Immigration Solicitors

The Home Office has today unveiled a comprehensive White Paper outlining major policy reforms aimed at reducing net migration and tackling what it describes as an “over-reliance on lower-skilled labour from overseas.” These significant changes, which are expected to be rolled out in stages throughout the year, represent one of the most far-reaching overhauls of the UK’s immigration system in recent years.

The headline reforms will affect employers, individual migrants, and families alike, touching on everything from work visas to family reunification and citizenship criteria.

Policy Reform: Key Changes

Raising the Skilled Worker Threshold:
The minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visas will increase to RQF Level 6 (degree level). This change is accompanied by a corresponding rise in salary thresholds, affecting new applicants from overseas and those switching into the Skilled Worker route for the first time.

Increased Immigration Skills Charge:
Sponsor licence holders will see the Immigration Skills Charge rise by 32%, increasing the financial burden on UK employers sponsoring overseas talent.

Introduction of a New Temporary Shortage Occupation List:
A revised Shortage Occupation List will focus on roles where shortages persist but which fall below the new degree-level requirement (RQF 3–5). This may offer a limited pathway for specific roles but under tighter controls.

Closure of the Adult Social Care Worker Route:
Citing widespread concerns around abuse and exploitation in the sector, the government will close this visa route. A transitional period has been proposed until 2028 for visa extensions and in-country switching, though this will be subject to ongoing review.

Graduate Visa Changes:
The duration of the Graduate Visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months, impacting international students planning post-study work in the UK.

New Family Migration Policies:
By the end of the year, the government plans to introduce a revised family migration policy with:

• Stricter relationship verification requirements
• Expanded financial requirements across dependent routes
• Enhanced good character criteria for applicants

Stricter Human Rights Criteria:
There will be a narrowing of what constitutes “exceptional circumstances” in family-based applications under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, potentially raising the bar for applicants seeking to rely on the right to a family and private life.

Higher English Language Requirements:

• Skilled Workers will now need to meet Level B2 English, up from B1
• Their dependents will be required to demonstrate A1-level English
• The requirement for settlement will also increase from B1 to B2

Extended Settlement Periods:
Migrants under the Points-Based System, including Skilled Workers, will need to complete 10 years (increased from five) before becoming eligible for settlement.

Reform to British Citizenship Pathways:
A new model of ‘earned citizenship’ is proposed, with potential extensions to the qualifying period in line with new settlement requirements. The Home Office will also review the Life in the UK Test.

These proposals, if implemented in full, represent a fundamental shift in the UK’s approach to migration. While the government presents these measures as a means to drive down net migration and protect vulnerable workers, the scale and pace of change will present serious challenges for employers, migrant workers, and families alike.

If you are concerned that you may be impacted by any of these changes, please get in contact with us for expert legal advice and support via telephone at 033 3772 0409.

About the Author

Vicash Ramkissoon is a business immigration director with 20 years of professional experience. He leads a team skilled in complex immigration matters. This includes assistance for high-net-worth individuals from Asia and the Middle East and strategic immigration advice.

Contact Vicash at vicashr@duncanlewis.com or on 020 3114 1105 for expert guidance.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors expert business immigration team regularly advises employers on the right to work framework in the UK, and other compliance matters, as well as assisting companies apply for sponsorship licences to employ overseas workers. 

For expert advice on business immigration, contact our team today.