Proposed Changes to UK Visa and Settlement Rules in 2025

The UK government has proposed a number of significant changes to visa and settlement rules following the release of the May 2025 Immigration White Paper. These updates aim to reshape the immigration system by tightening some routes, extending the pathway to permanent residence, and introducing new rules for employers, students, and families.

If you're planning to move to the UK, apply for a Skilled Worker visa, or are hoping to settle long-term, it's important to understand how these proposed changes could affect you. In this article, we break down the key proposals and what they might mean for individuals, businesses, and educational institutions.

These immigration changes could impact your future in the UK. Call Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 to learn more about the Immigration White Paper.

Table of Contents

What Changes Are Proposed in the May 2025 UK Immigration White Paper?

The UK government's May 2025 Immigration White Paper outlines a major overhaul of the immigration system, aiming to reduce net migration and tighten existing visa and settlement rules.

The proposals cover both broad policy shifts and specific rule changes, most of which can be implemented without needing new legislation.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for migrants, employers, and educational institutions.

1. Shorter Job List for Skilled Worker Visa

The government plans to reduce the number of job roles that qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.  In particular, roles considered "medium-skilled" (RQF Level 3, roughly A-level standard) will no longer be open to overseas workers unless:

• The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) grants a specific exemption.
• Employers can prove they've tried to recruit from within the UK first.

The minimum skill level for sponsored roles will be raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level). Approximately 180 occupations, including many in care, hospitality, and retail, will no longer qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

2. Social Care Workers No Longer Eligible

Currently, social care employers can recruit overseas workers under a special exemption. This will end. Employers in the care sector will no longer be allowed to hire foreign social care workers, putting more pressure on domestic recruitment.

3. New Levy on International Student Fees

The White Paper proposes introducing a financial levy on income from international students, aimed at encouraging universities to balance international recruitment with quality and compliance. This could mean higher tuition costs or fewer international places.

4. Tougher Compliance for Universities

Universities will face stricter rules for retaining their student visa sponsorship licences. Failure to comply with these updated regulations could mean losing the ability to sponsor international students altogether.

5. Graduate Visa Duration Cut from Two Years to 18 Months

International students currently have two years to stay and work in the UK after graduation under the Graduate visa. The government plans to reduce this to just 18 months, giving graduates less time to find long-term employment or secure a work visa.

6. Stricter English Language Requirements

English language tests will get tougher. In addition, dependants of work visa holders, such as spouses or partners, will now be required to show a basic level of English proficiency to qualify for a visa.

7. Settlement (ILR) Period Extended to 10 Years

The standard wait time for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or UK settlement will increase from five to ten years. Some migrants might still qualify earlier based on yet-to-be-defined exceptions. The period required to apply for British citizenship will also be extended to ten years.

8. Easier Access for Highly Skilled Talent

In a more positive development, the White Paper proposes making it easier for highly skilled migrants to come to the UK under routes like:

• The Global Talent visa
• The High Potential Individual visa

This is the only proposal that actively encourages immigration by simplifying pathways for top global talent.

Impact on UK Employers and Education Institutions

The May 2025 Immigration White Paper introduces several changes that could directly affect UK businesses and universities that rely on overseas talent and students:

Higher Costs for Employers Sponsoring Workers

The Immigration Skills Charge, a fee that UK employers pay when sponsoring foreign workers, is set to rise by 32%. This means hiring skilled workers from abroad will become significantly more expensive, especially for small and mid-sized businesses.

New 6% Levy on International Student Fees

A 6% levy on the tuition income universities earn from international students is being proposed. If introduced, this could place financial pressure on universities that rely heavily on overseas student fees, potentially affecting course offerings, scholarships, and support services.

Tougher Rules for Student Visa Sponsorship

UK universities and colleges sponsoring international students will be expected to meet stricter compliance requirements. This includes tighter monitoring of visa conditions, student attendance, and reporting duties, which could increase administrative workload and risk for institutions.

When will the 2025 Immigration Changes Come into Effect?

At the moment, there's no confirmed start date for the changes proposed in the May 2025 Immigration White Paper. According to the government, these reforms will be rolled out gradually over the course of this Parliament, which means anytime between now and 2029.

That said, some measures could begin within the next few weeks, while others, especially the more complex ones, may take longer.

One change that's getting a lot of public attention is the plan to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. But don't worry, this isn't happening right away. The government has said it will hold a consultation later this year, so there's still time for discussion before anything is finalised.

If you're planning to apply for ILR or any UK visa soon, call our specialist immigration solicitors on 0208 616 5535 for personalised advice.

Will Migrants Need to Wait 10 Years for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Under the government's new immigration proposals, most migrants will have to wait 10 years before they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as UK settlement. This is a significant change, as the current standard route allows people to settle after just five years.

However, it's not all bad news. The White Paper introduces an idea called “earned settlement,” which means some migrants could still qualify sooner than 10 years, but only if they make what the government describes as “Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society.”

Right now, the details of how these points will be awarded and how much they might shorten the ILR timeline haven't been confirmed. The government has promised to hold a consultation later this year, which will hopefully clarify how the system will work.

If you're planning to settle in the UK in the future, it's a good idea to stay informed and speak to an immigration solicitor to understand how these potential changes could affect your personal circumstances.

Which Visa Categories Will Be Affected by the New 10-Year Settlement Rule?

The government's plan to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years won't apply to everyone. Some visa categories are already confirmed to be exempt from this change.

If you're married to a British citizen, you'll still be able to apply for settlement after five years. The same exemption applies to victims of domestic abuse; their pathway to permanent residence will remain unchanged.

In addition, if you have post-Brexit residence rights under the EU Settlement Scheme, you'll still be able to apply for settlement after five years, as protected under Article 15 of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.

However, for many other visa holders, things are still uncertain. The government hasn't yet confirmed whether popular routes, like the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa, will be affected by the longer 10-year rule.

When asked specifically about this, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship said the government will be consulting on the "earned settlement" scheme later this year. This consultation will set out the full details, including which visa categories the 10-year ILR rule will apply to.

Visa Categories Currently Exempt from the 10-Year ILR Rule

• Spouses and partners of British citizens will still qualify for settlement after five years.
• Victims of domestic abuse will continue to have access to an accelerated route to settlement.
• EU nationals with status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will retain their five-year pathway to ILR, protected by Article 15 of the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement.

What About Other Visa Routes?

At this stage, the government has not confirmed whether the other five-year settlement routes, such as:

• The Skilled Worker visa
• The Global Talent visa
• The Innovator Founder visa
• The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa

will also move to the 10-year settlement timeline.

Additional Reforms and Long-Term Plans

Aside from these eight major proposals, the White Paper includes long-term reforms such as:

• A new Labour Market Evidence Group to help shape future immigration policies based on real-time data.
• Potential updates to family visa routes and how they interact with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to family life).
• Plans to speed up the deportation of foreign national offenders.

What Do These Changes Mean for You?

Whether you're an employer, student, skilled worker, or family member, these changes will likely impact your visa options, timelines, and future in the UK. The proposals suggest a move toward a more selective immigration system, with stricter rules and fewer routes into the country, unless you're a highly skilled professional or graduate from a top institution.

Speak To an Immigration Solicitor for Tailored Advice

If you're unsure how these proposed changes to UK visa and settlement rules might affect your case, call our immigration solicitors on 0208 616 5535 for advice.

Resources:

• House of Commons Library: Changes to UK visa and settlement rules after the 2025 immigration white paper
• GOV.UK: Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper