Back in May 2025, the UK Home Office issued a white paper that shook the immigration system and is going to have a significant impact on a number of groups including Families, Skilled Workers and Students. Some of these new rules are now coming into force (or already implemented), so it’s vital to understand what they mean for you, so you can act swiftly.
In this article, I’ll discuss the implications of this white paper on immigration for three key groups: Families, Skilled Workers, and Students. Before we get into the details, let’s start with a quick summary of the key changes:
- Family: The settlement period will extend to 10 years (except for dependants of British citizens, who still qualify after 5 years), along with a new points-based system and increased English language requirements. The government will also tighten suitability rules for family cases.
- Skilled workers: The skill threshold will be raised to degree level, the immigration salary list abolished, and salary thresholds increased. A new temporary shortage list will be introduced for certain lower-skilled roles in key sectors, while the social care visa route will close to new applicants. The immigration skills charge will also rise by 32%.
- Students: The graduate route post-study visa will be shortened to 18 months. Universities will face stricter compliance obligations, and there will be a review of English language course accreditation. A potential 6% tuition fee levy for international students may also be introduced.
Breaking the immigration white paper down in detail
The white paper itself was published in May 2025, revised in June, with a further FAQ published in July. You can read the original white paper in full here, and the later FAQ here.
So, let’s look at Family first, then Skilled Workers, then finally Students.
1. FAMILY
Q: What changes are being made to family immigration?
The government is tightening family immigration policies to ensure that individuals contribute meaningfully to the UK before settling.
Q: Is there an extension to the settlement period?
Yes, the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will increase from 5 to 10 years for most applicants. However, dependants of British citizens will still qualify after 5 years.
Q: Are there ways to reduce this?
Yes, a new system will allow individuals to reduce the settlement period based on their contributions to the UK economy and society.
Q: Are there new English language requirements?
Yes, all adult dependants will need to meet a new A1 level English language requirement upon arrival, progressing to A2 for visa extensions and B2 for settlement.
Q: Will there be exceptional cases?
Yes, but there are going to be revised parameters around which cases can be treated as ‘exceptional’.
2. SKILLED WORKERS
Q: How are skilled worker visas changing?
The UK is raising the bar for skilled worker visas to prioritise higher-skilled migration.
Q: So is there a change in the skill threshold?
Yes, the skill requirement will return to RQF Level 6 (degree level), removing approximately 180 previously eligible RQF 3-5 occupations (across all sectors).
Q: Will there still be the immigration salary list?
No, the list that allowed for salary threshold discounts will be abolished.
Q: What are the new salary thresholds?
From July 22nd 2025, salary thresholds for Skilled Worker, New Entrant, and PhD holders will increase for both pre- and post-April 2024 Skilled Worker visa applicants:
Post-April 2024:
- General £38,700 → £41,700
- New Entrant £30,960 → £33,400
- Relevant PhD £34,830 → £37,500
Pre-April 2024 with continuous permission:
- General £29,000 → £31,300
- Other relevant thresholds £26,100 → £29,200
Q: What is the temporary shortage list?
A new list will be introduced for occupations below degree level (RQF 3-5) where critical shortages exist, but only for sectors that are key to industrial strategy or infrastructure, have a workforce strategy aimed at maximising UK workforce utilisation, have received a MAC recommendation, and are committed to training domestic workers.
Q: Are there changes to the social care visa route?
The government will close the social care visa route to new overseas applications. The route will remain open for in-country extensions and switching (to other eligible routes) until 2028, but this will be kept under review.
Q: What are the new restrictions around dependants?
Restrictions on bringing dependants for lower-skilled workers on the temporary shortage list will be implemented. There will be further details on this in announcements at a later date.
Q: What will the new immigration skills charge be?
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) will increase by 32% to align with inflation, from its introduction back in 2017. Funding from the ISC will support skills development for the domestic workforce.
Q: Are there changes to CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship)?
CoS assigned after 22 July 2025 will be considered under the new rules. If you have been assigned a CoS before 22 July 2025, you will be allowed to continue on in that occupation code, and this will apply to extension, switching or supplementary work.
3. STUDENTS
Q: What changes are being made to student visas and post-study work opportunities?
The UK is implementing stricter regulations for international students to ensure that the system is not misused.
Q: What are the changes to the graduate route duration?
The duration of post-study graduate visas will be reduced from two years to 18 months.
Q: What do universities need to be aware of?
Universities will be required to meet stricter compliance metrics to retain their ability to sponsor student visas. The government will introduce targeted interventions for institutions nearing failure of these metrics, including bespoke action plans and temporary caps on the number of new international students they are permitted to recruit.
Q: What about the short-term student (English language) route?
The government will review the accreditation bodies responsible for English language courses to ensure that their standards are sufficiently robust. This review will examine the initial accreditation process and ongoing renewal, with a view to strengthening oversight and scrutiny.
Q: Will there be a higher education levy?
Possibly. A new levy of 6% on tuition fees for international students may be introduced and further details are expected to be announced in the Autumn budget.
How will these changes be enforced?
To enforce the points mentioned above the government will introduce a number of measures. The goal is to ensure that individuals comply with immigration rules and that those who overstay or breach conditions are identified and removed. In addition, it will introduce measures to promote the integration of migrants into British society, including English language courses and community engagement initiatives.
Working with an immigration lawyer
The challenge with white papers such as these is that they are filled with both specifics and generalities. Some changes are clearly finalised while others are going to be refined over time before finally being introduced. This can be confusing for both individuals and companies trying to ensure they remain compliant. This is why working with an immigration lawyer who is ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest changes to UK immigration regulations brings great peace of mind and better immigration outcomes.
Going forward, I strongly recommend keeping an eye on updates on the UK government website. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Having a professional immigration advisor – particularly one with a legal background – can be invaluable in helping you navigate and interpret these complex regulations. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure you are able to complete your immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation today.
