Radical Immigration changes proposed as Government publishes its Immigration White Paper

Today, the Labour Government unveiled its long-anticipated Immigration White Paper, signalling a significant shift in the UK’s approach to immigration policy. The proposed changes are the most significant we have seen since 1^st January 2021, following the UK’s departure from the EU.

We summarise some of the key proposed changes which will affect businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals wishing to migrate to the UK.

• Higher Skills and Salary Thresholds: The minimum skill level for work visas will be raised to RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s degree or equivalent), and salary thresholds will increase. The change in skill level will result in 180 occupations failing to qualify for work visas. The Immigration Salary List, which previously allowed some discounts, will be abolished.
• Temporary Shortage List and Restriction of Overseas Recruitment: A new Temporary Shortage List will provide time limited access to the Points-Based System for occupations with a skills requirement of RQF Level 3 – 5 where long term shortages have been identified by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Access to the points-based immigration system will be limited to occupations with long-term shortages, and only where a workforce strategy and domestic recruitment plan exists. There will also be caps on the number of visas issued for roles on this list together with limitations on bringing dependants.
• Increased Immigration Skills Charge: The fee paid by employers to sponsor migrant workers will rise by 32%. This is the first increase since the ISC was introduced in 2017.
• Creation of Labour Market Evidence Group: The LME will comprise of the Industrial Skills Strategy Advisory Council, Department of Work and Pensions, Skills England and the Migration Advisory Committee, drawing on available data to enhance the UK’s approach to immigration and workforce development.
• Domestic Workforce Focus: Employers will have to demonstrate efforts to recruit and train UK workers before turning to international recruitment. New requirements for workforce strategies will be imposed in sectors with high overseas recruitment.
• Closure of Social Care Visa Route: The overseas care worker recruitment route will close. Existing care workers in the UK can extend or switch visas until 2028, but new overseas recruitment will end.
• Stricter Enforcement: There will be increased monitoring and enforcement of compliance, including faster deportation of foreign nationals who commit crimes.
• Longer Settlement Period and ‘Earned Settlement’: The qualifying period for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) will rise from five to ten years, though “high-contributing” individuals (e.g., doctors, nurses, engineers) may be fast-tracked depending on contributions made to the UK economy and society.
• Citizenship: Reforms to citizenship will align to earned settlement reforms. The Life in the UK test and how it operates will be reviewed and refreshed.
• Higher English Language Requirements: All visa applicants, including adult dependants, must meet higher English language standards. Dependants must show progression from A1 to A2 for extensions, and B2 for settlement. Skilled workers must now meet B2 level at initial, extension and settlement stages.
• Reduced time on Graduate Route: The post-study work period for international graduates will be cut from 2 years to 18 months.
• Tighter Family and Criminal Rules: Family reunion rules will be tightened, and the Home Office will have broader powers to deport foreign nationals for a wider range of offences.
• Global Talent: Places will be increased on the scheme for research interns, in particular for those working in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Reviewing the Innovator Founder visa to support entrepreneurs studying at UK universities wishing to launch their business and career in the UK. Doubling the number of qualifying institutions under the High Potential Individual visa.

The White Paper marks a decisive shift towards a more selective, skills-focused, and domestically oriented immigration system. Businesses will be required to invest more in local talent whilst migrant workers and their family members will face tougher requirements and longer pathways to settlement.

It is likely that these changes will only affect new applicants, and individuals already in the UK under the relevant routes should not be affected, although this is subject to final confirmation.

The Government’s intention to reduce net migration by the end of this Parliament is evident to see and future changes will no doubt have a huge impact on UK businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals.

It’s important to note that today’s White Paper sets out the Governments proposal for future legislation. Any changes or implementation of the above will require legislative or policy updates which may be debated before any Bill is introduced.

Edwin Coe’s Immigration team will be monitoring developments and timelines for implementation carefully and will be sharing updates once further detail becomes available. If you would like to understand how these proposals may impact your business, employees or yourself, please reach out to our Head of Immigration, Sundeep Rathod.

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