London Education Consultants

White Paper

On May 12th, 2025, the UK government released its Immigration White Paper titled "Restoring Control over the Immigration System". This document outlines significant reforms aimed at reducing net migration and tightening immigration rules across various visa routes.  

Here's a summary of the key proposals:

Skilled Worker Route:

• The minimum skill level for sponsored roles will revert to RQF Level 6 (degree level), up from the current RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent). This will significantly reduce the number of eligible occupations.
• Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas will increase. The exact figures are yet to be confirmed.
• The Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List) will be abolished.
• A new Temporary Shortage List will be introduced for occupations at RQF Levels 3-5 facing temporary shortages, with stricter conditions and time limits.
• Employers sponsoring workers will need to demonstrate commitment to training and recruiting from the domestic workforce and may need to provide workforce strategies in certain sectors.
• The Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32%.
• The English language requirement for Skilled Workers will rise from level B1 to B2.

Health and Care Worker Visa:

• The overseas recruitment of care workers will end for new applications. A transition period until 2028 will allow visa extensions and in-country switching for those already in the UK.

Study:

• Requirements for sponsoring institutions to recruit international students will be strengthened with a new "traffic light" system for compliance.
• The Graduate visa route will be shortened from two years (or three for PhDs) to 18 months.
• The government will explore a levy on higher education providers' income from international students.

Family:

• A review of family migration rules is planned, with stricter English language requirements for adult dependents (initially A1, progressing to B2 for settlement) and potentially higher income requirements.

Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR):

• The standard qualifying period for ILR for most work routes will double from five years to ten years.
• There will be opportunities for a reduced route to settlement for those demonstrating a greater contribution to the UK's economy and society, with details to be consulted on.
• The English language requirement for settlement will increase from level B1 to B2.

Other Routes:

• "Very high talent routes" like the Global Talent visa and High Potential Individual route will be reviewed and potentially expanded.
• The number of workers allowed under the UK Expansion Worker visa will double.

The government states these measures aim to reduce legal migration, address concerns about the impact of high immigration on public services and wages, and encourage employers to invest in the domestic workforce. The White Paper signals a significant shift towards a more restrictive and skills-focused immigration system.

 

Please visit the official link for details: Click here