UK: Immigration: Proposed Reforms

Authors: Stephen Miller, Corinna Harris, and Sophie Jackson

The Government has published a White Paper on immigration which foreshadows significant changes to the UK immigration landscape.

The White Paper sets out the government’s plans to restore control over the immigration system.

There are a number of significant proposed changes to the Sponsored Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa route including:

• Reinstatement of the Graduate Level Skills threshold except for those included on a revised Temporary Shortage List which will be subject to ongoing review
• Further increases to the minimum Salary thresholds
• An increase in the minimum English language threshold for SSW Visa applicants and the introduction of a minimum English language requirement for their adult dependents
• Increases to the Immigration Skills Charge, to £1,320 per year of the Visa sought for Large Sponsors (currently defined which exceeds two or more of these requirements: i) 50 UK-based employees; ii) a gross annual turnover of £15 million; and iii) a balance sheet total of £7.5 million), and approximately £480 for Small Sponsors

Changes to the Student and/or Graduate Visa routes are also proposed, including reducing the maximum visa duration for Graduate Visas to 18 months.

In addition, 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”. Details are awaited concerning the qualifying criteria and to what extent transitional arrangements will apply to those SSW Visa holders already in the UK.

Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-house Counsel

A White Paper sets out government policy for future legislation and has no immediate impact on the current legal/ regulatory framework. Although there are no definitive timelines currently, some proposed changes – including changes relating to the Skilled Worker, Student, Graduate routes and potentially Settlement eligibility – may be implemented by October 2025.

Further details about these proposed changes are set out in: UK Immigration Update – May 2025