New UK minimum wage increase & changing visa rules

The UK minimum wage increase in April 2025, alongside stricter visa requirements, will affect both existing immigrant workers and those planning to move to the country.

UK minimum wage increase in 2025: What’s changing?

As of April 1, 2025, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates will increase:

he National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over will rise by 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for those aged 18-20 will see a record increase of 16.2%, going from £8.60 to £10 per hour, while the wage for workers under 18 will increase by 18%, reaching £7.55 per hour. Apprentices will also benefit from an 18% rise, with their rate increasing from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour. Additionally, the Accommodation Offset will be set at £10.66 per day.

This wage increase is aimed at improving living standards and reducing financial pressures on workers.

New UK minimum wage rise & changing visa rules: What immigrants in the UK need to know

Understanding these new rules can help both employers and workers navigate these changes and make the most of the evolving landscape.

Tougher work visa requirements

One of the biggest UK minimum wage rise concerns is its impact on immigration policies. The UK government has already raised the Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold to £38,700 per year, making it harder for low-wage migrant workers to qualify for a visa.

If a worker is offered £39,000 per year, but the going rate for their job is £45,000. They do not meet the salary requirement and will not qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. Each job has a specific salary benchmark.

Who is most affected?

• Hospitality, retail, and cleaning staff, who often earn below the new visa salary requirement.

• Care workers, who were previously granted easier visa access due to staff shortages but may now struggle if wages don’t meet new thresholds.

• Non-EU workers, who depend on work visas and may find it harder to secure sponsorship from UK employers.

Some immigrants may still qualify for lower salary thresholds if they:

• Are extending their Skilled Worker visa.

• Are switching jobs or updating their visa.

• Earn at least £30,960 per year, which is still higher than previous requirements.

New rules for recruiting care workers

From April 9, 2025:

• Employers in England must prioritize recruiting international care workers already in the UK before hiring from overseas.

• Care providers must prove they have attempted to recruit locally before offering sponsorship to a new foreign worker.

The government has also taken steps to prevent visa abuse in the care sector:

• 470 sponsor licenses have been revoked since 2022 due to violations.

• Employers can no longer charge workers for sponsorship costs, reducing exploitation risks.

Between July 2022 and December 2024, the UK government revoked over 470 sponsor licenses in the care sector, affecting more than 39,000 workers.

Opportunities exist

While the UK minimum wage rise and changing visa rules bring new challenges, the UK remains a top destination for skilled professionals. Those who meet the new salary thresholds or work in priority sectors like healthcare and education still have strong opportunities for employment and sponsorship. Additionally, the UK government’s efforts to protect immigrant workers from exploitation create a more regulated and fair job market.

Navigating these complex immigration changes requires expert legal guidance to ensure you meet the latest requirements and maximize your chances of securing a UK work visa.