Statement of changes HC 997 was laid on 1 July 2025. From 22 July 2025, it raised the Skilled Worker skills level to RQF level 6 and updated salary rules. It added a Temporary Shortage List, expanded the Immigration Salary List and closed entry clearance applications in SOC codes 6135 and 6136. GOV.UK publishes the statement and its explanatory memorandum.
What’s changing
HC 997 makes these main changes:
- Skills level. Skilled Worker applicants must be sponsored in a job skilled to RQF level 6 or above. (RQF is the Regulated Qualifications Framework, a scale of skill levels.) The level had been RQF level 3 or above.
- Salary. The general salary thresholds and the Global Business Mobility and Scale-up thresholds go up. The going rates are updated.
- Shortage lists. A new interim Temporary Shortage List is added, and the Immigration Salary List is expanded. Jobs at RQF levels 3 to 5 can still be sponsored if they are on either list.
- Care workers. Entry clearance applications in SOC 6135 and 6136 are closed. In-country applications continue until 22 July 2028.
- Dependants. Workers sponsored at RQF levels 3 to 5 on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List cannot bring dependants, with exceptions listed below.
The details are below.
Who it affects
- Skilled Worker applicants and their sponsors. The skills level, salary thresholds and going rates apply to them.
- Care workers and senior care workers in SOC 6135 and SOC 6136.
- Workers sponsored at RQF levels 3 to 5 on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. They cannot bring dependants, with the exceptions listed below.
- Workers on Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes. The salary thresholds go up.
- Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) applicants. The appendix is closed to new principal applications.
When it starts
| Date | Changes that start |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2025, 15:00 BST | Appendix Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) paragraphs APP ARAP 1 to APP ARAP 6 |
| 22 July 2025 | All other changes in the statement |
A transitional rule applies to the 22 July 2025 changes. Two kinds of application are decided under the Immigration Rules in force on 21 July 2025. One is an application made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July 2025. The other is an application that needs no certificate of sponsorship and was made before 22 July 2025. (Implementation section)
What changed in the Skilled Worker skills level?
The explanatory memorandum says Skilled Worker applicants must be sponsored in an occupation skilled to RQF level 3 or above. HC 997 lifts the level back to RQF level 6. The memorandum says this cuts about 180 eligible occupations. It says the level is about the skill level of the job, not any qualification the applicant has.
Under SW 6.1, as replaced, an applicant must be sponsored in an eligible SOC 2020 code listed in one of these places:
- Table 1, Table 2 or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations
- the Immigration Salary List in Appendix Immigration Salary List
- the Temporary Shortage List in SW 6.1A
- Table 1a, Table 2aa or Table 3a, where the applicant gets points under options F to J and meets SW 4.2(b)(ii), or was granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place before 22 July 2025 and has had continuous permission as a Skilled Worker since then
- Table 2a, where the applicant gets points under options F to J, meets SW 4.2(b)(ii) and applies to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission
The memorandum says Appendix Skilled Occupations was restructured. It now shows jobs at RQF level 6 or above in Tables 1, 2 and 3. It shows jobs at RQF levels 3 to 5 in Tables 1a, 2aa and 3a.
The memorandum says transitional arrangements protect workers already on the route, or sponsored for an application that is later successful, from the higher level. It says these arrangements will not be in place forever and will be reviewed. See Appendix Skilled Occupations and RQF levels.
| Table | Skill level stated in the statement | Points options | Codes listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table 1 | RQF level 6 or above | A to E | 91 |
| Table 1a | RQF levels 3 to 5 (6135 is stated as RQF level 2) | A to E | 170 |
| Table 2 | RQF level 6 or above | F to J | 91 |
| Table 2aa | RQF levels 3 to 5 (6135 is stated as RQF level 2) | F to J | 170 |
| Table 2a | Previously RQF levels 3 to 5, reassessed as below RQF level 3 | F to J | 9 |
| Table 2b | Global Business Mobility only; previously RQF level 6 or above, reassessed as below RQF level 6 | Global Business Mobility | 17 |
The code counts are the number of SOC 2020 codes in each table as replaced. Tables 1a, 2aa, 2a and 2b apply only in the cases that their opening text sets out.
