsor dependents. Moreover, students can no longer switch to work visas from within the UK unless they have completed their course or are on a research-based doctoral path. These changes aim to control the rise in student-linked migration while still attracting top-tier academic talent.
Visitor Visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Another major update is the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Nationals from previously visa-exempt countries must now apply for pre-clearance through ETA before traveling to the UK. The process requires uploading biometric data, filling out travel history, and paying a small processing fee. Though similar to systems used in the US and Canada, the ETA adds an additional layer of screening even for short-term tourists and business visitors.
Implications for Employers and Applicants
These visa changes are a clear message from the UK government: the country is shifting its immigration policy toward a more selective, economically driven model. Employers must now rethink their recruitment strategies, particularly in sectors that previously relied on foreign workers. Meanwhile, individuals applying to work, study, or join family members in the UK must carefully review their eligibility under the new income and visa switching restrictions.
Final Thoughts: Preparation Is Key
The visa revisions introduced on June 11 are already reshaping the UK’s immigration landscape. While the changes may help the government reduce net migration figures, they also introduce new complexities for applicants and sponsors alike. Whether you’re an international student planning to enroll in a UK university, a skilled worker applying for sponsorship, or a family hoping to reunite, early preparation, financial planning, and accurate documentation are now more critical than ever.