UK Immigration Rule Changes
UK Immigration Rule Changes: Key Updates for Health and Care Worker and Skilled Worker Sponsors
On 12 March 2025, the UK government announced a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, introducing key updates that will affect sponsors across various sectors. The changes include:
- A new requirement for care worker sponsors in England to prioritize recruitment from the existing UK-based workforce before hiring from overseas.
- An increase in the minimum salary threshold for care workers and health and care visa holders under SOC codes 6135 and 6136.
- Revisions to salary deductions and adjustments to the rules on how new entrants qualify for reduced salary thresholds.
Changes to Care Worker Sponsorship
Due to the rising number of care workers in England without sponsorship—caused by sponsors losing their licences or being unable to provide sufficient work—the Home Office is introducing new hiring requirements.
From 9 April 2025, sponsors must first attempt to recruit from the existing pool of care workers in the UK before hiring from overseas. To comply, sponsors will need to:
- Obtain confirmation from a regional or sub-regional partnership that they have actively sought UK-based candidates.
- Provide evidence that no suitable UK-based candidates were available.
This requirement only applies to care worker roles in England and does not affect employers in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Additionally, it does not apply to:
- Care workers who were already sponsored before 9 April 2025.
- Individuals switching from other UK visa routes, provided they have worked lawfully for their sponsor for at least three months.
Increase in Minimum Salary for Care Workers
From 9 April 2025, the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas under SOC codes 6135 and 6136 (care workers and senior care workers) will increase from £23,200 per year (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour).
However, with the National Minimum Wage rising to £12.21 per hour on 1 April 2025, this could create pay disparities between existing sponsored workers and new hires. Employers should review their salary structures to prevent a two-tier workforce and address potential concerns about wage fairness.
This new salary threshold only applies to Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) issued after 9 April 2025. Sponsors do not need to increase salaries for current workers, provided they meet the new minimum wage of £12.21 per hour.
Next Steps for Employers
With these changes coming into effect from 9 April 2025, sponsors should take the following steps:
- Care providers should prepare for additional recruitment steps when hiring from overseas and stay up to date with Home Office guidance.
- All sponsors must review their salary structures to ensure compliance with both the Skilled Worker thresholds and the new National Minimum Wage from 1 April 2025.
- Employers must ensure that salary deductions align with the new rules and monitor further Home Office updates for clarity on implementation.
- Stay informed—further details and official Home Office guidance are expected soon.
These rule changes introduce new compliance requirements and financial considerations for sponsors, particularly in the care sector. The added complexity in recruiting care workers from overseas means sponsors must be proactive in adapting to the new regulations. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more guidance becomes available.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these changes may affect your business, please get in touch.
