Below is an overview of the Government’s eight core proposals aimed at reducing net migration.
Narrow the list of eligible occupations.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends exceptions, and
Higher minimum English level for visa applicants.
The standard residence period is proposed to increase from Increase five to ten years, with variations depending on individual circumstances.
Liberalisation of routes such as Global Talent and High Potential Individual to attract top talent.
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.
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.
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.
Higher-skilled workers earning £50,270 or above.
Public sector professionals in healthcare and education.
Individuals with significant community volunteering.
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.
Fail to meet minimum earnings requirement of £12,570 for at least three years, or
Have any criminal convictions.
A consultation is open until 12 February 2026 for views on the earned settlement model.
👉 Submit your views via the Home Office consultation portal
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.
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.
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.
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.