The latest update to the immigration rules (Statement of changes HC 733) has been released, along with an explanatory memorandum and a ministerial statement.
Summary of Updates
The changes take effect from today through to 13 August 2025, with the majority coming into force in April 2025:
Care Worker Sponsorship Rule Change
From 9 April 2025, employers in England have to prioritise recruiting foreign national care workers already in the UK before sponsoring overseas hires. The aim is to support workers who have lost their visa sponsorship, in most cases due to their former employer’s non-compliance.
Increase in Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Threshold
The salary floor for Skilled Worker visa applicants will rise from £23,200 to £25,000 per year (£11.90 to £12.82 per hour). Health and education occupations will see separate salary adjustments aligned with updated national pay scales.
Visa Requirement for Trinidad and Tobago Visitors
With immediate effect, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago must now obtain a visa before travelling to the UK for visiting purposes. Direct Airside Transit Visas (DATVs) are also required for those transiting via the UK.
Those with a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and confirmed travel before 23 April 2025 can still enter visa-free until this date.
Short Term Study Visa Rules
Stricter rules are being imposed on short-term students, with the introduction of a “genuine intention to study” requirement.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) Update
Children under 18 who were previously granted Leave Outside the Rules (LOTR) can now apply for UPE to ensure their status aligns with their families.
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (HfU) Changes
Changes include a new ‘approved sponsor’ requirement being introduced for minors; the definition of “parent” is being standardised across the UK’s immigration system, and parents applying to bring their children under this scheme must be lawfully resident in the UK.
EU Settlement Scheme Changes
Non-EEA nationals can now use an expired UK biometric residence card or permit (up to 18 months old) as proof of identity when applying to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), without needing to resubmit biometrics.
ETA Exemption for British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O))
With effect from 9 April 2025, BN(O) status holders will not need an ETA when travelling to the UK.
Need assistance?
For advice on how these changes impact your organisation or your personal status in the UK, speak to our immigration advisers.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
