The UK government has announced a major update to its immigration system. These changes are part of a new immigration plan called Restoring Control over the Immigration System. The goal is to reduce the number of people coming to the UK, make sure the system works better, and give more priority to people with high skills who can help grow the UK economy.
Focusing on Skilled Workers
One of the main changes is that people who want to come to the UK for work will need higher qualifications. The government will raise the skill level required for most jobs to graduate level (RQF Level 6) and increase the minimum salary needed. Also, the “Immigration Salary List” (which allowed lower salaries in some jobs) will be removed.
Only jobs that have had long-term staff shortages will be allowed to hire workers from abroad—and only if the employer shows they are also trying to hire and train local workers.
Encouraging Employers to Train UK Workers
To reduce the UK’s dependency on foreign workers, businesses will need to invest more in training British workers. A new team will be created to study job market trends and decide where foreign workers might still be needed.
Changes in Specific Areas
Adult Social Care:
Hiring care workers from overseas will no longer be allowed for new applicants. People who are already in the UK on a care worker visa can extend it or switch to another visa until 2028, while a new care workforce plan is put into place.
Education and Student Visas:
Universities and colleges will face stricter rules when accepting international students. If a school is not following the rules properly, it will be put on a plan to improve and may be limited in how many new students it can sponsor. Also, international graduates will only be allowed to stay in the UK for 18 months after finishing their studies.
Family Visas:
The government wants to make family and private life visa rules easier to understand. New laws will clarify that it’s up to the UK government—not the courts—to decide who can stay in the country. This is to prevent people from using legal loopholes to avoid deportation.
Supporting the UK Economy with Top Talent
While making immigration stricter overall, the UK still wants to attract highly talented people. The government will improve visa options for top scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Changes to existing visa routes like the Global Talent visa, Innovator Founder visa, and High Potential Individual route will make it easier for the best minds to come and help grow the UK’s most important industries.
Fighting Abuse of the Immigration System
The government is taking steps to stop people from misusing the system. This includes rejecting asylum claims from people whose home countries haven’t changed in ways that would put them at risk. Sponsors (like employers and schools) will also face stricter rules—and possibly fines—if they allow abuse of the system.
There will also be tougher rules to make sure other countries cooperate when the UK tries to send people back to their home country.
Dealing with Foreign Criminals
The government wants to deport more foreign nationals who break UK laws. This includes not just those who go to prison, but also those convicted of serious crimes. New rules will make it easier to remove people who pose a risk to public safety, especially in cases of violence against women and girls.
Stronger English Skills and New Settlement Rules
More visa categories will now require good English skills from both applicants and their family members. The government also plans to increase the time people must live in the UK before applying for settlement—from 5 years to 10 years. A new points-based system will reward those who make positive contributions to the UK when applying for permanent residency or citizenship.
What Happens Next?
These immigration changes will be introduced gradually over the next few years. Some will start soon, and others will come later. The government also plans to share more details about border security and asylum rules later this summer.
