Are you planning to relocate to the United Kingdom, find employment through the Skilled Worker visa pathway, and reside permanently? In 2025, the United Kingdom’s authority rolled out significant modifications to its immigration guidelines, primarily affecting the route to permanent residence and British nationality.
This article is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to understanding the new laws and preparing for a successful relocation to the United Kingdom under the skilled worker classification.
HIGHLIGHT OF WHAT HAS CHANGED IN 2025
The United Kingdom’s new immigration structure focuses on raising the standards for international citizens seeking to settle, work, and ultimately reside permanently in the country. The government currently requests higher incomes, stronger certifications, longer residence durations, and more from skilled employees.
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Therefore, if you are planning to use the Skill Shortage Occupations List to enter the United Kingdom and later become a British national, below is the roadmap.
STEP ONE: KNOW THE NEW ROUTE TO BRITISH NATIONALITY
1-decade residency rule for settlement: Previously, Skilled Worker visa holders were eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of lawful residence. In 2025, this waiting duration has been doubled:
- You are required to settle in the United Kingdom for a decade steadily to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Only after 12 additional months of holding Indefinite Leave to Remain can you make an application for British nationality.
Full waiting duration: 11 years for several skilled employees.
Exclusion: Partners of British nationals may still be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
STEP TWO: SATISFY STRINGENT EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATION AND INCOME STANDARD
If you are making an application for employment in the United Kingdom under the Skilled Worker visa, below is what has changed:
- The minimum certification level has elevated from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s program).
- Many technical and healthcare positions now require an institutional program or equivalent experience.
New Income thresholds
- The general minimum annual income is currently $52,556.15.
- Most high-demand positions, such as software engineers, require a minimum salary of $69,260 to be eligible.
If you were already in the United Kingdom using a Skilled Worker visa before April 5, 2024, you are exempt from the new thresholds when extending or changing employers.
STEP THREE: PREVENT LIMITED PROFESSIONS
Most employment industries that were once accessible under the Skilled Worker pathway are currently closed to new international candidates.
Social care positions are currently limited.
- You cannot make an application for a Skilled Worker visa for social care employment from outside the United Kingdom.
- Only individuals outside the United Kingdom in this profession before March 11, 2024, may continue working or change employers within the same code.
STEP FOUR: INVESTIGATE THE TEMPORARY SHORTAGE PROFESSION LIST
The United Kingdom superseded the old Immigration Salary List with a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List in 2025.
- It comprises only select positions with proof of immediate labor shortages.
- These positions may be below RQF Level 6, but only for restricted durations and with tight limitations.
STEP FIVE: ADHERE WITH HIGHER ENGLISH LANGUAGE MEASURES
You will now require a B2-level English skill (upper-intermediate) rather than the past B1 level.
This is applied to:
- Primary candidates
- Dependents partners and kids (where relevant)
Approved evidence includes IELTS, TOEFL, iBT, or an educational program taught in English.
STEP SIX: GET READY FOR HIGHER VISA EXPENSES – IMMIGRATION HEALTH TAX
- Currently, the annual cost is $1,405.58 per individual.
- Children under the age of 18 are eligible for a reduced rate of $1,053.94 annually.
A household of three residing for 3 years could reimburse above $12,223.80 in IHS fees. Extra expenses comprise of:
- Skilled Worker Visa Request Fee (based on employment type and duration).
- Biometric residence permit charges
- English language exams
- Documents translation and notarization (if relevant).
RELOCATING WITH YOUR FAMILY
You can move to the United Kingdom with your partner and children under the Skilled Worker Visa. Hence, understand that:
- They are required to reimburse the complete IHS fee
- Dependent spouses are required to satisfy the B2 English conditions.
- Kids may have access to free state education, but higher visa expenses may apply.
