Changes Proposed by the Government’s White Paper on Immigration Reform | White Paper

In its long-awaited White Paper on immigration titled "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System", the Government has announced significant changes to legal migration routes. The key changes are as follows: 

Raising the skilled worker threshold

One of the major changes is the proposed increase in the skill level required for skilled worker visas.

The White Paper proposes to increase the skills threshold to RQF 6 (Graduate level) and above. This means that only occupations that meet this higher skill level will be eligible for skilled worker visas. It is anticipated that this change will remove approximately 180 occupations from the list of eligible occupations.

Additionally, salary thresholds for these visas will also rise.

Removal of the immigration salary list

The immigration salary list, which currently supports employers with serious labour shortages is to be abolished. This will be replaced by a Temporary Shortage Occupation List which is intended to contain roles where there is a temporary shortage of UK workers. This list will allow for some jobs to still qualify for Skilled Worker visas even if they don't meet the standard skill or salary thresholds.

Limiting Access to the work visa system

It is proposed that the skilled worker visa will be limited to occupations where there are long term shortages, as advised by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Employers seeking to recruit from abroad will need to demonstrate a commitment to increasing domestic recruitment and have a workforce strategy in place.  

Employers will be expected to put forward workforce plans to train and develop domestic workers to boost British skills and recruitment from the resident population.

Changes to the Graduate Route

Under the proposals, the period permitted under the Graduate Route will be reduced from two years to 18 months.

Reforms to Family and Private Life Immigration

The White Paper proposes to simplify the complex family and private life immigration arrangements. The Government aims to create a clearer framework for these cases, reducing the number of applications treated as 'exceptional'. These changes are likely to seek to limit the operation of Article 8 in family life applications. This has been attempted, unsuccessfully, by previous governments.

Standard period for settlement will increase from 5 years to 10 years

The qualifying period for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in work visa routes is expected to be doubled to ten years. It is anticipated that this change will be introduced in primary legislation and that it will have retrospective effect, meaning that people already in the UK with a work visa could face a longer qualifying period to settlement.  This is a significant change which will have far reaching impacts and will likely be subject to legal challenge.

Increase to the Immigration Skills Charge

The Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers when they sponsor an overseas national is set to increase by 32%. This is a charge which must be covered by the employer.

Ending Overseas Recruitment for Social Care Visas

In a significant move, the Government plans to end overseas recruitment for social care visas. Employers will need to rely on the existing pool of overseas care workers in the UK. These changes will be particularly challenging for the care sector which already struggles with labour shortages. It is understood that there is to be transitional period to 2028.

Imposing tougher compliance obligations on education providers

The requirements for institutions sponsoring international students will be toughened. New interventions will be introduced for sponsors who are close to failing their duties, including action plans to improve compliance and limits on the number of new international students they can recruit. This is widely seen as a further challenge for universities who are already facing difficulties in recruiting and retaining international students. 

Conclusion

The 2025 Immigration White Paper introduces a range of reforms aimed at reducing net migration, and imposing further controls on the immigration system. These changes pose significant challenges for all UK employers facing labour shortages and for education providers seeking to retain and attract international students.