The UK Government has introduced a comprehensive set of immigration reforms aimed at reducing net migration by approximately 100,000 people each year.
The proposals, outlined in the newly released Immigration White Paper on Monday, cover a broad range of areas including work visas, international students, asylum policy, enforcement, and long-term settlement.
A key reform will see legislation introduced to clarify that decisions on who can remain in the UK lie with the Government and Parliament—not the courts. This move targets the frequent use of Article 8 (the right to family life) to prevent deportations.
To curb work-related migration, new rules will require skilled workers to hold university-level qualifications, while salary thresholds for work visas will rise. The Immigration Skills Charge paid by sponsoring employers will also increase by 32%—its first rise since 2017.
One of the biggest changes affects the social care sector, as new overseas applicants will no longer be eligible for social care visas. However, those already in the UK with valid work rights may extend or switch visas until 2028, pending further review.
A new Labour Market Evidence Group will be formed to guide immigration decisions with better data. Sectors heavily reliant on foreign labour will be required to submit workforce plans outlining how they intend to hire and train more British workers.
The Government will also introduce a “Temporary Shortage List” for roles below RQF Level 6, allowing limited access to the Points-Based System. However, only jobs with confirmed long-term shortages and a supporting workforce strategy will qualify.
There are also plans to widen opportunities for highly skilled individuals, including recognised refugees and displaced persons under UN protection, to apply for work visas. At the same time, new routes will be opened for top global talent to enter the UK.
In education, the post-study work visa for international graduates will be reduced from two years to 18 months. Universities may also face a new levy on income earned from overseas students, with funds redirected to domestic skills training.
Tougher compliance standards will be introduced for universities sponsoring international students. Institutions will need a minimum 95% enrolment rate and 90% course completion rate to maintain their sponsor status.
Addressing illegal immigration and criminality, the White Paper states that foreign nationals convicted of crimes—regardless of imprisonment—may face deportation under updated thresholds. There will also be stricter measures against asylum claims lacking credible risk.
Digital eVisas will replace physical biometric permits, allowing more efficient tracking of migrants’ legal status. Enforcement efforts will be expanded, especially targeting illegal work in sectors like the gig economy.
The reforms also seek to strengthen integration and cohesion. Most visa applicants will now be required to meet higher English language standards. The standard settlement period will be extended from five to ten years, although faster routes will remain available for those making substantial contributions to the UK.
Family members of British citizens can still settle after five years, and protections for domestic abuse victims remain in place. Special consideration will also be given to young people who have grown up in the UK without legal status—especially those in care—with new pathways to permanent settlement.
Other proposals include reviewing the Life in the UK test, and potentially reducing citizenship application costs for young people raised in the UK. In cases where British or settled children pass away, their non-citizen parents will be allowed to stay in the country permanently.
