How Will the UK’s New Immigration Rules Impact Students and Workers?
uks-new-immigration-rules-2025

UK’s New Immigration Rules Impact Students and Workers? Explained

The UK government has announced sweeping immigration reforms in 2025 under its latest white paper titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System”. These changes significantly impact both international students and skilled workers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what these new regulations mean.

Major UK’s New Immigration Rules for International Students

Reduced Post-Study Work Visa Duration:
The Graduate Route post-study work visa period will decrease from two years to 18 months for undergraduate and master’s graduates. This aims to balance international student opportunities while encouraging swift integration into the UK’s skilled workforce.

Stricter Institutional Compliance:
Educational institutions sponsoring international students now face higher accountability. The required enrolment rate is 95%, and the course completion rate must reach 90%. Institutions failing these standards risk losing their sponsorship license.

Increased English Language Requirements for Dependents:
Adult dependents of students must now satisfy tougher English proficiency levels. Initially set at level A1, proficiency requirements increase progressively with visa extensions and settlement applications, ensuring better integration into the community.

Key Changes for Skilled Workers

Increased Skill and Salary Thresholds:
The minimum skill requirement for Skilled Worker Visas has been raised to RQF Level 6 (degree-level). Salary thresholds have also increased significantly, with the removal of previous salary discounts for occupations listed under shortages.

Longer Wait for Settlement:
The eligibility period for settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), has doubled from five to ten years for most skilled worker routes. This substantial shift aims to encourage longer-term integration and economic contributions.

Social Care Visa Route Closed:
The Adult Social Care visa route will close to new overseas applicants. However, individuals already in the UK on this visa may continue to extend their stay or switch to another eligible visa type until 2028.

Broader Implications and Goals

These immigration reforms directly respond to record-high net migration, which surged to 906,000 in 2023, from 224,000 in 2019. By implementing these changes, the government emphasizes attracting highly skilled individuals while decreasing reliance on foreign labor.

The overarching goal is clear—reduce net migration, incentivize domestic workforce training, and create a more selective immigration system centered on attracting “the brightest and best.”

Need Expert Advice on UK’s new Immigration rules?

If you’re a student or professional impacted by these immigration rule changes, Solution Visas is here to help.

Get Your Free Evaluation Now:
https://solutionvisas.com/free-evaluation/

Contact Us:

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Let our immigration experts guide you through these complex reforms seamlessly.

UK's new immigration rules 2025

UK immigration rules 2025