Immigration White Paper – Announcement from PM

12 May 2025

The UK Government has published a new White Paper setting out its proposed direction for future immigration policy.  Restoring control over the immigration system white paper

The proposals will represent a significant shift in immigration policy as the Government seeks to reduce net migration ‘significantly’ following a review of all immigration routes for work, study and family. Key proposed updates are set out below:

• Skilled Worker Changes – Degree level (NQF Level 6) skills requirement for roles and salary thresholds to rise – if implemented this reverses the post-Brexit change to widen the criteria for Skilled Worker visa eligibility

• The Immigration Skills Charge will increase, for the first time since its introduction, by 32% to bring the ISC rates in line with inflation

• An increase in the qualifying English language ability level for applications across all visa routes, including introducing a requirement for dependants

• Qualifying period of residence for indefinite leave to remain and citizenship increasing from 5-years to 10-years and treating settlement as a privilege not a right

• Refresh of the Life in the UK test

• Social care visas to be closed to new applications from abroad. For a transition period until 2028, visa extensions and in-country switching will be permitted for those already in the country with working rights, but this will be kept under review.

• Making enforcement of the Immigration Rules tougher than ever

It is important to note that these are proposals only, and no immediate legal changes have taken effect. Any changes will require further legislative or policy updates, and timelines for implementation are yet to be confirmed.

If you would like to understand how these proposals might impact your business or workforce planning, feel free to get in touch.