Archive · 2 Jun 2025
UK Tightens Work Visa Rules: Higher Salaries, Education, and Residency Hurdles
The UK is making it harder to get a work visa.
You now need to earn at least £38,700.
You also need a degree and have to score 70 points based on your skills, salary and English language abilities.
Recent graduates have less time to find a job after finishing school.
It will also take longer to get the right to stay in the UK permanently.
These changes are to reduce the number of people coming to the UK and to respond to a drop in net migration.
However, there may be exceptions for health and social care workers.
The changes are driven by the government's immigration policies and voter pressure.
The minimum salary for a UK work visa has increased to £38,700.
Applicants need 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa.
A degree-level qualification is now generally required for skilled worker visas.
Graduates have 18 months to find a job after completing their studies.
The threshold for applying for indefinite residency has increased to 10 years.
- Who
- New visa applicants, current visa holders, and potential international students.
- What
- Changes to the UK's work visa system, including salary, education, and residency requirements.
- When
- The changes are being implemented now with potential future adjustments.
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To reduce net migration and address concerns about dependents and the labor market.
- Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa
- £38,700 (except for healthcare workers and teachers)
- Minimum Points for Skilled Worker Visa
- 70 points
- Degree Requirement
- Degree-level qualification required (except for renewals)
- Time to Find a Job for Graduates
- 18 months (reduced from 2 years)
- Residency Application Threshold
- Increased to 10 years (from 5)
- Dependents Brought by Students:
- Decreased by 81%
- Dependents Brought by Workers:
- Decreased by 35%