In May 2025, the Home Office published the immigration white paper, outlining key policies aimed at ‘restoring order’ to the UK immigration system.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer states that since Labour came to power, visa applications have decreased by nearly 40%. The government intends to go further, reducing migration levels and the reliance on international recruitment.
In this blog, we outline the proposed changes, identify who will be most affected and explain when the reforms will take effect.
What Is the Immigration White Paper?
The immigration white paper, titled ‘Restoring control over the immigration system’, proposes changes to make it more difficult for individuals to move and settle in the UK.
These reforms are not yet in effect. Instead, this white paper outlines the government’s future intentions, meaning there is no fixed date for when the changes will take effect.
What Immigration Changes Does the White Paper Propose?
Across this 82-page document, there are eight major policy changes:
- Raising the skilled worker threshold to RQF level 6
- Closure of social care visas to new applicants
- Graduate visa route shortens to 18 months
- Introduction of student sponsor levy
- Tougher compliance rules for universities
- Stricter English language requirements for applicants and their dependents
- Increasing the settlement from 5 to 10 years
- Easier visa pathways for highly talented migrants
1. Raising the Skilled Worker Threshold to RQF Level 6
To be eligible for the current skilled worker visa, you need a job offer in an occupation at level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). An RQF 3 is equivalent to an A-level qualification, which has allowed employers to rely on international recruitment for ‘lower-skilled workers’.
The threshold for skilled workers will now increase to RQF 6, which is below degree level. This change will remove up to 111 occupations from the eligibility list, which RQF level 3 skilled workers once filled. The sectors that will be most impacted are hospitality, construction and retail.
2. Closure of Social Care Visas to New Applicants
In line with the changes to the skills thresholds, employers will no longer be allowed to recruit social care workers from abroad.
Employers must invest in ‘homegrown talent’ rather than sponsor individuals on a health and care worker visa to fulfil care requirements. These roles include healthcare support workers, who do not meet the proposed higher skills threshold of RQF 6.
International care workers already in the UK will have a three-year transition period to extend or switch in-country, subject to ongoing review.
3. Graduate Visa Route Shortens to 18 Months
A graduate visa currently lasts for two years, which will now be shortened to 18 months. This pathway is ideal for students finishing their studies, as it allows them to work a job at any skill level without being unsponsored.
By reducing the length, graduates will now have less time to progress in a role that qualifies for skilled worker sponsorship.
This change highlights the government’s intention to reposition the graduate route as a transitional pathway, rather than a long-term work entitlement.
The government has not yet formally confirmed that the three-year route for PhD holders will remain in place.
4. Introduction of International Student Levy
The Home Office has proposed that higher education providers (HE) will have to pay a levy on their income from international students. This levy will be reinvested in domestic education and training.
This proposal could have significant financial implications for universities heavily dependent on overseas enrollment. More details on the student levy will be provided in the Autumn Budget.
5. Tougher Compliance Rules for Universities
The Home Office monitors a university’s level of compliance through an annual Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA). There are three metrics with required pass thresholds (see paragraph 116), which the Home Office see as too lenient and open to exploitation.
Under the proposed changes, the BCA metric points will increase by 5%.
A new Red-Amber-Green sponsor rating system will also be introduced to rate the BCA performance of each sponsor. This system will place greater security on refusal rates, non-enrollment and course completion.
If universities fall into the Amber or Red categories, they could face recruitment caps or even have their licences suspended or revoked.
6. Stricter English Language Requirements for Applicants and Their Dependents
Soon, there will be higher English language requirements for both main applicants and their dependents. This is to ensure that individuals know how to speak and understand English so they can better ‘integrate into life in this country’ (see paragraph 252).
Changes include:
- Skilled workers and workers where a language requirement already applies will need to meet B2 (Independent User) level language requirements (originally B1).
- Adult dependents of skilled workers and students will need to meet level A1 (Basic User), with the aim of increasing this over time.
- Adult dependents must demonstrate progression to level A2 for visa extensions and B2 for settlement.
- Individuals on most visa pathways will need to meet level B2 requirements for settlement (originally B1).
These measures align with the government’s ongoing effort to reduce net migration figures.
7. Increasing the Settlement From 5 to 10 Years
The pathway to settlement (also known as ‘permanent residency’) will be extended from five to ten years. Individuals will have access to shorter pathways to settlement if they have made ‘Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society’ (see paragraph 266).
This reflects a broader shift towards a more restrictive and “earned” model of settlement, with further consultation expected later this year.
8. Easier Visa Pathways for Highly Talented Migrants
The Home Office intends to increase the number of people arriving on Global Talent and High Potential visas. This will include faster routes for those deemed with the right skills and experience to ‘supercharge growth in strategic industries’.
Who Is Most Impacted by These Reforms?
The immigration white paper affects businesses, universities, students, workers and families across all sectors.
For the time being, you should follow the immigration rules as they are. If regulations change, they will apply to applicants entering the UK after the change takes effect.
When Will the immigration Changes Happen?
The proposed policy changes will come into effect ‘over the course of this parliament’. This is between 2025 and 2029. At the time of release, the Home Office announced that some of these changes would be introduced on the 22nd of July.
These changes include:
- New skilled worker salary threshold increase
- The qualification threshold is being returned to RQF Level 6
- Care workers and senior care workers (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) roles will be closed to entry clearance
Worried About These Changes? Speak to Our Immigration Advisors Today
Although not all of changes are live, you should prepare now to minimise disruption. Contact our consultants to discover how we can support your immigration strategy or visa application.