Health and education codes moved to Table 3a
APP SO4 deletes these eight codes from Table 3. APP SO5 puts them in a new Table 3a. Table 3a is described as RQF levels 3 to 5 and as extra health and education codes, with going rates based on national pay scales:
- 3213 Medical and dental technicians
- 3219 Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
- 3231 Higher level teaching assistants
- 6112 Teaching assistants
- 6113 Educational support assistants
- 6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
- 6132 Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
- 6133 Dental nurses
The text of Table 3a says sponsors may only sponsor Skilled Worker applicants in these codes if the applicant was granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place before 22 July 2025 and has had continuous permission since then. The exceptions are where option D, option I or the Temporary Shortage List in SW 6.1A applies.
The statement adds a note for 6131: for Skilled Worker purposes, the code only applies to roles in places where registered nurse roles also exist.
What changed in Skilled Worker salary thresholds and going rates?
The going rate is a set pay figure for the job’s occupation code. The memorandum says routine updates to salary requirements across the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes follow the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data published by the Office for National Statistics. It says only a minimal update was made in HC 733 in April 2025. It says there are no transitional arrangements for the salary updates. See salary thresholds and going rates.
General thresholds in Appendix Skilled Worker
| Option (row in the table following SW 4.4) | Before HC 997 | After HC 997 |
|---|---|---|
| A | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| B | £34,830 | £37,500 |
| C, D and E | £30,960 | £33,400 |
| F | £29,000 | £31,300 |
| G | £26,100 | £28,200 |
For settlement, the rows in the table after SW 24.3 changed in the same way:
| Row | Before HC 997 | After HC 997 |
|---|---|---|
| A | £38,700 | £41,700 |
| B | £30,960 | £33,400 |
| C | £29,000 | £31,300 |
SW 24.4(a) changed from “£38,700, £30,960, £29,000” to “£41,700, £33,400, £31,300”.
Going rates in Appendix Skilled Occupations
The statement replaces Tables 1 to 2b with new going rates. Table 1 uses the median ASHE rate for the occupation. Table 2 uses the 25th percentile ASHE rate. The going rate, and its 70%, 80% and 90% reductions, are whichever is higher: the ASHE rate or a minimum hourly rate:
| Table | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Table 1 | £17.13 per hour |
| Table 2 | £12.82 per hour |
Going rates in Tables 1 and 2 are per year and based on a 37.5-hour working week. Only the going rate column applies to Skilled Worker settlement applications.
Agenda for Change rates in Table 4
APP SO7 replaces Table 4. The memorandum says corrections were made to the Agenda for Change rates for Scotland. Table 4 as replaced:
| Band or equivalent | England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 3 | £24,071 | £26,869 | £24,433 | £22,816 |
| Band 4 | £26,530 | £29,116 | £26,928 | £25,147 |
| Band 5 | £29,970 | £31,892 | £30,420 | £28,407 |
| Band 6 | £37,338 | £39,912 | £37,898 | £35,392 |
| Band 7 | £46,148 | £48,788 | £46,840 | £43,742 |
| Band 8a | £53,755 | £60,126 | £54,550 | £50,952 |
| Band 8b | £62,215 | £70,986 | £63,150 | £58,972 |
| Band 8c | £74,290 | £83,837 | £75,405 | £70,417 |
| Band 8d | £88,168 | £99,534 | £89,491 | £83,571 |
| Band 9 | £105,385 | £117,732 | £106,967 | £99,891 |
Band 1 and band 2 jobs cannot be sponsored.
APP SO6 adds that sponsors may only sponsor Skilled Worker applicants in band 3 and band 4 jobs if the applicant was granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place before 22 July 2025 and has had continuous permission since then. The exceptions are where option D or the Temporary Shortage List in SW 6.1A applies. See health and education rates.
