Immigration White Paper: Restoring Control over the Immigration System

The UK Government has announced significant reforms to its immigration policies, detailed in the recently published White Paper titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System.” The changes reflect a substantial tightening of the rules across multiple immigration pathways.

Here are the main updates that the Government have announced:

Business Immigration

• Increased Skills Threshold: The eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker visas will be raised. Jobs eligible for sponsorship will be at degree level (RQF Level 6), an increase from the previous requirement of A-level equivalent (RQF Level 3). As a result, approximately 180 roles will no longer qualify for sponsorship.
• English Language Requirement: The minimum English language proficiency for Skilled Workers will be raised from CEFR Level B1 (Intermediate) to Level B2 (Upper Intermediate).
• Increased Salary Thresholds: The salary requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route will be raised. This change will also apply to visa holders who wish to bring dependants to the UK. The Government has not yet announced the specific salary thresholds.
• Increased Sponsorship Costs: The Immigration Skills Charge will rise by 32% in line with inflation. As a result, the cost is expected to increase from £364 to £480 per year for small companies, and from £1,000 to £1,320 per year for medium and large companies.
• Reduced Access to Lower-Skilled Jobs: The Immigration Salary List, formerly known as the Shortage Occupation List, will be abolished. In its place, a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) will be introduced for roles requiring skills at RQF Levels 3 to 5 (below degree level) where long-term shortages exist. Access to the TSL will be time-limited, and jobs on the list below RQF Level 6 will face additional restrictions, including limitations on bringing dependants to the UK.
• Existing Skilled Workers: Individuals who currently hold a Skilled Worker visa will still be permitted to renew their visa, change employment, and undertake supplementary work in occupations that remain eligible but are below RQF Level 6. The government may introduce measures to make it easier for workers to move between licensed sponsors. However, new applicants from overseas, as well as those switching from other immigration routes, will be required to meet the new increased skills and salary requirements.
• Sponsor Duties: Further reforms to the sponsorship system are being considered, with the aim of placing greater responsibility and accountability on sponsors to ensure they act effectively and responsibly.
• Social Care Visa: The Social Care visa route will be closed. However, during a transitional period lasting until 2028, individuals already in the UK with the right to work will be allowed to extend their visas and switch to other in-country routes. This arrangement will remain under review by the Government.
• Refugee Employment: The Government will explore potential reforms to enable a limited number of UNHCR-recognised refugees and displaced persons living overseas to apply for employment in the UK through existing sponsored worker routes, where they possess the necessary skills.
• Global Talent Route: The Government intends to simplify the Global Talent visa process, making it easier for leading individuals in science and design to apply. This may include expanding opportunities for research interns, particularly those working in fields such as Artificial Intelligence.
• Innovator Founder Route: The Innovator Founder visa will be reviewed to better support entrepreneurial talent currently studying at UK universities, enabling them to transition into this route and establish their businesses and careers in the UK.
• UK Expansion Worker Route: The maximum number of workers that an overseas company may send to establish a UK subsidiary will increase from five to ten workers.
• High Potential Individuals Route: The number of eligible international institutions may be doubled, although the Government may also introduce a cap on the number of visas granted under this route.

Student Immigration

• Graduate Route Shortened: The duration of post-study Graduate visas will be reduced from two years to 18 months. The Government has not yet confirmed if the three-year Graduate visa for PhD graduates will also be shortened.
• Proposed Higher Education Levy: A new levy of 6% on tuition fees for international students may be introduced. Further details are expected to be announced in the Autumn Budget.
• Enhanced Compliance Requirements: Universities will be required to meet stricter compliance metrics to retain their student visa sponsorship privileges. The Government will introduce targeted interventions for institutions nearing failure of these metrics, including bespoke action plans and temporary caps on the number of new international students they are permitted to recruit.
• Short-Term Student (English Language) Route: The Government will review the accreditation bodies responsible for English language courses to ensure that their standards are sufficiently robust. This review will examine the initial accreditation process and ongoing renewal, with a view to strengthening oversight and scrutiny.

Family Immigration

• New Family Policy: By the end of this year, the Government will introduce a revised family immigration policy. This will apply to all UK residents (British citizens, those with settled status, individuals on work routes, or refugees) who wish to bring family members to the UK.
• Stricter Suitability Criteria: Reforms to the Suitability Rules will be implemented to ensure that applicants meet a clear standard of good character.
• Revised Financial Requirements: The Government is continuing to explore the introduction of higher income thresholds for family visa applications.
• Human Rights Act: New legislation will be introduced to strengthen the public interest test, reaffirming that border control is a matter for Parliament. The reforms will clarify the interpretation and application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights across immigration routes, limit the scope of cases treated as exceptional, and define the circumstances in which genuine human rights claims may be made.
• Bereaved Parent: Individuals in the UK on a family visa who have tragically lost their child will be eligible to apply for immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain without the need to meet the usual residency or income requirements.

English Language

• Worker Visas: The required level of English proficiency for Skilled Workers and for other work visa routes where an English language requirement already applies will increase from CEFR Level B1 (Intermediate) to Level B2 (Upper Intermediate).
• Adult Dependants of Workers and Students: A new English language requirement will be introduced for all adult dependants of workers and students. They must meet CEFR Level A1 (Elementary) at the initial application stage, progress to Level A2 (Pre-Intermediate) for any visa extension, and achieve Level B2 (Upper Intermediate) when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: The English language requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain across the majority of immigration routes will be raised from CEFR Level B1 (Intermediate) to Level B2 (Upper Intermediate). The current English language requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain only test Speaking and Listening skills at Level B1. The Government has not yet confirmed whether this change will apply solely to Speaking and Listening skills at Level B2, or if Reading and Writing skills will also be tested at Level B2.

Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship

• Extended Qualifying Period: The standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain will be extended from five to ten years. This will significantly increase the time migrants must live in and contribute to the UK before becoming eligible for permanent status. The Government has not yet clarified whether this change will apply to all current visa holders or only to new entrants. However, they have confirmed that non-UK dependants of British citizens (i.e. those with a Family visa) will continue to benefit from a five year path to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• Earned Settlement and Citizenship: Migrants may have the opportunity to shorten the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain and citizenship through demonstrable contributions to the UK economy and society. The Government will launch a consultation on this proposal later in the year.
• Stronger Emphasis on Integration: There will be an increased focus on English language proficiency and civic integration, with applicants required to provide clear evidence of their assimilation into life in the UK. The Life in the UK Test will also be reviewed and refreshed.

Comment

These proposals represent a significant tightening of the UK’s immigration policy. They align with the Government’s broader aims of reducing net migration, encouraging integration, and shifting emphasis towards investment in domestic skills and employment. However, the projected impact remains uncertain. The Government has estimated that the combined effect of the proposed measures could reduce immigration inflows by up to 100,000 people per annum. These figures are, however, only indicative and highly dependent on behavioural responses and other external factors. The Government acknowledges that many of the reforms will take time to produce their full effect.

It is important to stress that these are proposals only. No immediate legal changes have been implemented, and any formal changes will require further legislation or policy updates. At this stage, timelines for implementation remain unconfirmed.

We anticipate transitional arrangements will be introduced, but if you are planning applications or reviewing workforce needs, we strongly recommend seeking advice as soon as possible.

Please get in touch if you would like to understand how these proposals could affect your business or long-term planning.

Authors

Madni Chaudhary

Lynsey Blyth