The Government’s recent immigration white paper outlines wide-reaching proposed changes to the UK's immigration framework, aiming to reduce net migration and migrant workforce exploitation. The proposals impact every major visa route, including work, study, family, and settlement. While implementation timelines are phased and dependent on rule changes and new legislation, organisations must prepare for a more regulated, compliance-focused, and training-aligned immigration system.

Below, we outline the key policy measures employers should be aware of, and provide details of our forthcoming webinar so that you can find out more.  You can also read Make UK CEO Stephen Phipson CBE's reaction to the white paper here.

Key policy measures

The following changes will be made to skilled worker visas:

  • Salary thresholds are expected to increase.
  • Skilled worker sponsorship will be restricted to graduate-level roles.  Skill level is currently set at RQF3+ (A-level) roles and this will be increased to RQF6+ (degree level) roles (as it was before 2020). The skill level is determined by the most appropriate Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for the specific role and a number of manufacturing sector roles are likely to no longer meet the higher level (for example welding trades or skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors).
  • Immigration Salary List will be replaced by a new Temporary Shortage List providing time-limited access to roles which do not meet the new graduate skill level and are in shortage in the UK (where the Migration Advisory Committee has advised that it is justified for them to be included). Organisations will also need to evidence that sector-specific workforce plans have been put in place to reduce their reliance on immigration in their recruitment plans.
  • A Labour Market Evidence Group will be established, with responsibility for recommending where workforce strategies should be implemented.

In addition, the following measures are planned:

The Graduate Route permission available to Student visa holders who have successfully completed their course will be reduced to 18 months in total (instead of the current 24 months).

English language requirements are expected to be raised across immigration routes and introduced for adult family dependants.

The High Potential Individual route will be broadened to cover twice as many qualifying institutions, and expansion of the UK Expansion Worker and Innovator Founder routes are also expected.

The Immigration Skills Charge, which must be borne by employers and can never be passed on to migrants, is set to rise by 32%, and will be used to fund skills development in priority sectors.

The qualifying period to apply for settlement (otherwise known as ‘indefinite leave to remain in the UK’) will be extended from 5 years to 10 years for most visa categories, with a “fast track” pathway for high-contributing individuals (yet to be defined). The Government will consult on these changes later this year, including whether the changes will apply retrospectively.

The Life in the UK Test will be reviewed.

Join our webinar

Thank you to Fragomen for providing this overview. Please join us on 22 July 2025 at our immigration webinar delivered in conjunction with Fragomen which will look at an employer’s obligations in relation to right to work checks and will also cover the proposals contained in the white paper. Click here for further details and to book a place.