Skilled worker visas: what do changes mean for employers in dentistry?

Sarah Buxton explains the impact of the new limitations on skilled worker visas in dentistry and what employers need to do.

There are immigration changes coming into force today (22 July 2025), which will clearly affect recruitment and retention of the dental team. Not only do we have the Employment Rights Bill to be considering and the numerous changes being made to the employment legislation, but the rules surrounding immigration are changing.

These updates aim to tighten immigration controls, prioritise higher-skilled roles, and reduce reliance on overseas team members but will have a huge impact on the dental industry. The aim of the new rules is to prioritise domestic talent, however it is clear this is going to have a damaging effect on the healthcare sector.

So what is changing?

New minimum skill level: jobs must now meet RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) to qualify for skilled worker sponsorship. This will have a significant impact on the dental team and dental nurses will no longer qualify.  It should be noted that if you already sponsor an employee before 22 July 2025, they can continue in their roles and you can extend their visas. However new applicants must meet the updated criteria.

Increased salary requirements: the general salary requirements are changing from £38,700 to £41,700 per year, or £17.13 per hour. All new certificates of sponsorship issued after 22 July must meet the new salary levels – even for…