Upcoming UK Immigration Policy Changes – 2025 White Paper Overview
In May 2025, the UK Government published its White Paper titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” outlining a wide range of proposed reforms to work, study, family, and settlement visa routes. These changes reflect the Government’s intention to reduce overall migration, tighten eligibility criteria, and promote domestic training and integration.
It’s important to understand that these reforms are proposals – they have not yet been implemented. Many of them will be subject to further consultation, legislative changes, and transition periods before becoming law. As such, applicants still have the opportunity to benefit from the current immigration rules, particularly if they apply before the proposed changes take effect.
At Farani Taylor Solicitors, we are closely monitoring the progression of these reforms and will continue to update our clients as policies are finalised. Whether you are an individual planning to apply for a visa or a business preparing for sponsor licence obligations, now is a critical time to act. Applying under the current system may offer more flexibility and reduced financial or evidential burdens than waiting until the new framework is in place.
This blog series aims to break down each proposed change by category, explain its potential impact, and advise on how to prepare. If you’re unsure how these future changes might affect you, our team is here to provide expert legal advice tailored to your situation.
1. Skilled Worker Visa and Labour Market Reforms
Skilled Worker visa changes are on the horizon. The White Paper raises the bar for work visas to prioritise higher-skilled roles and reduce reliance on overseas labour. If you employ foreign workers or plan to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, here’s what you need to know:
Key Changes to the Skilled Worker Route
- Higher Skill Threshold: Only graduate-level jobs (RQF Level 6 and above) will qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship, up from the current A-level (RQF 3) minimum. This means around 180 occupations (including many care, hospitality, and other mid-skill roles) will no longer be eligible for work visas. Skilled really means skilled under the new rules.
- Increased Salary Requirements: Salary thresholds will rise accordingly to reflect the higher skill level. While exact figures are pending, expect that jobs will need to pay more to meet visa criteria. If you’re close to qualifying now, it may be wise to apply before these increases take effect.
- English Language Upgraded: Applicants will need a B2 (upper-intermediate) level of English, up from the current B1 requirement. Preparing for a higher language test (like IELTS) is crucial so you can still qualify under the new standard.
- Abolishing the “Immigration Salary List”: The current system of lower salary minima for shortage roles will end. Instead, a strict Temporary Shortage List (TSL) will allow limited exceptions for certain jobs below RQF6, but only with endorsement by the Migration Advisory Committee and sector-specific plans to train UK workers. Even then, dependents of workers on the TSL may face visa restrictions.
- Workforce Strategies for Employers: Sectors heavily reliant on foreign staff must develop “workforce plans” to invest in domestic recruitment and training. A new Labour Market Evidence Group will help decide when immigration is truly needed vs when to recruit locally. Employers not committed to upskilling UK workers could even face limits on sponsoring visas.
How These Changes Affect You
For employers, the message is clear: start planning now. If your business sponsors workers in roles below graduate level, you may need to refocus on hiring and training UK residents. Visa sponsorship costs will also rise, as the government is increasing the Immigration Skills Charge by 32% (from £1,000 to £1,320 per worker per year for large sponsors) – a significant jump in overheads for bringing talent from abroad. Ensuring compliance with the new rules and justifying any overseas hires will be vital.
For prospective Skilled Worker visa applicants, higher hurdles are coming. If you have a job offer in the UK that currently qualifies at RQF 3–5, you might lose your window of opportunity once the rules tighten. Similarly, if your English could use improvement, now is the time to boost your skills. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible under the current criteria, or explore whether you qualify for other routes that might not be as affected.
Despite the stricter stance, the UK still values talent. High-skilled professionals remain welcome – in fact, other proposals aim to attract top global talent (more on that in a later post). The goal is to strike a balance between economic growth and training the local workforce.
How Farani Taylor Solicitors Can Help
At Farani Taylor Solicitors, we understand that these changes may feel unsettling. Our friendly team of UK immigration lawyers can guide employers through the development of compliant workforce strategies and advise on maintaining your sponsor licence under tougher rules. If you’re an individual worried about your work visa plans, we offer Skilled Worker visa help – from assessing your eligibility under current and future rules to improving your application for success.
Unsure how the new Skilled Worker reforms might impact you or your business? Contact Farani Taylor for proactive immigration support. We’ll help you seize opportunities before rules change or find alternative solutions so you can still achieve your UK career goals despite the reforms.
This article is prepared by Sajjad Hussain, Solicitor in our Immigration Department. Feel free to contact him at +44 207 242 1666.