UK Immigration White Paper: Proposed New Immigration Rules in 2025

On 12 May 2025, the UK Government published a White Paper outlining one of the most significant changes of immigration policy in recent years. Driven by a commitment to reduce net migration and restore public confidence, the proposed reforms signal a shift toward a stricter, contribution-based immigration system. The changes would affect nearly all major visa routes, including Skilled Worker, Student, Family, and Settlement pathways. This article provides a clear summary of the key proposed reforms to UK immigration rules.

Please note: these are currently proposals only. Any new immigration rules will need to go through a formal process and will be confirmed in a legal document known as a Statement of Changes, which will specify the exact rules, when they will take effect, and whether they apply to new applicants or existing visa holders. Due to this, we have very limited information to advise you on the future at this stage.

UK Skilled Worker Visa new rules

• Skill threshold (skill level requirement) will be raised from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent).
• Salary requirement / threshold for Skilled Worker Visa will increase (exact figures to be confirmed).
• The Immigration Salary List which gives people discounts from salary thresholds will be abolished.
• Social care visas will be closed to new applications from abroad. For a transition period until 2028, visa extensions and in-country switching are allowed for those already in the country with working rights.
• Language requirements will increase from B1 to B2
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) will increase by 32%

Transitional provisions for Current Skilled Worker Visa Holders:

• Existing Skilled Worker visa holders can continue to extend the visa, switch employers, and take supplementary employment, even in jobs below RQF 6
• Applicants from overseas, or those applying to switch from other routes, will have to follow the new rules.

ILR new rules

• A new approach to ILR, “Earned Settlement” will be introduced, built on the Points-Based System (PBS).
• The standard qualifying period for ILR will increase from 5 years to 10 years across most immigration categories.
• The English language level for ILR will rise from B1 to B2
• A new bereaved parent route will allow individuals in the UK, who were on the route as a parent of a British or settled child but have tragically lost their child, to qualify for immediate settlement
• Undocumented children and care leavers in long-term UK residence will have access to regularisation routes and settlement pathways

Note: Dependants of British citizens (e.g. Spouse Visa holders) will still be eligible for ILR after 5 years, provided they meet other requirements.

British citizenship new rules

• British citizenship will be reformed under a new “Earned Citizenship” model, aligned with the Points-Based System (PBS), similar to the approach proposed for settlement.
• The qualifying period for citizenship is expected to increase, although the exact duration has not yet been confirmed. However, individuals who demonstrate higher levels of contribution may become eligible earlier.
• The government will consider measures to reduce the financial burden on young adults who have grown up in the UK and wish to apply for citizenship.

UK Family Visa new rules

Before the end of 2025, the UK Government plans to introduce standardised rules for all UK residents, such as British citizens, settled persons, workers, and refugees, seeking to sponsor family members. Key proposed changes include:

• Clear relationship tests to ensure only genuine and ongoing partnerships are eligible.
• New English language requirement at A1 level (basic user) for all adult dependants of workers and students.
• Expansion and review of financial requirements to cover a wider range of dependant categories.
• Stricter suitability criteria for family visa applicants, with a focus on ensuring good character and conduct.

New Rules for student visa sponsoring institutions

• Stricter Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) requirements: for example: enrolment rate will be increased from 90% to 95% and course completion rate will be increased from 85% to 90%
• New Red-Amber-Green Rating System to rate the BCA performance of each sponsor
• Intervention for at-risk sponsors: Institutions close to failing their BCA will be placed on a bespoke action plan.
• Mandatory agent quality framework: all institutions using overseas recruitment agents must: register with the agent quality framework and take direct responsibility for verifying the intent of students.
• For future international student recruitment and  sponsoring institutions to demonstrate that they are considering local impacts when taking its decisions on international recruitment.
• Potential Levy on International Student Income: Funds will be reinvested into the UK skills and education system. Details to be set out in the Autumn 2025 Budget
• Short-term study course scrutiny: new review of accreditation bodies for short-term English language courses.

New rules for other UK visas

• Graduate Visa: The length of stay will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months for most graduates.
• Global Talent Visa: Will make it simpler and easier for top scientific and design talent to use our Global Talent visa
• Innovator Founder Visa: This route will be reviewed to ensure it better supports entrepreneurial students at UK universities to build their businesses and careers in the UK.
• Plan to double the number of workers that an overseas business can send to the UK with the aim of establishing a presence in the UK.
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: A targeted and capped expansion is planned, with the number of qualifying global institutions expected to double.
• The Government intends to simplify the visa application process for both employers and skilled workers.
• All adult dependants of workers and students will be required to meet a minimum English level of A1 (basic user).
• Dependants for lower-skilled roles: New restrictions will apply to bringing dependants for jobs below RQF Level 6.

Reference:

GOV.UK: Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper