UK introduces stricter immigration rules: Key changes explained

The UK government has announced sweeping reforms to its immigration system, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign labour while tightening control over visa pathways for workers, students and families.

Outlined in a new white paper, the Home Office confirmed that the qualifying period for both settlement and citizenship will be extended to ten years.

Officials said the reforms are designed to ensure migrants contribute meaningfully to British society before gaining long-term residency rights.

The white paper outlines stricter measures to address immigration abuse, including tougher asylum rules with heightened scrutiny of claims from countries where conditions remain unchanged.

Sponsors found misusing the system will face penalties, and efforts will be made to secure greater cooperation from foreign governments in upholding the UK’s immigration standards.

The Home Office also plans to reform deportation policies, aiming to remove all foreign nationals convicted of crimes, regardless of whether they received prison sentences.

Special attention will be given to offences involving violence against women and girls, with deportation criteria under review.

Additionally, the government intends to expand English language requirements across more visa categories, including for dependants, to promote stronger integration into British society.

A key change includes raising the skills threshold for work visas back to RQF Level 6, the equivalent of graduate-level qualifications.

The immigration salary list, which previously allowed lower salary thresholds in shortage roles, will be abolished.

To curb what it calls over-reliance on international hiring, the government will restrict access to the points-based system to a “Temporary Shortage List” of occupations.

Employers seeking to sponsor visas will need an approved workforce strategy, backed by data from a new Labour Market Evidence Group.

The recruitment of overseas workers into adult social care will also be phased out. New applications under the care visa route will end, with in-country visa extensions allowed until 2028.

The government cited concerns of exploitation and wage suppression in the sector.

International student policy will also tighten.

The post-study work period will be cut to 18 months from two years, and educational institutions with compliance issues will face restrictions on enrolling new students.

In family migration, proposed legislation will aim to simplify rules and address delays caused by legal challenges based on the right to family life.

The paper includes additional provisions to enforce immigration laws more effectively.

These include stronger deportation mechanisms for foreign national offenders and penalties for sponsors misusing the system.

English language requirements will be expanded to more visa categories, including dependants, in a move to support integration.

The government said the measures reflect a broader effort to create a fair, controlled system that supports economic growth without overburdening public services.