Latitude Law Warns Construction Sector of Major Changes to Skilled Worker Visa Rules from 22 July 2025

*Managing Partner Gary McIndoe urges employers to act now as core trades removed from sponsorship eligibility and salary discounts withdrawn*

Manchester, UK – 18 July 2025 – Boutique immigration law firm Latitude Law is warning construction sector employers of major changes to the Skilled Worker visa route, coming into force on 22 July 2025. The shift will see many core trades removed from the list of eligible sponsored occupations, significantly raising the bar for employers relying on international recruitment.

“This is a major policy move designed to reduce net migration, but it comes at a time when many construction businesses are already struggling with labour shortages,” said Gary McIndoe, Managing Partner at Latitude Law. “For construction firms relying on overseas workers to meet project deadlines and fill skills gaps, the next few weeks may be critical and the withdrawal of certain key trades, such as carpenters and bricklayers, from sponsorship eligibility is likely to catch many in the industry off guard.”

Key Changes include:

– RQF 3–5 roles (equivalent to A-level or vocational qualification) will be ineligible for sponsorship unless included in the existing Immigration Salary List (ISL) or the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL).

– The discounted salary thresholds currently available for shortage occupations are now time-limited, and will be removed on or before 31 December 2026.

– The general salary threshold increases from £38,700 to £41,700.

– Sponsored workers in ISL and TSL roles will no longer be able to bring dependants if their first Certificate of Sponsorship has been issued on or after 22 July 2025.

ISL-eligible roles such as bricklayers, roofers, stonemasons, retrofitters, and carpenters are to be removed by the end of 2026, possibly sooner. The TSL will replace them with different eligible roles including plumbers, builders, floorers, tilers, painters and decorators among others.

McIndoe explains: “After 22 July, transitional rules will apply to ISL trades, but those included in the TSL will not benefit from reduced salary requirements and will instead be subject to the new £41,700 threshold and stricter family rules.

“The new Temporary Shortage List is broader than its predecessor, but its purpose has shifted. It no longer provides salary relief but rather preserves sponsorship eligibility for a select few mid-skilled roles. Employers need to understand these changes quickly to avoid being locked out of the overseas labour market.”

For further information on how changes to the Skilled Worker Visa rules could affect you, please visit www.latitudelaw.com