News

The UK Government has released a major immigration policy document titled “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System.” This White Paper outlines a sweeping set of proposed changes aimed at reshaping the UK’s immigration landscape by tightening visa eligibility, increasing compliance requirements, and aligning the system more closely with the Government’s skills and workforce strategy.
While the paper is not yet law, it gives us a clear picture of the direction of travel and the implications for businesses, individuals, and families hoping to live and work in the UK could be significant.

A New Direction: What’s Changing?

1. Settlement Period Extended
One of the most talked-about reforms is the proposal to increase the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. This applies to most skilled workers and other points-based system visa holders. Some categories, like dependants of British citizens and individuals on the Global Talent route, are likely to retain faster paths to settlement. A new “earned settlement” pathway may allow some applicants to shorten the ten-year period, based on contributions to the UK economy and society – though details remain to be confirmed.

2. Skilled Worker Visa Threshold Increases
The skill level for jobs eligible under the Skilled Worker route will rise from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) back to RQF Level 6 (degree level). Alongside this, English language requirements for main applicants will increase from B1 to B2, with salary thresholds also expected to rise.
This is likely to exclude approximately 180 occupations from the sponsorship route and may significantly affect employers in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and logistics.

3. Shortage Occupation List Replaced
The current Immigration Salary List will be scrapped and replaced by a Temporary Shortage List (TSL). This new route will allow limited sponsorship in key shortage areas below graduate level. However, workers in these roles will likely face tighter restrictions, including no right to bring dependants and a capped period of stay.

4. Social Care Worker Visas to Be Phased Out
Citing widespread abuse in the sector, the Government will close overseas recruitment for new care worker visas. Existing care workers in the UK will be permitted to remain and extend their visas until 2028.

5. Graduate Visa Route Shortened
The Graduate visa – which currently allows international students to stay in the UK for two years post-study – will be cut to 18 months. This change gives graduates less time to meet sponsorship requirements and may impact the UK’s attractiveness to international students.
Additionally, a proposed 6% levy on international student income is set to be introduced for universities, alongside tighter compliance benchmarks.

6. Rising Costs for Sponsors
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) – paid by employers who sponsor workers – will rise by 32%, increasing the financial burden of overseas recruitment. For small sponsors, the annual ISC will rise to £480 per sponsored employee per year; for large sponsors, it will increase to £1,320.

7. Changes to English Language Rules for Dependants
For the first time, adult dependants of Skilled Workers and students will need to demonstrate English language skills, starting at A1 level, progressing to B2 by the time they apply for settlement.

8. Citizenship Reform
The period of residence required for naturalisation as a British citizen will also increase from five to ten years, aligning with the proposed changes to ILR.

9. Focus on High-Skilled Migration
There is a silver lining for those in high-skilled, innovation-focused roles. The Government has committed to reviewing and expanding routes like:
• The Global Talent visa
• The High Potential Individual (HPI) route
• The Innovator Founder visa
• The UK Expansion Worker category
This is part of the UK’s strategy to attract entrepreneurial and highly skilled talent to drive economic growth.

Impact on Businesses
For UK employers, particularly those reliant on international talent in mid-skilled roles, these changes represent a significant shift. The increased cost, stricter eligibility, and longer path to settlement may affect recruitment and retention strategies.
Sectors already facing labour shortages including construction, hospitality, and health and social care may need to rethink workforce planning and invest in domestic training schemes, as visa sponsorship becomes more limited.
With the creation of the new Labour Market Evidence Group (LME Group), sponsorship may also become conditional on employers providing a clear workforce strategy and demonstrating investment in domestic skills development.

Impact on Individuals
Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or looking to settle in the UK, the White Paper introduces new hurdles from longer settlement timelines to tougher English language tests. However, high-skilled individuals may benefit from streamlined visa routes under the proposed system.
While these changes may not apply retroactively, anyone currently in the UK or considering an application in the near future should consider taking action now to safeguard their immigration pathway.

What Happens Next?
It’s important to remember that these proposals are not yet in force. The White Paper represents the Government’s intentions, and several of the reforms will be subject to consultation before being written into law.
At this stage, the practical impact and implementation timelines remain uncertain. At Murria Solicitors, we are closely monitoring developments and will continue to provide updates as more details emerge.