On May 12, 2025, the UK Government introduced a White Paper that outlines significant changes to immigration rules. The aim of these changes is to reduce net migration and improve public confidence in the immigration system. The proposals cover visa categories such as Skilled Worker, Student, Family, and Settlement visas, and they introduce stricter criteria based on a contribution-based framework.

Skilled Worker Visa Changes
 

• Skill Level: The threshold has been raised from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6, which corresponds to a Bachelor’s degree level.
• Salary Requirements: There will be an increase in salary thresholds, with details to be announced later, and the exemption from the Immigration Salary List will be removed.
• Social Care Roles: Visa closures for overseas applicants; existing holders may extend or switch until 2028.
• English Language Level: The requirements have been raised from level B1 to level B2.
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is scheduled to increase by 32%.
• Transitional Provisions: Current visa holders can extend their stay or change employers under previous rules, but new applicants must comply with the updated criteria.

Settlement (ILR) Reforms
 

• Qualifying Period: The standard period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will increase from 5 years to 10 years for most categories. Under the new proposal, this rule will also apply to migrants who are already in the country.
• English Language Requirements: Increase from B1 level to B2 level.
• “Earned Settlement” Model: A points-based system will be introduced, where contributions will affect eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• New Routes: Bereaved parents and long-term undocumented residents, including care leavers, will have new pathways to settlement.
• Exemptions: Spouses of British citizens will remain eligible for ILR after five years, as long as they meet other necessary criteria..

British Citizenship Overhaul
 

• “Earned Citizenship” Model: Aligned with a Points-Based System that rewards higher contributions. .
• Qualifying Period: Expected to increase, though flexible for exceptional contributors.
• Younger Applicants: Initiatives to alleviate cost burdens on young adults raised in the UK.

Family Visa Reforms
 

• Unified Sponsorship Rules: Simplified guidelines for UK residents, including British citizens, settled individuals, workers, and refugees sponsoring family members.
• Relationship Tests: More rigorous criteria to confirm the authenticity of partnerships..
• English Language Requirements: Adult dependants must meet the A1 (basic user) level in English..
• Financial Checks: Expanded and stricter financial eligibility criteria.
• Good Character Focus: More stringent assessments emphasising character and conduct.

Student Visa Updates
 

• Compliance Standards: Stricter benchmarks have been established, requiring educational sponsors to achieve a higher enrolment rate of 95% and a course completion rate of 90%..
• Red-Amber-Green (RAG) System: A performance rating system applied to sponsoring institutions will include action plans for those that are underperforming.
• Agent Oversight: A mandatory framework will be implemented for recruitment agents to ensure accountability in their practices..
• Financial Levy: A potential levy may be placed on income from international students, which would be reinvested into UK's skills and education sectors. More details are expected by Autumn 2025.
• Graduate Visa: The duration of the graduate visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months for most graduates.
• Short-Term Study Courses: There will be increased scrutiny of accrediting bodies responsible for these courses.

New and Updated Visa Categories
 

• Global Talent Visa: Streamlined process for exceptional experts in science and design.
• Innovator Founder Visa: Enhancements to better support entrepreneurial international students.
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: Planned expansion with a doubling of eligible global institutions..
• Overseas Business Workers: Increased capacity for firms sending workers to establish a presence in the UK
• Adult Dependants: An A1-level English proficiency requirement will be mandatory for the dependants of workers and students.

These proposals indicate a transition towards a more competitive yet regulated immigration system, highlighting a change in how migration impacts the UK's economy and society. However, since these reforms are still only proposals, they must undergo legislative approval and additional refinement before they can be implemented.