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UK Immigration White Paper 2025:

What the New Rules Mean for You

The UK Government has published its Immigration White Paper 2025, proposing significant changes to the immigration framework. These reforms will affect skilled workers, international students, social care recruitment, settlement pathways, and compliance requirements.

It should be noted that these proposals have not yet been implemented and there are currently no dates specified as to when they will come into effect. However, it is important to understand these developments and prepare accordingly to ensure ongoing compliance with UK immigration laws.

Key Proposed Legal Changes:

Skilled Worker Route

  • To be restricted to graduate-level occupations (RQF Level 6+)
  • Salary threshold to be increased to £38,700
  • Removal of the Immigration Salary List
  • Increase of the Immigration Skills Charge by 32%

Social Care Sector

  • Phasing out of overseas recruitment by 2028
  • Emphasis on domestic workforce through improved pay and working conditions

International Students

  • Reduction of the post-study work visa from 2 years to 18 months
  • Enhanced regulatory and compliance obligations for sponsoring institutions
  • Proposed levies on universities’ overseas income

Settlement and Citizenship

  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) residency requirement to be extended from 5 years to 10 years.
  • Introduction of a new points-based system for settlement and citizenship eligibility.
  • Greater focus on integration, English proficiency, and community contribution.

Compliance and Enforcement

  • Streamlined visa revocations, including for minor infractions
  • Financial penalties for sponsors when visa holders breach immigration rules
  • Proposed digital identity verification system for foreign nationals

What This Means from a Legal Perspective:

These reforms mark a tightening of immigration controls, increasing the evidentiary and financial burdens on employers, educational institutions, and applicants. It is critical for all stakeholders to keep a close eye on their current immigration practices and the progress of the White Paper proposals to ensure that they remain compliant with the expected changes when they come into effect.

Failure to comply with the stricter regulations may lead to penalties, visa refusals, or revocations.

How We Can Assist:

Once these proposals come into effect, our experienced immigration solicitors will be on hand to provide:

  • Detailed guidance on navigating the new Skilled Worker visa requirements

  • Support with compliance and auditing of sponsorship duties

  • Advice for educational institutions regarding increased regulatory obligations

  • Assistance with settlement applications under the new points-based system

  • Representation in case of enforcement actions or visa challenges

LEARN MORE

If you require tailored advice or have specific questions about how these changes may affect you or your organisation, please contact our team to arrange a detailed consultation.

At Portway Solicitors, we work with you, for you.

Call Us: 0207 476 5500

info@portwaysolicitors.com

https://portwaysolicitors.com

May 28, 2025 Immigration, Newsletter, Updates

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