UK Cuts Carer Visas: Important things to know | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The UK’s July 2025 immigration reform raises the income thresholds for skilled workers, creates a 6-month Temporary Shortage Occupation List, and closes the carer visa pathway for new applications. These revisions represent a significant change in how firms and migrants must develop workforce strategies in the UK, as 180 occupations are no longer eligible for sponsorship.
1. Is the UK Carer visa permanently closed in 2025?
Yes. The UK Home Office has permanently stopped the Carer visa application process for new candidates from both domestic and foreign countries as of July 2025. This includes support workers, home carers, and care assistants who fall under the Health and Care Worker visa category. Switching into this category is no longer permitted, and no new sponsorships will be given for these roles.
2. Is it still possible for me to apply for a UK Health and Care Worker visa?
Only those who work in eligible health professions, such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, or allied health professionals, may apply. Domiciliary carers and care workers are no longer included. Only those who are still eligible under the updated Skilled Worker occupation classifications may extend or change their roles.
3. What will the 2025 UK Skilled Worker visa salary threshold be?
For general skilled worker visa positions, the annual minimum income level has been increased to £41,700. Sector-specific thresholds differ, though. For instance:
- TSOL positions: at least £31,000
- Junior tech or logistics: at least £33,400
- The lowest band is £28,000.
To be eligible, you must fulfil both the general threshold and the job-specific rate.
4. Does the Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL) allow me to bring dependents?
No, the elimination of dependent eligibility is one of the main modifications made under TSOL. Spouses, kids, or other family members cannot be sponsored to join migrants entering the UK on TSOL roles, which are only valid for six months at a time.
5. In 2025, which UK jobs were taken off the list of skilled worker visas?
More than 180 positions have been eliminated. Among the prominent positions that are no longer eligible for sponsorship are:
- Chefs and employees in the hospitality industry
- Carers
- Assistants in retail sales
- Junior positions in logistics and warehouse
- Beauticians and hairdressers
Click here for the official Skilled Worker profession codes for the complete list.
6. Under the new regulations, are current holders of skilled worker visas able to change jobs or extend their stay?
Sure, but with certain restrictions. You can prolong, change, or renew your employment if it’s still listed as an updated occupation. You could have to change to a new position that qualifies or leave the UK when your visa expires if your job has been eliminated (for example, care worker or chef). An OISC-accredited consultant should always be consulted before making a transition.
7. What is the duration of validity for the Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSOL)?
The TSOL is only valid for six months at a time; the Home Office will evaluate and amend it after that. Depending on government goals, domestic labour availability, and economic needs, roles may be added or eliminated. When it comes to long-term settlement planning, migrants shouldn’t depend on TSOL.
8. Does the United Kingdom still grant sponsorship licenses to care facilities or hospitality businesses?
No, starting in July 2025, no new sponsorship licenses will be granted for low-wage hospitality positions such as cooks, waiters, or kitchen helpers, or for employees of care facilities. Employers in these industries are now required to look into alternate recruiting practices like apprenticeships or domestic hiring.
9. If I already have a job offer in the UK, can I still apply for a skilled worker visa?
Only if your offer of employment:
- belongs to the most recent list of occupations eligible for skilled workers.
- satisfies the minimum wage requirement
- originates with a licensed sponsor.
In addition, you have to fulfil the standards for financial upkeep and English proficiency. The UK Government’s immigration website has the most recent list.
10. In 2025, would chefs still be able to receive sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa?
Due to alleged abuse and overuse of this channel, the majority of chef positions were taken from the list of skilled worker sponsorships as of July 2025. Under rigorous rules, only highly skilled executive chefs in specific niche cuisines may still be eligible. Always check the most recent list for your precise job title and Standard Occupational Code (SOC).
More Details
New Temporary Shortage List UK – JULY 2025
New Immigration Salary List – July 2025
RQF Level 6+ Occupation List – July 2025
180 Jobs Removed from UK’s Skilled visa