What You Need to Know About the UK's July 2025 Immigration Reforms

UK Immigration Reforms Now in Effect

On July 22, 2025, a major wave of UK immigration reforms officially took effect - impacting everyone from care workers to tech innovators. These reforms were part of a broader reset following the controversial five-point plan introduced in late 2023, which saw increased salary thresholds and tighter family reunification rules.

The updated policies mark a shift from restriction to recalibration. While the UK continues to manage migration numbers, these changes aim to balance talent attraction with fair work conditions.

The Most Immediate Changes

The two most impactful changes that took effect on July 22 include:

1. Reduced Immigration Health Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for adults was reduced from £1,035 to £776 per year. For students, youth mobility, and under-18s, the reduced rate now sits at £388, down from £776.

This is particularly relevant for students applying under the student visa UK category, who often cited the IHS as a financial burden. The adjustment may also encourage more students to remain in the UK post-graduation under other visa routes.

2. New Immigration Salary List Replaces Shortage Occupation List

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has been phased out and replaced by the Immigration Salary List. This list, which determines which jobs qualify for salary discounts under the UK skilled worker visa, now covers just 21 occupations, down from 30.

Many roles that previously benefited from lower salary thresholds—including chefs and certain construction jobs—have been removed. However, critical roles like care workers, nurses, bricklayers, and lab technicians still remain.

Care Worker Visa Restrictions

In one of the most debated reforms, care workers and senior care workers are no longer allowed to bring dependantson their visa. This change applies to all applications submitted on or after March 11, 2024.

The UK government stated this change was made to curb “unsustainable” levels of family migration under the UK skilled worker visa route. Over 120,000 dependants had entered the UK in 2023 on care-related visas alone.

What This Means for Students

The reforms indirectly benefit international students in multiple ways. With a reduced health surcharge and upcoming tweaks to graduate visa eligibility under review, the student visa UK route may become more attractive.

Although salary thresholds remain a barrier post-study, these reforms could signal a softer stance toward skilled graduates with long-term prospects in the UK.

Global Talent Visa Relaunched

The Global Talent Visa has been revamped as part of the Global Talent Taskforce, and is now open to professionals without a job offer. High-potential individuals in AI, gaming, fintech, and cybersecurity can apply directly if they demonstrate exceptional talent.

Unlike the UK skilled worker visa, this pathway offers total flexibility:

• No job offer or employer sponsorship
• No salary or language threshold
• Work as a founder, employee, or freelancer
• Pathway to permanent residency in as little as 3 years

This reform is a bold move under the wider umbrella of UK immigration reforms, positioning the country as a leading destination for digital innovation.

Refund Policy Updates

While visa application fees remain unchanged, there’s a new partial refund policy. Applicants who withdraw their visa or are denied entry at the border may now receive a partial refund, depending on the processing stage. The aim is to increase transparency and fairness in the UK’s visa system.

Final Thoughts

The UK immigration reforms of July 2025 present a mixed bag. While dependants of care workers face new restrictions, students and tech professionals stand to benefit from more inclusive and forward-looking policies.

Whether you're eyeing a student visa UK or planning to apply under the Global Talent or UK skilled worker visa routes, it’s clear that the UK is recalibrating—not closing—its doors.

Stay tuned as more changes roll out through the year, especially around graduate visas, startup pathways, and future immigration caps.