UK Skilled Worker Visa: Current Review Process & How You Can Get Involved

The UK government is currently reviewing its Skilled Worker Visa system and seeks input from workers, employers, and experts. This inquiry focuses on recent immigration changes, digital upgrades, and the fairness of existing policies. The deadline for submissions is April 24, 2025.

The UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched a Call for Evidence. This initiative aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Skilled Worker Visa system. It seeks insights from workers, businesses, and industry experts to assess the impact of recent changes to immigration rules.

Why Your Input Matters

The Skilled Worker Visa, introduced in 2020, became the main route for non-UK nationals seeking employment after Brexit. In 2022, the program expanded to include care workers, significantly increasing the number of applicants. By 2024, the UK implemented stricter immigration rules to manage net migration.

Official data shows that the UK processed over 230,000 Skilled Worker Visa applications in 2023, generating £438 million in visa fees. However, there are growing concerns about how these tighter immigration rules affect critical sectors such as healthcare, IT, and engineering. The PAC is conducting a formal inquiry to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness and fairness.

What Will the Inquiry Examine?

The committee is looking for evidence on several key issues:

• The impact of Spring 2024 visa changes on different industries and regional job markets.
• The fairness and efficiency of the Skilled Worker Visa system.
• The effectiveness of digital upgrades to the visa processing system.
• How the Home Office ensures compliance with visa regulations.

Who Can Participate?

The committee invites submissions from various stakeholders:

• Skilled workers currently on the visa.
• Employers and businesses hiring foreign talent.
• Immigration advisors and legal experts.
• Representatives from the healthcare and care sectors.
• Researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers.
• Any individual or organization with relevant insights.

How to Submit Evidence

Those interested can submit their evidence online through the official UK Parliament website. The inquiry focuses solely on policy matters and does not address individual visa cases. Additionally, submissions must be original and not published elsewhere.

• Submission Link: UK Parliament Submission
• Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 23:59 (UK time).

Important Submission Guidelines

• Original Content: Ensure your submission is original and unpublished online.
• Policy Focus: This inquiry addresses policy and does not assist with individual visa cases.

Why This Matters for Skilled Workers and Employers

The Skilled Worker Visa program is vital for attracting global talent, shaping the UK workforce. With rising concerns over labor shortages and evolving immigration laws, this inquiry provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences.

By participating, you can help influence future policy decisions that affect the labor market and immigration system in the UK. Your voice matters in shaping a fair and effective Skilled Worker Visa program.