Global Business Mobility and Scale-up thresholds
| Route and rule | Before HC 997 | After HC 997 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior or Specialist Worker, SNR 8.1 | £48,500 | £52,500 |
| Senior or Specialist Worker, SNR 8.2A(a) | £45,800 | £52,500 |
| UK Expansion Worker, UKX 8.1 | £48,500 | £52,500 |
| UK Expansion Worker, UKX 8.3(a) | £45,800 | £52,500 |
| Graduate Trainee, GTR 8.1 | £25,410 | £27,300 |
| Graduate Trainee, GTR 8.3(a) | £24,220 | £27,300 |
| Scale-up, SCU 7.1(a) | £36,300 | £39,100 |
| Scale-up, SCU 7.4A(a) | £36,300 | £39,100 |
SCU 8.1, SCU 8.2, SCU 18.1, SCU 18.2 and SCU 18.3 now set a salary that depends on the certificate of sponsorship behind the applicant’s most recent permission on the route:
| Condition stated | Salary per year |
|---|---|
| Paragraph (a), no certificate date stated | £39,100 |
| Most recent permission based on a certificate of sponsorship assigned between 4 April 2024 and 21 July 2025 | £36,300 |
| Most recent permission based on a certificate of sponsorship assigned between 12 April 2023 and 3 April 2024 | £34,600 |
| Most recent permission based on a certificate of sponsorship assigned on or before 11 April 2023 | £33,000 |
The statement also deletes “that is identified as eligible for the Global Business Mobility routes” from SNR 6.1, GTR 6.1, UKX 6.1, SSU 6.1 and SEC 6.1. It deletes “that is identified as eligible for the Scale-up route” from SCU 6.1. See the Scale-up route and the Senior or Specialist Worker route.
What changed for the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List?
The memorandum says the Immigration White Paper set out that a Temporary Shortage List will replace the Immigration Salary List. HC 997 brings in interim measures. Jobs below RQF level 6 stay eligible where they appear on either:
- an expanded Immigration Salary List. It holds the existing entries, plus jobs at RQF levels 3 to 5 that the Migration Advisory Committee found to be in shortage in its 2023 review and 2024 rapid review
- an interim Temporary Shortage List. It holds jobs at RQF levels 3 to 5 that the Department for Business and Trade and His Majesty’s Treasury found to be important for the Modern Industrial Strategy
The memorandum says removal dates are set at the end of 2026, except for adult social care. It says the Government reserves the right to bring that date forward if there are compliance problems. See the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List.
Temporary Shortage List in SW 6.1A
SW 6.1A includes a code on the list only where it appears in the list below and the application uses a certificate of sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026. The list has 52 codes. The second column shows the job types the list names within a code, if any.
Immigration Salary List in Appendix Immigration Salary List
APP ISL1 replaces the appendix. A code is included only where the application uses a certificate of sponsorship issued before the removal date shown. The appendix lists 25 codes:
| SOC 2020 occupation code | Scope stated in the list | Nations | Removal date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1212 Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services | only “fishing boat masters” | Scotland only | 31 December 2026 |
| 1232 Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 2111 Chemical scientists | only jobs in the nuclear industry | Scotland only | 31 December 2026 |
| 2112 Biological scientists | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 2115 Social and humanities scientists | only archaeologists | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 2142 Graphic and multimedia designers | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 3111 Laboratory technicians | only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 3212 Pharmaceutical technicians | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 3411 Artists | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 3414 Dancers and choreographers | only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies. | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 3415 Musicians | only skilled orchestral musicians who are leaders, principals, sub-principals or numbered string positions, and who meet the standard required by internationally recognised UK orchestras. | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 3416 Arts officers, producers and directors | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 5119 Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified | only jobs in the fishing industry | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 5213 Welding trades | only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 5235 Boat and ship builders and repairers | all jobs | Scotland only | 31 December 2026 |
| 5312 Stonemasons and related trades | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 5313 Bricklayers | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 5314 Roofers, roof tilers and slaters | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 5316 Carpenters and joiners | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 5319 Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified | only retrofitters | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 6129 Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified | only racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers and work riders | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants | all jobs | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
| 6135 Care workers and home carers | all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity. | All four nations | 22 July 2028 |
| 6136 Senior care workers | all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity. | All four nations | 22 July 2028 |
| 9119 Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified | only deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 metres and above) where the job requires the worker to have at least 3 years’ full-time experience in using their skills. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. | All four nations | 31 December 2026 |
The entries for 6135 and 6136 say that eligibility is restricted as set out in SW 6.1B. They also say that private households or individuals cannot sponsor Skilled Worker applicants in 6135. The exception is sole traders sponsoring someone to work for their business.
