The UK Government’s “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” White Paper, confirmed by the House of Commons Library analysis (CBP-10267), signals a fundamental and ambitious shift in UK policy. These reforms introduce significantly higher entry standards and tighter controls across major visa routes, with the stated goal of reducing net migration. For Passports Beyond Borders clients, understanding the core changes and their implementation timelines is crucial.

The Most Significant Change: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

The most debated proposal is the change to the criteria for permanent residence, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement.

The government intends to increase the standard qualifying period for settlement from five years to ten years. However, this will not be a rigid rule for everyone. The government proposes an “earned settlement” system where some migrants may qualify sooner than ten years based on making “Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society”.

While full details are pending a consultation expected later in 2025, factors expected to be considered include: being in work, National Insurance payments, avoiding benefits claims, good English proficiency, a clean criminal record, and “giving back” to the community. Explicit exemptions to the ten-year rule currently apply to partners of British citizens and victims of domestic abuse, who will continue to qualify after five years. It is important to note that no changes to the ILR qualifying period have taken effect yet.

Skilled Worker Visas: Raising the Skill and Salary Bar

The Skilled Worker route is being drastically restricted to prioritize higher-skilled roles and reduce reliance on migrant labour.

The required skill level for an eligible occupation is being lifted back to RQF 6 and above (equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree level), reversing the 2020 decision to lower the threshold to RQF 3 (A-level equivalent). This means jobs assessed as being medium-skilled (RQF levels 3-5) will generally no longer be sponsorable unless the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends an exemption.

An initial reduction to the list of eligible jobs took effect on July 22, 2025, a measure expected to reduce the number of eligible occupations by approximately 180. Furthermore, the Immigration Salary List (previously the Shortage Occupation List), which allowed for salary discounts, will be abolished. The MAC is being asked to review salary requirements to ensure international recruitment cannot undercut the domestic workforce.

Major Cuts to Care and Student Routes

New, significant restrictions are also being implemented for the Adult Social Care visa and the Graduate visa route.

• Adult Social Care Visas: Due to significant concerns over the abuse and exploitation of workers, overseas recruitment of social care workers ended on July 22, 2025. The visa route is closed to new applications from abroad, although a transition period until 2028 is permitted for workers already in the country to apply for extensions and in-country switching.
• Shorter Graduate Visa: The standard length of the post-study work route for international students is being cut. The standard Graduate visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months, effective for individuals who apply on or after January 1, 2027. PhD graduates will still receive a longer period, reduced to 36 months.
• Impact on Graduates: This change, coupled with the Skilled Worker restrictions, significantly impacts Graduate visa holders who were working in medium-skilled (RQF 3-5) roles and planning to transition to a Skilled Worker visa, as that option may no longer be available. The White Paper highlights increased scrutiny on the stay rate of migrants and a determination to tackle the misuse of student visas as an entry point for working, evidenced by the revocation of 1,494 Skilled Worker sponsor licenses in 2024 alone.

New, Stricter English Language Standards

To support integration, language requirements are being significantly strengthened for both main applicants and their family members.

• Higher Standard for Workers: New applicants for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visas will need to demonstrate a higher standard of B2 English level (up from the current B1). This requirement is effective from January 8, 2026.
• Language Test for Dependants: A new English language requirement will be introduced for all adult dependants of workers and students. The initial required level will be A1 (Basic User) to qualify for a dependant visa across all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This is a rise from the previous B1 (GCSE) standard and will apply to new applications, not those who are already on these visa routes.

PBB Guidance: Implications for Your Journey

These comprehensive reforms demand enhanced preparation and due diligence:

• Higher Entry Costs: Anticipate that your employment in the UK must meet a higher RQF 6 skill level and a significantly increased, unsubsidized salary threshold.
• Mandatory Language Tests: Both you and your adult dependants will now face compulsory English language testing; main applicants should aim for the B2 level.
• Monitor ILR Changes: Migrants already in the UK are advised to monitor the upcoming consultation on the 10-year ILR rule closely, as the government has suggested the change may apply to those already within affected immigration routes.
• Enhanced Due Diligence: The increase in revoked sponsor licenses highlights the government’s crackdown on unethical recruiters. Ensure your sponsor is reputable before starting your application.

References

1. UK Home Office (2025). Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 590).
2. BBC News (2025). Carers stressed amid plans to tighten visa rules
3. The Guardian (2025). “Changing UK settlement rule to 10 years is unfair”.