On 12 May 2025, the Secretary of State for the Home Department presented a White Paper to Parliament, an unprecedented set of changes in immigration control, calling it Restoring Control over the Immigration System.
The following changes were presented as measures to be integrated into immigration rules, legislation and Acts in order to modernise the immigration control system in the UK.
Changes in Skilled Worker Route
The White Paper made it clear – the domestic workforce is now prioritised.
The government decided to raise the qualification threshold for migrant workers, changing the requirement from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 and above to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.
In relation to those already utilising the Skilled Worker visa, from the point at which the skills threshold is raised, existing Skilled Worker visa holders will continue to be able to renew their visa, change employment, and undertake supplementary employment in currently eligible occupations below RQF Level 6; however, applicants from overseas, or those applying to switch from other routes, will have to comply with the new rules. The list of eligible occupations will now be reduced by approximately 180 positions, as lower-skilled migration is restricted.
The Immigration Salary List, which provides discounts against salary thresholds, will be abolished.
For jobs that require skills at RQF Levels 3 to 5 (below degree level), where there have been long-term shortages, we will only allow the use of the Points-Based Immigration System on a temporary basis. This will only be permitted if the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advised that it is necessary, there is a workforce strategy in place, and the employers wanting to hire from overseas are actively committed to boosting recruitment from the domestic workforce.
Social Care
The government ends overseas recruitment for social care visas. In line with the UK’s wider reforms to skills thresholds, the government closes social care visas to new applications from abroad. For a transition period until 2028, visa extensions will be permitted and in-country switching allowed for those already in the country with working rights, but this will be kept under review.
Immigration skills charge will be increase by 32%.
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a fee that UK employers must pay when sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. According to the government’s white paper published in May 2025, this charge will increase by 32%-the first rise since its introduction in 2017. For medium and large employers, the annual fee will rise from £1,000 to £1,320 per sponsored worker, while for small businesses and charities, it will increase from £364 to £480 for the first year, with subsequent six-month payments also rising. The government states that this measure is designed to encourage employers to invest in training the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migrant labour. This increase comes alongside other rising business costs and is expected to have a significant financial impact, especially on sectors that depend heavily on international talent, such as health care, hospitality, and construction
Students & graduates
The government plans to introduce a levy on international student income, with proceeds reinvested into the UK’s higher education and skills system.
For students, there will be stricter expectations post-graduation, as the visa is intended for those moving into graduate-level roles.
The Graduate route will be shortened for the Graduate Visa from a 2-year period to 18 months.
Highly Skilled People Come to the UK
To help the UK grow, the government wants to make it easier for very highly skilled people to come and work here. They plan to:
Other changes
Some refugees may be allowed to work in the UK, but only a limited number. The government is planning to let certain skilled refugees, recognised by the UN, apply for jobs in the UK through existing work visa routes. This is still being explored and is not in place yet.
Family routes
Not only spouses require to prove their English but all adult dependent family members who are applying to come to the UK. With the new changes adult Family migrants will need to show they have appropriate English language skills.
The government will strengthen financial requirements for family migration. There will be a financial test applicable to other dependent routes: Sponsors must prove they can financially support migrants without taxpayer assistance.
Changes to Exceptional Circumstances Under Article 8 – fewer cases will be treated as exceptional under Article 8, with a clearer framework to prevent abuse and delay.
English language
Generally, for most routes the English language requirement will be lifted:
Settlement and citizenship
The standard qualifying period for Settlement (Known as Indefinite Leave to Remain) will be increased from 5 to 10-years for most routes.
Currently, most migrants, who are on family routes and meeting the immigration requirements, or residing as workers, global talent, innovator founder, can apply for settlement (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years in the UK, based mainly on their length of stay and passing the Life in the UK test. There are no requirements to prove economic or social contribution to the UK, except for remaining legally compliant.
Under the new rules, the government will move to an “Earned Settlement” model, extending the standard settlement period to 10 years. However, migrants will be able to qualify sooner if they demonstrate meaningful contributions to the UK, such as through work, community involvement, or other positive impacts, assessed via a Points-Based System. This means not just time spent in the UK, but how well individuals contribute will determine their eligibility.
Regarding British citizenship the current rule is to apply in one year after gaining settlement, making the total time requirement typically 6 years. The process mainly involves passing the Life in the UK test and proving good character, with no formal assessment of contribution.
Now the citizenship will follow the new earned settlement approach. The qualifying period will effectively be longer for most, and applicants will need to demonstrate a positive contribution to the UK to become eligible earlier. A refreshed Life in the UK test is also planned. There will be more affordable fees for obtaining British nationality for young adults who grew up in the UK.
Life in the UK test
English test
Contribution to the UK
UK immigration rules are constantly evolving, and the requirements for documentation and procedures are becoming increasingly complex. Even minor mistakes in your application can lead to a refusal and make it more difficult to obtain a visa or permanent residence status in the future.
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The qualification threshold for the Skilled Worker visa is raised from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (degree level). The Immigration Salary List, which allowed discounts on salary thresholds, is abolished. The list of eligible occupations is reduced, and only roles with long-term shortages, as advised by the Migration Advisory Committee, may be temporarily included. These changes prioritize recruitment from the domestic workforce.
The government is closing the social care visa route to new overseas applicants. Those already in the UK on social care visas can extend or switch their visa until 2028, but new applications from abroad will not be accepted. This measure aims to reduce reliance on international recruitment in the care sector.
English language requirements are being increased across most routes. Skilled Workers will need to meet level B2 (up from B1), and all adult dependants must demonstrate English at level A1 for initial applications, A2 for extensions, and B2 for settlement. These changes are designed to support better integration and community cohesion.
The standard qualifying period for settlement is increasing from 5 to 10 years for most routes. However, migrants can qualify sooner if they demonstrate meaningful contributions to the UK, such as work or community involvement, assessed through a new points-based system. Citizenship will also require evidence of positive contribution and a refreshed Life in the UK test.
Yes. The Graduate Visa route is being shortened from 2 years to 18 months. There will be stricter expectations for graduates to move into skilled roles, and a levy on international student income will be introduced to support the UK’s education and skills system. Only PhD students and those in advanced research may bring dependants.
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