What changed for care workers in SOC 6135 and 6136?
The memorandum says HC 997 closes entry clearance applications for Skilled Workers sponsored as care workers and senior care workers. In-country applications by people switching from other routes continue until 22 July 2028. On that date, both codes are removed from the Immigration Salary List. See care workers.
SW 6.1B says that for a worker sponsored in 6135 Care workers and home carers or 6136 Senior care workers, the application must be for permission to stay. It must also meet one of these:
- the applicant has been legally working for the sponsor in one of these codes for at least the three months ending on the date the certificate of sponsorship was issued, and the date of application is before 22 July 2028; or
- the applicant has permission as a Skilled Worker sponsored in either code, or in SOC 2010 codes 6145 or 6146.
SW 6.1C says the Care Quality Commission regulation requirement for these codes does not apply to an applicant who meets conditions about earlier SOC 2010 permission, granted before 11 March 2024, and continuous permission since then with the same sponsor.
The memorandum says the requirement for sponsors to try first to recruit from the pool of Skilled Workers seeking new sponsorship is removed. It also says the transitional provision for workers switching from other routes will be kept under review.
What changed for dependants?
The memorandum says workers sponsored in jobs at RQF levels 3 to 5 on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List cannot bring dependants. It says this does not apply to:
- jobs at RQF level 6 or above
- workers at RQF levels 3 to 5 who were already on the route and able to bring dependants before the changes
It says dependent children are exempt if they were born in the UK, or if the Skilled Worker has sole parental responsibility. SW 29.1A and SW 32A.2 set the matching conditions on the Skilled Worker whom a dependant joins.
What changed for supplementary employment and absences?
INTRO2 adds a paragraph (d) to the definition of “Supplementary employment” (a second job). It applies to a person granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place before 22 July 2025, with continuous permission since then. It covers a job in an eligible SOC 2020 code listed in Tables 1a, 2aa or 3a of Appendix Skilled Occupations. See second jobs.
Paragraph 9.30.1(a) of Part 9 now lists neonatal care leave among the allowed reasons for absences from sponsored work. The others are statutory maternity leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave and parental leave.
What changed for Government Authorised Exchange?
GAE 5.1(g) now requires the sponsor to confirm that the role appears in Tables 1, 1a, 2, 2aa, 3 or 3a of Appendix Skilled Occupations. See the Government Authorised Exchange route.
Other changes in this statement
- Appendix ARAP is closed to new principal applications. Under ARAP 3.3(a), a principal application to the Ministry of Defence must be sent on or after 1 April 2021 and before 15:00 BST on 1 July 2025. Eligible applicants who applied before that time can still make eligibility applications for immediate and additional family members.
- The Appendix ARAP introduction makes clear the two stages of the application process. It also makes clear that the Ministry of Defence makes the application to the Home Office for entry clearance or settlement.
- Small changes to line up the wording across the Immigration Rules and to correct paragraph references and drafting errors.
SOC codes named in this change
Questions
When did the HC 997 Skilled Worker changes start?
The Implementation section says all changes other than the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy changes started on 22 July 2025. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy changes started at 15:00 BST on 1 July 2025.
What skills level does the Skilled Worker route need after HC 997?
The explanatory memorandum says the level went back up to RQF level 6. Jobs at RQF levels 3 to 5 stay eligible only for workers already on the route, or where the occupation is on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List.
What is the general Skilled Worker salary threshold in HC 997?
The row A threshold in the table after SW 4.4 changed from £38,700 to £41,700. The row F threshold changed from £29,000 to £31,300.
When does the Temporary Shortage List in HC 997 end?
SW 6.1A includes an occupation on the Temporary Shortage List only where the application uses a certificate of sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026.
What did HC 997 change for care workers?
SW 6.1B limits sponsorship in SOC 2020 codes 6135 and 6136 to applications for permission to stay. For workers who have been legally working for the sponsor for at least three months, the date of application must be before 22 July 2028.
Sources
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice.