UK Immigration Update – May 2025

The UK Government’s latest White Paper on Immigration foreshadows significant changes to the UK Immigration landscape. Whilst not exhaustive, our latest Bulletin highlights some of the principal changes and their potential impact on UK employers.

What is the legal status of a White Paper?

A White Paper sets out government policy for future legislation and has no immediate impact on the current legal/regulatory framework. In this case, as acknowledged, some proposed reforms are subject to further review. Once finalised the legislation will need to be passed by both Houses of Parliament but, given its protectionist nature, the overwhelming likelihood is it will be passed by a resounding majority.

When will the proposed changes come into force?

Currently there are no definitive timelines. As above, some areas are subject to further review but it is likely that at least some proposed changes including those to the Skilled Worker, Student, Graduate routes and potentially Settlement eligibility, may be implemented sooner, potentially by October 2025. At least some of the proposed changes will be subject to transitional arrangements permitting those holding visas under impacted categories to be assessed under currently applicable criteria.

What are the main changes to the Sponsored Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa route?

Currently there is no proposal to reinstate the Annual Quota or the prior Resident Labour Market Test as previously applicable to SSW Visas. However significant proposed changes include:

• Reinstatement of the Graduate Level Skills threshold, RQF 6 for SSW applications, save for those included on a revised Temporary Shortage List. Transitional arrangements will apply to those holding Skilled Worker visas under the lower RQF 3 threshold, enabling them to extend their Visas under the current framework
• Further increases to the minimum Salary thresholds even though these have been subject to relatively recent increases
• Closure of Social Care Visas for new applications from overseas with a transitional period until 2028 during which extension and in-country change of employment applications will be permitted
• The introduction of a tightly monitored Temporary Shortage List, subject to ongoing review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) focusing on sectors experiencing long term shortages and where there is a “ Workforce Strategy" in place
• An increase in the minimum English Language threshold from B1 to B2 for SSW Visa applicants
• An introduction of a minimum English Language requirement of A1 for all adult dependents of SSW Visa applicants, with a requirement to evidence progression to A2 for those extending their Visas
• An increase of 32% to the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) so £1,320 per year of the Visa sought for Large Sponsors and circa £480 for Small Sponsors. The current definition of a Large Sponsor is one that exceeds two from three of 50 UK-based employees, a gross annual turnover of £15 million and a balance sheet total of £7.5 million

Save potentially for increased ISC, currently there are no foreshadowed changes to sponsored employees under the Global Business Mobility, Senior/Specialist sub-categories.

Will my business be impacted by changes to the current Student and/or Graduate Visa routes?

For Student Visas, the principal changes will be increased oversight of the sponsoring institutions by more closely monitored and rigorous Basic Compliance Assessment programs. Adult dependents of applicants for Student Visas will need to meet the minimum English Language threshold of A1.

The maximum visa duration of the Graduate Visa will be reduced to 18 months.

In both cases and subject to eligibility, the expectation is that applicants from both categories will still be able to apply for SSW Visas from within the UK.

What are the proposed changes to existing eligibility criteria for Settlement?

• The headline is that the standard eligibility period for Settlement will be increased from 5 to 10 years, with reduced eligibility periods “based on contributions to the UK economy and society”. We await precise details of these qualifying criteria and to what extent transitional arrangements will apply to those SSW Visa holders already in the UK
• An increased minimum English Language threshold from B1 to B2 for the majority of adult applicants
• An (unspecified) revamped Life in the UK Test.

Currently no similar changes are envisaged for applicants applying for Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Are there any other changes to work related UK Visa routes?

The focus remains on attracting the brightest and the best with intended changes to encourage applications under the Global Talent, High Potential Individual, Innovator and Expansion Worker routes.

How should I prepare for the changes?

We will keep you updated but you should closely follow forthcoming announcements providing more details on changes and associated timelines. Additionally, where relevant:

• Employers should accelerate new applications for SSW Visas for roles falling under the current RQF 3 Skills Thresholds
• Accelerate all SSW Visa applications to benefit from current Salary and ISC thresholds 
• Identify those currently or approaching eligibility for Settlement and encourage submission under the current framework

For further information and advice on all UK immigration issues, please contact Jonathan Chaimovic or your regular Team contact.