UK Immigration White Paper 2025: Key Policy Reforms Explained

UK Immigration White Paper 2025: Key Policy Reforms Explained​ Image

In May 2025, the UK Government unveiled its immigration White Paper titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” — a major policy shift aimed at reducing net migration, tackling abuse, and ensuring the UK economy benefits from high-skilled talent.

As a leading immigration law firm, Chisty Law Chambers is here to guide you through these changes and help you understand how they may affect your visa plans.

Why These Changes Are Being Introduced

The Government has cited an unsustainable rise in net migration — reaching 906,000 in 2023 — and an over-reliance on low-wage overseas labour. These reforms seek to:

  • Prioritise skills the UK genuinely needs
  • Improve integration and English proficiency
  • Encourage employers to train UK-based workers
  • Reduce exploitation in sectors like adult social care

Key Changes You Should Know

1. Skilled Worker Visa Reforms

  • The skill threshold is being raised from RQF Level 3 to Level 6 (graduate level).
  • The Immigration Salary List is being abolished.
  • Salary thresholds will rise, and employers will be expected to train local staff before hiring from overseas.

If you’re planning to apply under the Skilled Worker route, visit our UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide.

2. Closure of Social Care Visa Route

  • The Health and Care Worker visa will no longer accept new overseas applicants.
  • A transition period until 2028 is in place for current visa holders already in the UK.

Need help with extensions or switching routes? See our UK Health and Care Visa service.

3. Student & Graduate Visas

  • The Graduate Visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months.
  • Institutions face tighter compliance, and a levy on international student income is under review.
  • Fewer dependants will be permitted.

See our guidance on the UK Tier 4 Student Visa or UK Post-Study Work Visa.

4. Family Migration Rules

  • All family routes will be streamlined, with higher financial and English language requirements for sponsors and applicants.

We also offer assistance with UK Spouse & PR applications.

5. Settlement & Citizenship

  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will now require 10 years, not 5.
  • A new “earned settlement” model will assess contributions to the UK.
  • English requirements are rising to B2 for settlement; adult dependants will require A1 to B2, depending on their visa stage.

Explore our full UK Settlement & PR services.

6. Global Talent and High-Skilled Routes

  • The UK remains open to global talent and will simplify high-skill visa pathways like the Global Talent Visa.

7. Labour Market Strategy

  • Employers in key sectors (health, construction, tech) will need to create workforce and training plans.
  • A Labour Market Evidence Group will oversee immigration policy and sector skill needs.

📢 How Chisty Law Chambers Can Help

Whether you’re applying for a new visa, extending your stay, or switching routes — our legal team at Chisty Law Chambers is fully prepared to assist you with:

  • Navigating changing visa rules
  • Preparing documentation for new requirements
  • Advising on the most strategic route for settlement or work

📅 Book an appointment today or contact us for personalised immigration guidance.

Final Word

These 2025 reforms mark a significant shift toward a more selective, skill-based, and enforcement-driven UK immigration system. If you’re unsure how the new rules affect your case — act early, and speak to a legal professional.

Chisty Law Chambers is here to ensure your immigration journey remains clear, compliant, and future-proof.

FAQs

What is the 2025 UK Immigration White Paper?

The 2025 White Paper, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” is a UK Government policy document outlining major reforms to visa routes, settlement rules, and labour migration. Its goal is to reduce net migration, raise skill thresholds, and ensure immigration benefits the British economy.

What are the main changes in the new immigration rules?

Key reforms include:

  • Raising the Skilled Worker visa threshold to RQF Level 6 (graduate level)
  • Abolishing the Immigration Salary List
  • Phasing out overseas recruitment in adult social care
  • Increasing English language and salary requirements
  • Extending the ILR (settlement) period from 5 to 10 years
Is the UK Health and Care Worker visa being closed?

Yes. The visa route for overseas care workers is closing to new applicants. Those already in the UK on this visa may extend their stay until 2028, but new international recruitment will be phased out.

How will the new rules affect students and graduates?
  • The Graduate visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months
  • Dependants will face more restrictions
  • Only genuine students at compliant institutions will qualify
How is family migration affected?

All family visa routes will be streamlined, with higher income and English language requirements to ensure families are financially self-sufficient and able to integrate.

Who should I contact for help with my UK visa under the new rules?

You can contact Chisty Law Chambers for professional immigration advice. We assist with all UK visa categories, extensions, and settlement applications under the latest legal framework.

Book an appointment or Contact us for personalised support.

Our 100% Commitment to your success.

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    All family routes will be streamlined, with higher financial and English language requirements for sponsors and applicants.