Published on: July 2025
Updated with latest White Paper & HC 997 Immigration Rule Amendments
The UK’s July 2025 immigration rule changes directly affect post-study work, Skilled Worker eligibility, dependant family visas, and English language requirements. This guide covers everything: new PSW duration, minimum salary for sponsorship, TSL jobs, IELTS bands, dependant rules, and the most common client questions—all explained simply for real applicants.
Graduate Route (PSW) Duration Now 18 Months
From 22 July 2025:
- Undergraduate & Master’s graduates: Stay-back period reduced from 2 years to 18 months
- PhD graduates: Remain eligible for 3 years on Graduate Route
Impact: Students now have a shorter window to secure Skilled Worker sponsorship or plan alternate visa transitions. Early planning is critical.
Skilled Worker Minimum Salary 2025
| Category | Old Threshold | New Threshold (from 22 July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| General Applicants | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| New Entrants (PSW/Grads) | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| Shortage Occupation Jobs | £26,100 | £28,200 |
Employers and applicants must ensure job offers meet the revised minimum salary aligned to SOC code.
IELTS & English Language Requirements
| Visa Type | Old Level | New Level |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (Main Applicant) | B1 (IELTS 4.0) | B2 (IELTS 5.5–6.5) |
| Dependant – Visa Entry | None | A1 (IELTS Life Skills A1) |
| Dependant – Extension | None | A2 (IELTS Life Skills A2) |
| Dependant – ILR / Settlement | B1 | B2 (IELTS 5.5–6.5) |
CEFR vs IELTS Band Breakdown:
| CEFR Level | IELTS Band | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Life Skills A1 | Dependant visa entry |
| A2 | Life Skills A2 | Dependant visa extension |
| B1 | IELTS 4.0 | Old Skilled Worker benchmark |
| B2 | IELTS 5.5–6.5 | New Skilled Worker & ILR |
MOI & 12th English Waiver Still Accepted
Applicants can avoid IELTS if:
- They have English in 12th standard with 70% or higher (varies by university)
- They provide a valid Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from their university
Always confirm waiver acceptance directly with your chosen UK institution.
TSL Job List and Salary Rules
TSL (Temporary Shortage Occupation List) is valid for COS issued until 31 December 2026.
Minimum salary: £28,200 – £31,300 (varies by SOC code)
Top TSL Jobs 2025:
- IT support, database admin, CAD tech, AV tech
- Electrical & electronics technicians, welders, plumbers, pipe fitters
- QA tech, construction supervisors, painters, steel erectors
- Authors, translators, designers, HR officers, data analysts
- Bookkeepers, payroll managers, vehicle mechanics
These roles enjoy relaxed salary thresholds but require full Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Student & Care Worker Rules
- Students: Part-time work allowed in care roles (max 20 hours/week during term).
- Switch to Skilled Worker (Care): Must show 3 months lawful work in care, meet B2 English, and have a valid COS.
- PSW to Skilled Worker: Prepare early—18 months PSW means less time to switch and meet new salary and IELTS rules.
Transitional Rule: Those already on care worker visa before 22 July may continue under old conditions.
Dependant Visa IELTS & COS Process
- IELTS now required for all dependants:
- A1 for initial entry,
- A2 for extension,
- B2 for settlement (ILR).
- Each dependant switching to Skilled Worker must have a separate COS and meet new salary rules.
All dependants must now show English proficiency across stages. No more indefinite exemptions.
Each dependant switching to Skilled Worker must have a separate COS and meet salary rules.
Transitioning from PSW to Skilled Worker – New Strategy
With PSW now shortened:
- Begin job search during final semester
- Target sponsors offering £37,500+ for new entrants
- Prepare for IELTS B2 (or provide Ecctis/UK degree equivalency)
Your employer must issue COS referencing new rules.
Do I need IELTS for a UK student visa in 2025?
Not always. If your UK university accepts your 12th-grade English or MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate, IELTS is not required. Check with your university before applying.
What IELTS score is required for Skilled Worker and dependants after July 2025?
Skilled Worker main applicants: B2 (IELTS 5.5–6.5 in each skill)
Dependant entry: A1 (IELTS Life Skills A1: 2.5–3.0)
Dependant extension: A2 (IELTS Life Skills A2: 3.0–3.5)
Dependant ILR/settlement: B2 (IELTS 5.5–6.5 each skill)
Are the new IELTS rules applicable to current dependants in the UK when switching to Skilled Worker?
Yes. From 22 July 2025, ALL dependants switching to Skilled Worker (main or dependant) must meet the new English test rules, even if already inside the UK.
Do the new IELTS rules apply if I’m just switching from one dependant visa to another for the same main applicant (e.g., student dependant to skilled worker dependant)?
Yes. Any in-country switch to a new dependant category after 22 July 2025 requires the new English level (A1, A2, or B2 depending on the stage), even for the same family.
Can TSL (Temporary Shortage Occupation List) COS holders bring dependants on a salary below £41,700?
If your dependant is already in the UK (for example, on a previous student or dependant visa), you can switch/extend their visa as a Skilled Worker dependant on your TSL COS salary (£28,200–£31,300), as long as you both are lawfully present and meet all new English requirements.
If you want to bring a new dependant from overseas, your salary must be at least £41,700 (the general threshold). TSL minimum salary is not enough for new family entry.
Can dependants work full-time in the UK?
Yes, most adult dependants can work full-time on a dependant visa unless restricted by special conditions.
Is IELTS Life Skills the same as Academic or General IELTS?
No. Life Skills tests only Speaking and Listening, not all four skills.
When does the TSL route end?
You must be issued a Certificate of Sponsorship before 31 December 2026 to use TSL rules.
Can students work full-time in care jobs?
Only during official university vacations or on a PSW/Skilled Worker visa. During term time, students are limited to 20 hours per week.
What is the process for dependants switching to Skilled Worker or another dependant visa?
Prepare and pass the correct English test (A1, A2, or B2 depending on your route/stage)
Apply for a new COS (if needed)
Meet all eligibility and status continuity requirements
How should families plan ahead for the new July 2025 rules?
Take English tests early (for main and dependants)
Plan job searches around the new salary thresholds
Confirm in-country or overseas status to understand sponsorship limits
Seek expert advice for all switching or extension cases
Who can I contact for step-by-step UK visa support?
Contact Velynt Global for personalized eligibility checks, IELTS preparation, Skilled Worker job matching, or full family visa application management.
Need Help? Velynt Global Can Assist
At Velynt Global, we offer:
- UK Visa Planning & Eligibility Checks
- IELTS Coaching & MOI Advisory
- Skilled Worker Sponsorship Matching
- Dependant Visa Setup
- PSW to Skilled Worker Transitions
- Care Worker Visa Applications
📧 [email protected]
📞 +91 90748 07602 | +91 89215 75628
🌐 www.velyntglobal.com
