RESOURCES
Policy Timeline
Every major UK immigration policy change from Brexit to 2026, tracked and source-cited.
Immigration Salary List Expiry — December 2026
The ISL is set to expire at the end of 2026. If not renewed, all health worker visa applicants will need to meet the full £38,700 general salary threshold. This would effectively close the route for most care workers and many NHS band 5 nurses.
31 Jan 2020Change
Brexit Day
UK formally leaves the European Union. Transition period begins — EU free movement continues until 31 December 2020.
19 Feb 2020Change
Points-Based System Announced
Government publishes 'The UK's Points-Based Immigration System: Policy Statement' — ending free movement and creating a single global system.
4 Aug 2020Expansion
Health and Care Worker Visa Launched
New dedicated visa route for health and care workers with reduced fees, faster processing, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
31 Dec 2020Restriction
EU Free Movement Ends
Transition period ends. EU citizens now subject to the same immigration rules as the rest of the world.
1 Jan 2021Change
New Immigration System Goes Live
Points-based system replaces EU free movement. Skilled Worker visa replaces Tier 2. General salary threshold set at £25,600.
31 Jan 2021Expansion
Hong Kong BN(O) Visa Route Opens
New visa route for British National (Overseas) passport holders from Hong Kong, allowing 5 years' residence leading to settlement.
1 Jul 2021Expansion
Graduate Route Launches
Two-year post-study work visa for international graduates of UK universities. Three years for PhD graduates.
24 Dec 2021Expansion
SOC 6145 Added to Shortage Occupation List
Care workers and home carers added to the Shortage Occupation List, enabling recruitment at lower salary thresholds.
15 Feb 2022Expansion
Health and Care Worker Visa Expanded
Care workers (SOC 6145) become eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa route — reduced fees and IHS exemption.
9 Mar 2023Expansion
Record Health Worker Visa Grants
152,000+ Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker visas granted in the year ending March 2023 — an all-time high.
4 Dec 2023Restriction
Major Restrictions Announced
Government announces ban on dependants for care workers and students, plus salary threshold increase to £38,700 from April 2024.
11 Mar 2024Restriction
Care Worker Dependant Ban Takes Effect
New overseas care worker visa applicants can no longer bring dependants. Existing visa holders exempt.
4 Apr 2024Restriction
Salary Threshold Jumps to £38,700
General Skilled Worker salary threshold increases from £26,200 to £38,700 — a 47% increase overnight.
4 Apr 2024Change
Immigration Salary List Replaces SOL
The Immigration Salary List replaces the Shortage Occupation List. Fewer roles qualify. Salary discounts reduced.
1 Oct 2024Restriction
Minimum Salary for Family Visas Rises
Minimum income requirement for family visas increases to £29,000, with further rises planned to £38,700.
1 Jan 2025Restriction
B2 English Requirement Takes Effect
All new Skilled Worker applicants must demonstrate B2 English proficiency (previously B1 for some routes).
12 May 2025Change
White Paper: 'Restoring Control'
Government publishes immigration White Paper proposing earned settlement, temporary protection visas, and a Labour Market Evidence Body.
1 Jul 2025Restriction
Salary Threshold Rises to £41,700
General Skilled Worker threshold increases again to £41,700. Health and education transitional provisions apply.
22 Jul 2025Restriction
Care Worker Visa Route Closed
Health and Care Worker visa route closed to new overseas applicants for care worker roles. Existing holders can extend.
22 Jul 2025Restriction
Cooling-Off Period Extended
Cooling-off period after licence revocation extended to 12 months (first) and 24 months (repeat/connected).
18 Feb 2026Change
Southcroft Judgment Handed Down
High Court dismisses Southcroft Healthcare's challenge to licence revocation on all grounds. Establishes key precedents on SOC codes and salary assessment.
1 Mar 2026Change
Net Migration Falls to 290,000
ONS estimates show net migration for YE Jun 2025 at approximately 290,000 — a 68% decline from the 898,000 peak.
1 Jul 2026Upcoming
Care Worker Transitional Provisions Expire
Transitional salary provisions for care workers sponsored before July 2025 begin to expire. Workers must meet new thresholds.
31 Dec 2026Upcoming
Immigration Salary List Expires
The ISL is set to expire, removing salary concessions for shortage occupations. Could close the health worker route for sub-degree roles.
1 Apr 2027Upcoming
Family Visa Threshold: £38,700
Minimum income requirement for family visas scheduled to reach £38,700 — matching the Skilled Worker threshold.