World Immigration News

UK Government Publishes Immigration White Paper Setting Out Significant Intended Reforms

Release Date: 2025-05-13
Media: Morgan Lewis
Summary: On May 12, 2025, the UK government released a White Paper titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, setting out its intention to reform the immigration framework in response to rising migration levels and an increasing reliance on lower-skilled workers. Central to the proposed changes is a tightening of the Skilled Worker visa route. The skills threshold will be raised to require roles at RQF level 6 or above, effectively excluding many lower-skilled jobs such as care work from eligibility. While a transition period until 2028 will allow current care workers in the UK to extend or switch their visas, most employers will no longer be able to sponsor non-graduate roles unless they appear on a new Temporary Shortage List. These temporary exceptions will not allow family members to accompany the visa holders. Additionally, both the salary and English language requirements for Skilled Worker applicants will increase.

To attract highly skilled talent, the government plans to expand the High Potential Individual visa route by increasing the number of eligible universities, allowing employers to hire top international graduates more easily. At the same time, the Graduate visa for UK university leavers will be shortened from two years to 18 months to prevent misuse. The government also plans to reform other visa routes, such as the Innovator Founder and Expansion Worker visas, to support entrepreneurship and business growth.

A significant new feature of the system will be the closer linking of employer sponsorship to domestic workforce development. Employers in migrant-dependent sectors will be expected to contribute to skills training in the UK, and a new Labour Market Evidence Group will be formed to assess labour needs and guide policy. The Immigration Skills Surcharge will also increase by 32%, raising the financial burden on sponsoring employers.

Regarding settlement and citizenship, the minimum residence period for most applicants will double from five to ten years, and English proficiency standards will rise to the B2 level. A revised Life in the UK test and new language requirements for dependants will also be introduced.

Enforcement measures will be strengthened through the forthcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which will expand the scope of illegal working penalties to include the gig economy and self-employed workers. Employers will face harsher financial penalties—up to £60,000 per illegal worker—if found noncompliant.

In light of these sweeping reforms, employers are advised to assess their current and prospective sponsored workers, consider early visa applications under existing rules, review recruitment budgets, and prepare for increased compliance responsibilities and costs.
Tags: UK

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