UK Immigration Rule Changes 2025: Visa and Settlement Reforms Explained

Core Proposals in the Immigration White Paper

Below is an overview of the Government’s eight core proposals aimed at reducing net migration.

1. Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship List

   • Narrow the list of eligible occupations.

   • Medium-skilled roles (RQF 3–5) are excluded unless:

     • The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends exceptions, and

     • Employers show active domestic recruitment efforts.

2. Ending Sponsorship for Overseas Social Care Workers
   • Employers will no longer be permitted to sponsor overseas social care workers.
     
     
3. Possible Levy on International Student Fees 
   • Government to explore a levy on English universities based on income generated from international student tuition fees.
     
     
4. Tougher Compliance Standards for Universities
   • Higher thresholds for institutions to retain their Student sponsor licence.
     
     
5. Shortening Graduate Visa Duration
   • The standard Graduate visa term reduced from two years to 18 months.
     
     
6. Stricter English Language Requirements

   • Higher minimum English level for visa applicants.

   • Partners of work-visa holders required to meet a basic English standard for dependant visas.
     
     
7. Longer Qualifying Period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

   • The standard residence period is proposed to increase from Increase five to ten years, with variations depending on individual circumstances.

   • Some may qualify earlier or later, subject to consultation.
     
     
8. Easier Access for Highly Skilled Migrants

   • Liberalisation of routes such as Global Talent and High Potential Individual to attract top talent. 

Additional Issues Covered in the 2025 Immigration White Paper

• Establishment of a Labour Market Evidence Group.

• Reforms to family and dependant visas.

• Consideration of rights under Article 8 ECHR.

• Proposals relating to foreign national offenders and deportation.

Implementation Timeline: What Has Changed and What Is Pending

Changes Already in Force

• 22 July 2025
  • Initial reduction in Skilled Worker eligible roles.
  • Overseas recruitment of social care workers ended. 

• November 2025
  • Liberalisation of High Potential Individual and Global Talent routes.
    
    
• 16 December 2025 (subject to parliamentary approval)
  • Increase to the Immigration Skills Charge.

Upcoming Changes

• 8 January 2026
  • English language requirement raised to B2 for new Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual applicants.
    
    
• April 2026
  • Planned introduction of new Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying periods.
    
    
• 1 January 2027
  • Graduate visa reduced to 18 months.
  • PhD graduates to receive 36 months.

Impact on Graduate Visa Holders 

• Graduate visa holders cannot extend this visa.

• Many are expected to switch into the Skilled Worker route.

• Graduate visa holders in occupations removed from the sponsorship list (e.g., transport, dentistry, prison services) from July 2025 are no longer eligible for sponsorship. This has affected graduates in medium skilled roles.

Ten-Year ILR Proposal: What It Means

On 20 November 2025, the Government confirmed plans to move to a longer pathway to settlement under the "earned settlement" model. The qualifying period will vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. 

Faster ILR Routes (5 to 7 years)

• Higher-skilled workers earning £50,270 or above.

• Public sector professionals in healthcare and education.

• Individuals with significant community volunteering.

Longer ILR Routes (up to 15 years or more)

• Medium-skilled workers may require up to 15 years before ILR.

• Individuals who previously overstayed or entered illegally may face up to 30 years before settlement.

• Some individuals may be excluded entirely if they:

  • Fail to meet minimum earnings requirement of £12,570 for at least three years, or

  • Have any criminal convictions.

Consultation

A consultation is open until 12 February 2026 for views on the earned settlement model.

👉 Submit your views via the Home Office consultation portal

Who Is Exempt from the Longer ILR Route?

Certain groups will not be affected by the extended ILR pathway:

• Partners of British citizens.

• Hong Kong BN(O) route holders.

• EU Settlement Scheme residents (protected under the Withdrawal Agreement).

The consultation also seeks views on whether exemptions should apply to:

• Victims of domestic abuse.

• Children who grew up in the UK.

 Will the New ILR Rules Affect Current Residents? 

• The consultation proposes applying new ILR rules to all individuals in the UK who have not yet obtained ILR. This would significantly impact migrants on Skilled Worker visas and hence increase the duration and cost of sponsorship. It is therefore important for employers to respond to the consultation setting out the potential impact to the business.

• Those close to qualifying for settlement could face extended timelines once rules change in April 2026.

• The Home Office invites views on whether transitional protections should apply.

Will Parliament Vote on These Immigration Reforms?

Most changes will be introduced through Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules, which:

• Take effect automatically.

• Do not require a parliamentary vote unless MPs pass a motion for disapproval within 40 days.

The Government is not obliged to schedule such a vote (Past practice: No House of Commons vote on major changes in 2024). A non-binding debate may take place, as seen on 8 September 2025.

Only proposals requiring primary legislation, such as levy on international student fees or changes to naturalisation law, will require parliamentary approval.

Business Planning Implications

• Employers must consider the cost of supporting workers for ten years instead of five.

• The UK's potential move to a 10-year path to citizenship would be the longest in the developed world, impacting international competitiveness. For example, skilled workers in Canada can apply for settlement in two years.

• Individuals already on a visa path to settlement have a legitimate expectation that they will continue to settlement under current rules – potential grey area.

Businesses are strongly encouraged to respond to the consultation before 12 February 2026 so that the practical consequences for different sectors can be clearly presented.