On 12 May 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced fundamental changes to the UK’s immigration system. The aim of the new reforms is to bring migration under control, prioritise the domestic workforce and make the system fairer.
It is not yet clear when these reforms will come into force. However, detailed legislative announcements and further information on a transition period are expected to be published towards the end of 2025. For now, the current rules will continue to apply to current application processes.
You can access the full text here: Restoring Control over the Immigration System: White Paper
Is ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Increasing to 10 Years?
Yes, under the new reforms, the qualifying period for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) applications is increasing to 10 years. However, the document contains no clear statement on whether this will apply to existing leave and applications. Even so, it includes a statement that current visa holders will be able to continue with their current application processes and that the current rules will apply. This is being interpreted as meaning that the 10-year period change will affect only new applications. However, once the detailed legislative announcements are published, we will have clearer information on this point.
Citizenship Reform: A New Approach Integrated with ILR
Citizenship applications will likewise be integrated with the ILR process. Individuals who wish to obtain citizenship will also be able to do so through a faster or slower process according to their contribution. Under the Points-Based System, the waiting period for citizenship applications will also be increased, but it will be possible to shorten this period according to the individual’s contribution.
Other Important Changes
1. Skilled Worker Visa: New Requirements and Changes
The Skilled Worker visa remains an important route for attracting a highly skilled workforce to the UK. However, with the new reforms, the requirements faced by people seeking this visa are changing:
- With the raising of skill requirements, occupations previously at RQF 3 (A-level) are being moved up to RQF 6 (degree level) and above.
- The salary threshold is being increased, which encourages a higher-paid and more highly skilled workforce.
These changes have been made to attract a highly skilled workforce to the UK and aim to improve the quality of the migrant workforce.
2. Family Reunion and Dependants
Under the new reforms, family reunion processes will be subject to stricter rules. The entry requirements for family members coming to the UK are becoming stricter. In this context:
- Individuals bringing family members to the United Kingdom will be required to demonstrate language proficiency at A1 level, and progression of the language level over time up to A2 and B2 levels will be encouraged.
3. Education and Students
Stricter checks will be introduced for international student visas. In particular, visas for students coming from lower-ranked universities will be tightened and dependant visas will be restricted.
The length of the Graduate Route will also be reduced to 18 months.
4. Workers and the Workforce
New restrictions will be introduced for lower-skilled labour. In the Health and Care sector, recruitment of overseas workers will end, and until 2028 only in-country switches will be possible. In addition, new training and workforce strategies will be made mandatory for employers.
5. Integration of Migrants and Language Requirements
Language proficiency requirements will be extended to all visa types. English language knowledge from A1 up to B2 level will be required in visa applications, dependants included. This will be done to encourage the integration of migrants into society.
Conclusion: A Restructured Immigration System
The UK’s new immigration reforms aim to bring migration under control, increase integration into society and prioritise contribution to the economy. These changes will not only affect the lives of migrants, but will also shape the labour market, communities and public services.
If you are planning to move to the UK or are already in this process, it is very important to pay attention to the current rules and the planned changes.
You can contact us with your questions: team@visavisuk.com