Legal Update: UK Immigration rule changes

The UK government published a new white paper on the 12th May 2025 setting out its plans to tighten existing immigration rules. The new measures will spell the end of settlement and citizenship on the basis of five years’ residency, instead doubling the requirement to 10 years, as well as tightening up qualification and language requirements. The purpose, the government says, is to reduce net migration, enhance integration and enforce greater compliance with visa rules and regulations. While these proposals are not yet law, they are likely to shape the future of UK immigration in the coming years and months.

Key proposed changes in the White Paper

1. Permanent Residency (PR) Eligibility Period Extended

One of the most significant proposed changes is the extension of the qualifying period for Permanent Residency (PR) from 5 years to 10 years. This will primarily impact applicants on work and other points-based visas that currently permit PR applications after five years.

However, in a move to reward economic contribution, the government is also proposing shorter PR eligibility periods for individuals who demonstrate consistent personal income and tax compliance.

2. Stricter Requirements for Skilled Worker Visas

- Skilled workers will now have to have a RQF level 6 (at least a bachelor’s degree) opposed to the RQF 3 level (A-levels) previously. Roles below that such as care, hospitality and retail will no longer automatically lead to settlement. Skilled worker visas for levels RQF3-5 will still be issued but only on a time-limited basis, if there has been deemed a shortage of domestic staff.

- Skilled workers will now have to show that they earn a salary at a full going rate or above. The immigration salary list, which gives people discounted salary thresholds will be abolished. With the new higher education threshold, this means that the skilled worker visa salary threshold will rise. Companies sponsoring foreign workers may also see an increase in immigration skill charges when sponsoring new skilled workers.

- The English proficiency threshold has been elevated from B1 to B2, with new requirements to show progression in English proficiency over time if they apply for visa extension or settlement. This means that all dependants coming with skilled workers will need to show basic English skills to demonstrate progression further down the line towards a B2 level.

- Restrictions on Dependents: Certain job roles will no longer allow dependents to accompany the primary applicant, introducing new considerations for family planning.

3. New Language Requirements for Adult Dependents

Current rules do not require English proficiency for adult dependents of visa holders. The new proposal introduces a progressive system:

• Initial Visa Application: Dependents must demonstrate A1 (basic) English proficiency.

• Renewals: English proficiency must progress to A2 (elementary).

• PR Application: Dependents will need to reach B2 (intermediate) level proficiency.

This aims to ensure that all long-term residents are on a pathway toward greater integration.

4. Graduate Visa Duration Shortened and stricter adherence to visa requirements
- The post-study work period has been decreased from 2 years to 18 months.
- Regulations will be made tighter on sponsoring institutions to ensure adherence to visa requirements. The basic compliance assessment for sponsoring institutions will have tougher targets for the percentage of visas granted and the proportion of students who enrol and then complete their course.

5. Stricter Scrutiny for Human Rights-Based Visas

Applications based on family and other human rights grounds will undergo more rigorous assessments, with the government aiming to limit perceived misuse of these routes.

Timeline and Implementation

It’s important to note that this white paper is still in the proposal stage. To become law, it must pass through:

1. House of Commons

2. House of Lords

3. Royal Assent

If approved, implementation is expected to take at least six months. While current visa holders are unlikely to be affected immediately, new English language requirements for PR may still apply.

Our recommendation

If you’re planning to apply for a UK visa or for permanent residency, we strongly advise submitting your application as early as possible to avoid being impacted by these changes. Staying ahead of proposed legislation can help secure your status under current rules.

For tailored legal advice and support with your immigration application, please contact Martinsons Legal via our website portal, phone, or email us at enquiries@martinsonslegal.co.uk.



白皮书建议修改的主要内容： 计划申请永久居留资格由5年延长到10年。预计工签和其他原本5年可以申请永久居留的计分制类别签证将会受到影响。然而政府计划就申请人的个人收入及报税情况缩短申请永久居留资格的期限。 技术劳工签证（Skilled Worker）要求再提高， 要求学历至少本科（RQF6级别）或以上，取代了现有的A-Level 要求，部分优先或短缺行业的职业除外。建议就语言及工资要求再提升。现条例对于工签语言要求为英文B1 将会在新政后提升到英文B2，而工资要求也将相对有所提升，但是目前并没有具体提升数目。部分职业将不允许带同家属入境。 计分制条例下成年陪伴家属申请时新设语言要求： 现政策对于计分制签证成年陪伴家属在依附主申请人首次签证或续期时并没有英文要求。 新政推向后将需要配偶或成年家属在首次申请就要达到英文A1基础水平。 申请续期的时候要求达到英文A2基础水平， 并在申请永居时达到英文B2要求。 毕业生签证（Graduate Visa）居留最长时限由24个月缩短为最长18个月。 对于人权类别签证，尤其家庭人权类别的居留申请审理会更加严格。 注意，今天发布的移民白皮书就新政的提议，白皮书要成为法例，需要经过是，下议院，上议院，国王签字等程序，预估最快也要6个月的时间才能真正实行 。 目前我们认为新法律对现有已经获得签证的人士不会有影响，但是不排除会提高申请永居时的英文要求。 我们建议有意向在近期内办理签证申请的人士，应尽早申请。