Updated UK Immigration Regulations Facilitate Easier Access for Australian Businesses and Academia
The UK Government has announced significant reforms to its immigration rules, effective from 22nd July 2025. These changes, focusing primarily on work-related visas, aim to "restore control" over immigration by tightening qualification and salary criteria, focusing on critical skills, and reducing lower-skilled migration.
One of the most notable changes concerns the Skilled Worker visa. The skills threshold for these visas has been raised from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6, meaning only occupations at degree-level or above will generally qualify. Around 180 occupations currently eligible will no longer qualify unless they appear on the Immigration Salary List or the newly introduced Temporary Shortage List (TSL). Transitional provisions allow existing workers in below RQF 6 roles to continue sponsorship or visa renewal under current rules, but new applicants must meet the higher degree-level thresholds or fall within restricted lists.
For occupations below degree level on the TSL, sponsorship is possible but with restrictions. These workers cannot bring dependants, and salary and visa fee discounts will not apply. Employers sponsoring roles below degree level are advised to assign Certificates of Sponsorship before 22nd July 2025 to benefit from current rules. There is also an increase in the Immigration Skills Charge and the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has increased from 5 to 10 years for certain workers.
While specific changes to business visitor rules are not detailed in the latest updates, restrictions on work-related visas indirectly affect businesses wanting to bring in international talent, especially in occupations below degree level. The introduction of the Temporary Shortage List indicates targeted support for sectors with critical shortages but with tighter controls.
The information provided does not include new updates specifically about student visas or entrepreneur routes as of July 2025. However, indirect impacts may arise from overall policy tightening. It is worth noting that the Australian Government has increased visa application charges effective from 1st July 2025, which may affect Australians applying to work or study in the UK or elsewhere.
These changes also aim to provide greater flexibility to business visitors and businesses employing international migrants, including Australians. Global organisations can now bring their own auditors to the UK on a business visitor visa for international audits. UK Immigration Minister Mark Harper announced that these changes will help the UK continue to attract global talent to work for British businesses and study at its universities.
One of the changes includes allowing employees to undertake corporate training in the UK on a business visitor visa if it's delivered by an external company. The changes will make it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to take up skilled jobs in the UK. Allowing Tier 4 students who have completed degrees in the UK to switch visa categories to undertake corporate internships which directly relate to their degrees is another positive step.
Additionally, changes to the general tourist visa now allow tourists to complete short leisure courses in activities such as sailing or horse riding without needing a separate visa. The rule that blocked skilled working visa applicants who earn over £152,100 from owning more than 10% of the sponsor business's shares has been removed. Lastly, the 'Tier 1 Exceptional Talent' visa category is being expanded to artists with exceptional promise.
For more information regarding all changes, visit UK Visas and Immigration. It is recommended that businesses and individuals seeking to work, study, or visit the UK familiarise themselves with these changes and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth transition.
- To accommodate international talent, the UK Government has introduced changes that allow employees to participate in corporate training in the UK on a business visitor visa, making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to take up skilled jobs.
- The reforms in UK immigration rules also benefit businesses employing international migrants, as global organizations can now bring their own auditors to the UK on a business visitor visa for international audits, providing greater flexibility for these organizations.
