Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997 – What You Need to Know (July 2025)

If you’ve been keeping an eye on UK immigration news, you’ll know that big changes have landed. On 1 July 2025, the Home Office released the Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997 July 2025, a comprehensive update to UK immigration rules that affects students, skilled workers, families, and employers alike. These new rules are not just small tweaks they bring important updates to visa requirements, sponsorship duties, and settlement criteria that anyone planning to apply or sponsor after July 2025 needs to understand.

Whether you’re an employer with sponsored workers, a family looking to join a loved one, or a student planning to study in the UK, it’s essential to know what’s changing and how you can prepare. Let’s break it down in simple, clear language so you can take action with confidence.

What Is the Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997?

The Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997 is an official update published by the Home Office. It amends the UK immigration rules July 2025, which set the requirements for getting a UK visa, extending your stay, or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

HC 997 introduces changes to key routes including Skilled Worker, Family, and Student visas. It also affects employers who hold a sponsor licence, setting out updated obligations they must follow to remain compliant with UKVI rules amendment 2025. Once HC 997 comes into force, it becomes part of the consolidated Immigration Rules, which everyone must follow when applying for a visa or sponsoring a migrant worker.

When Does HC 997 Take Effect?

HC 997 officially comes into force on 22 July 2025. That means if you’re planning to submit a visa application on or after this date, your application must comply with the new rules introduced under HC 997 updates. If your application is already pending before 22 July, transitional provisions may apply – but you should still double-check the official guidance or seek advice to avoid issues.

Employers should review any pending sponsorship certificates or job offers now, as applications for Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) issued on or after 22 July will need to meet the updated requirements.

Key Changes Introduced by HC 997

The new immigration statement 2025 brings several important changes you’ll need to know about, especially if you’re a skilled worker, a family member applying for a visa, or a student hoping to study in the UK.

Skilled Worker Route Updates

• The minimum skill level for the Skilled Worker route has been raised to RQF level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree level). This shift removes many lower-skilled roles from eligibility for new sponsorships.
• Skilled Worker Visa Salary Thresholds 2025 have been increased across the Skilled Worker routes, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up routes. These increases are based on the 2024 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, so employers will need to review pay scales carefully.
• Two interim shortage occupation lists have been introduced, allowing limited sponsorship of below degree roles only if the job is on the new Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List.

Family Visa Changes

• The minimum income requirement for spouse and partner visas is being raised to reflect new economic calculations. This means families must show a higher income to bring a partner or spouse to the UK.
• English language requirements are being updated, with more rigorous proof needed to demonstrate English proficiency when applying for or extending a family visa.

Student Visa Adjustments

• New restrictions on work rights for student visa holders have been set out, limiting the hours some students can work during term time.
• Rules for student dependants have been tightened, especially for courses below degree level, to curb the number of dependants entering the UK.

Settlement and ILR Amendments

• The continuous residence requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is changing, with more clarity on absences allowed during the qualifying period.
• Additional criteria for ILR eligibility have been introduced, including stricter checks on compliance with visa conditions throughout your stay.

Sponsorship Duties

• Employers must meet new sponsor licence obligations, such as updated reporting duties and stricter record keeping.
• Sponsors who fail to comply with these new requirements risk losing their sponsor licence or facing fines.

Who Will Be Affected by HC 997?

The changes under Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997 July 2025 will affect a wide range of people and organisations:

• Anyone applying for a visa on or after 22 July 2025, including Skilled Workers, Students, and Family Visa applicants.
• Employers sponsoring overseas workers, who must update salary scales and recruitment processes to meet the new rules.
• Current visa holders applying to extend, switch visa categories, or settle permanently.
• Immigration solicitors, advisors, and HR professionals managing sponsorship and visa compliance.

How to Prepare for HC 997 Changes

Taking proactive steps now will help you stay compliant and avoid delays or refusals:

• Review official Home Office guidance on HC 997 to understand exactly how it affects your situation.
• Check pending or planned applications to ensure they meet the updated criteria if submitted after 22 July 2025.
• Update HR processes and offer letters to reflect new salary thresholds, skill requirements, and dependant policies.
• Train staff managing sponsorships so they understand revised sponsor duties and how to stay compliant.
• Seek professional immigration advice for complex cases or where transitional provisions may affect your application.

FAQs – Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997

What is HC 997?

It’s an official update to the UK Immigration Rules published by the Home Office in July 2025. It sets out changes to visa eligibility, sponsorship duties, settlement criteria, and more.

When do the changes under HC 997 take effect?

The changes start applying to all relevant visa applications submitted on or after 22 July 2025.

Will HC 997 affect my pending visa application?

If you’ve already applied before 22 July, transitional arrangements may apply. However, it’s best to check the official rules or get advice to confirm your case.

How can I stay compliant with the new rules?

Read the latest Home Office guidance, update your processes, and seek advice if you’re unsure how the changes affect your plans or sponsorships.

The Immigration Statement of Changes HC 997 July 2025 is a major update that everyone involved with UK visas should take seriously. By understanding what’s changing, who it affects, and how to prepare, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your plans on track.

Need Help Understanding How HC 997 Affects Your Visa or Sponsorship Plans?

The Immigration Rules HC 997 can be complex especially if you’re applying for a visa, sponsoring a worker, or preparing for a compliance visit. Misunderstanding the rules could lead to delays, refusals, or even loss of your sponsor licence.

At Solicitors in Manchester, we help individuals and businesses with the latest immigration requirements under HC 997 with clear, expert guidance. Whether you’re applying under the Skilled Worker route, preparing for a sponsor licence inspection, or checking your eligibility for further leave to remain, we’ll make sure you’re fully informed and compliant.

• Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or
• Book an appointment for free initial immigration consultation

Let our experienced immigration team support you through every step so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.