Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
All posts

Immigration reforms – what you need to know

By  Louise Carney  ·  2 minute read

Briefing note for CEA members

On 1 July 2025 the government laid a package of immigration reforms in Parliament as part of the immigration white paper. These measures come into effect from 22 July 2025 and will change the way many of you recruit and retain overseas staff.

The main points to be aware of:

  • Higher skill threshold for skilled worker visas – only jobs at RQF level 6 (degree level) or above will qualify for new skilled worker visas unless they are on the new temporary shortage list (TSL). Many roles in plant operations, servicing and maintenance sit below this level, so future recruitment from overseas for these jobs will become very difficult once transitional arrangements end.
  • Reduced eligible roles – the number of roles eligible for skilled worker visas drops to around 180. Existing visa holders can continue and renew under transitional rules, but new hires will be affected.
  • Salary thresholds rising sharply – the general threshold for skilled worker visas goes up to £41,700 (or £33,400 for new entrants/TSL roles). Senior or specialist worker routes increase to £52,500. Many industry pay scales are below these levels, which could make sponsorship unaffordable.
  • Immigration salary list changes – the immigration salary list will be abolished by January 2027. It will be replaced by the TSL, which is linked to the government’s industrial strategy. There are no salary discounts under the TSL, and new entrants cannot usually bring dependants. In future, employers using the TSL will need to show compliance with a sector workforce strategy (details still to come).
  • Increased costs – the immigration skills charge will rise by 32% to £1,320 per sponsored worker per year for large sponsors.
  • English language requirements tightening – applicants will need B2 level English rather than B1, and dependants will have staged requirements.
  • Evisas and vignette phase‑out – physical documents are being replaced with digital status via a UKVI account. Employers will need to use share codes to check right to work. From 15 July 2025 visa vignettes will no longer be issued for most work routes.

What this means for you

For many of you, particularly those employing service engineers, plant fitters and operators from overseas, this package will make new sponsorship much harder and more expensive. It’s important to plan ahead: review your workforce mix, consider how you can build more skills locally, and keep an eye on whether key sector roles are added to the TSL.

We understand the importance of a reliable and skilled workforce in keeping your business moving. We are already looking at how best to represent the sector as these workforce strategies are developed, and we’ll keep you updated on consultations and opportunities to feed in.

If you have specific concerns or examples of roles you’re struggling to fill, please share them with us. They will help shape the conversations we’re having on your behalf.

Viki Bell
Chief Executive, CEA

Read the full Government's Immigration White Paper policy changes & eVisas  https://www.gov.uk/evisa