UK Immigration White Paper tracker

In May 2025, Parliament presented the Restoring Control over the Immigration System White Paper. The White Paper outlines the government's plan to create an immigration system that is 'properly managed and controlled' and to reduce net migration to the UK. Key reforms include raising the skills threshold for work visas, closing the social care visa route to overseas recruitment and establishing a 'temporary shortage list' for occupations with long-term shortages. The reforms will also impact requirements for international student recruitment; the criteria on sponsors here will be strengthened, including raising the relevant compliance metrics and introducing a levy on higher education provider income from international students.

As part of the government's efforts to encourage 'social cohesion and community empowerment', the White Paper proposes a new English language requirement for both the main applicant and dependants to adhere to, across various immigration routes. Additionally, the government plans to introduce the concept of 'earned settlement'. Essentially, this aims to extend the qualifying period for settlement in the UK to ten years and applications will consider an individual's contributions to the UK economy and society as part of the criteria.

Finally, the White Paper outlines ways in which enforcement measures will be enhanced. With a primary focus on tackling illegal working, the UK will increase deportation of foreign national offenders, and use digital identity systems to improve visa compliance at the border and within the UK.

• Skill thresholds and visa requirements: The skill threshold for work visas is likely to be raised to degree level (RQF 6) to reduce lower-skilled migration.
• Salary Threshold increases: The minimum 'going rates' are likely to be increased.
• Immigration skills charge: The immigration skills charge will be increased by 32% to support funding for domestic skills training.
• Temporary shortage list: Access to the points-based immigration system will be limited to occupations with long-term shortages, subject to workforce strategies. Employers in sectors with high overseas recruitment must develop comprehensive workforce plans to address underlying shortages and reduce reliance on immigrant workers.
• Workforce strategies: Key sectors with high levels of recruitment from abroad will need to produce or update workforce strategies, detailing steps to be taken on skills, training, and broader conditions.
• Compliance and ethical practices: Employers must ensure ethical recruitment practices and protect immigrant workers from exploitation.
• English language requirements: New English language requirements will be introduced for both main applicants and their dependants.
• Increase in Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period: Longer qualifying period for ILR could mean additional costs to employers for longer sponsorship.
• Shorter Graduate Visa: The graduate visa is likely to reduce to 18 months, meaning these visa holders may require sponsorship sooner.