The United Kingdom has made major changes to its work permit regime in 2025, most of which will take effect by October. The purpose of these reforms is to make the immigration system more streamlined, eligibility stricter, increase compliance, and more in line with the priorities of government to bring high-skilled talent to the country and safeguard domestic employment. The new regulations and procedure of application is important to those who have to go through job permits in the UK as the new rules are much more complicated and demanding than the previous ones.
New Eligibility Requirements on Work Permits in UK
Beginning in July 2025, the UK government increased the skill threshold of work permit under the Skilled Worker visa route to RQF Level 6 (bachelor degree level) instead of RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels). This implies that most jobs that were once considered to be qualified at sub-degree such as clerical, technician and junior service jobs would not qualify anymore unless they are listed on a temporary list called the Shortage Occupation List.
There was also an increase in the amount of salary thresholds where most jobs currently demand a minimum annual salary of £41,700 or the current rate that the occupation demands, whichever is greater. New labour market entrants and new jobs on shortage list are exempt. These increased minimums are aimed at high-skilled workers with competitive wages.
Moreover, there will be stricter requirements of mastering the English language, and demonstrating that the employer has a license to employ migrant workers. The overseas recruiters must show that they make good attempts to recruit locally, before seeking a work permit on foreign talents.
How to take part in the application process: step-by-step guide
The procedure of applying to a UK work permit is still mostly online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. This is a summary of the most important steps:
1. Take out a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):** The sponsor (employer) has to be granted approval by the Home Office and provide the potential employee with a CoS. This certificate contains the job offer, salary and other terms of employment.
2. Get Supporting Documents: Passports, CoS, evidence of knowledge of English, bank statements or other financial materials, and any other professional or academic certificates are required.
3. Apply online: Fill the visa application form on the official UK government web site and submit all the necessary documentation. This involves the agreeing to biometric data submission.
4. Pay Fees: To obtain access to the UK, applicants will be required to pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives them access to the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK.
5. Attend Biometric Appointment: Fingerprints and photographs are recorded in special centers during identity verification.
6. Wait Decision: It can take between three and five weeks to process applicants who are external to the UK. Priority services are offered at faster processing.
There are other significant considerations that should be made by claimants and employers
The priority of the job to be undertaken and the required pay and skill standards should be checked by applicants with the newly revised eligible occupation list before submitting an application. The holders of certificates granted prior to July 2025 might have transitional provisions in respect of some roles.
The employers have a responsibility of upholding compliance to the sponsorship obligations, such as record keeping and ensuring that foreign workers are satisfying the terms. Failure to comply may lead to fines and sponsor license revocation.
Other possible visa options include the High Potential Individual visa, but no job offer is required and such a visa depends on academic qualifications.
Some of the major updates in the UK work permit
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Employment Period | Removed limits; indefinite employment |
| Maximum Employment Age | Increased from 60 to 63 years |
| New Applicant Age Limit | Up to 61 years |
| Increased Salary Thresholds | Higher wages in manufacturing, marine, construction |
| Application Process | Fully digital via MOM portal |
| Employer Obligations | Proof of local hiring, welfare compliance |
FAQs
Q1: What do I do to apply a UK work permit?
You will need a genuine job offer with a Certificate of Sponsorship which must be issued by a licensed employer in the UK, apply online at the Home Office site, supply documents, pay fees, and have a biometric appointment.
Q2: Are the salary threshold exceptions?**
Yes, it has exceptions of new recruitments to the labor force and work on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List.