UK immigration white paper 2025: What new rules mean for visas and settlement; Impact on Indians

The UK government had published its immigration white paper earlier this year, titled Restoring control over the immigration system, outlining proposals to tighten entry and settlement rules. The document aimed to reduce net migration, though a white paper alone does not change law or existing immigration rules.

Some proposals have been implemented since May, while many are pending.

The white paper covers both high-level principles and specific policy changes. Eight key proposals quantified the impact on net migration:

• Shortening the list of jobs eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, medium-skilled roles (RQF levels 3–5) would require explicit exemptions.

• Ending the exemption for social care workers, and stopping overseas recruitment.

• Exploring a levy on international student fees for English universities.

• Introducing tougher compliance rules for universities to maintain student visa sponsorship.

• Reducing the Graduate visa length from two years to 18 months.

• Raising English language standards for visa holders and their dependants.

• Increasing the standard qualifying period for permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) from five to ten years, with some eligible for earlier settlement based on points.

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• Easing access to visas for highly skilled migrants, such as Global Talent and High Potential routes.

Most changes will require adjustments to immigration rules rather than parliamentary approval, except for the student fee levy.

Timeline and Implementation

Some proposals have already taken effect:

• 22 July 2025: Revised Skilled Worker visa list implemented. Medium-skilled jobs in sectors such as transport, dentistry, and prisons are affected.

• 22 July 2025: Overseas recruitment of social care workers ended.

• English language standard changes, immigration skills charge increases, and a new framework for family visas are expected by the end of 2025.

Graduate visa and transition impacts

The Graduate visa allows former international students to work in the UK without sponsorship for two or three years. Many holders anticipated moving to a Skilled Worker visa with the same employer. However, if their occupation is no longer on the Skilled Worker list, they cannot transition, impacting medium-skilled sectors.

Indefinite leave to remain: What changes for permanent residency

The standard qualifying period will rise to ten years under the proposed “earned settlement” rules. Factors for earlier eligibility include:

• Employment and National Insurance contributions

• Not claiming public benefits

• Proficiency in English

• Clean criminal record

• Community contributions

Partners of British citizens, domestic abuse survivors, and certain post-Brexit residents remain exempt, maintaining the five-year pathway.

For current residents, the government has indicated consultations will explore adjustments to avoid overly strict changes for those already in the UK.