The Immigration White Paper

Restoring Control over the Immigration System

On Monday, the UK Government published its Immigration White Paper titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System. This sets out its plans to reform immigration policy with the aim of growing the domestic workforce, reducing reliance on overseas labour, and boosting economic growth.

The Government also seeks to align immigration with local skills and training needs, ensuring that industries do not rely solely on foreign workers while restoring public confidence in the immigration system.

Key Changes at a Glance

Work Reforms

• The required skill level for hiring under the Skilled Worker route will revert to RQF Level 6 and above. Salary thresholds will also rise.
• The Immigration Skills Charge will increase for the first time since its introduction in 2017 – by 32%, in line with inflation.

Social Adult Care Visas

• New overseas applications for social care visas will be closed.
• A transitional period will allow visa extensions and in-country switching until 2028 for those already in the UK with working rights, subject to review.

Temporary Shortage List

• A new Temporary Shortage List will permit hiring for lower-skilled jobs (e.g., trades) only where there is a proven shortage and a clear plan to train UK workers.
• Occupations below RQF Level 6 must be listed on the Temporary Shortage List to be eligible for immigration.
• Employers must demonstrate efforts to hire locally and invest in training.

Recognised Refugees & Displaced Persons

• A limited number of UNHCR-recognised refugees and displaced individuals will be eligible to apply for employment through existing Skilled Worker routes, where suitably qualified.
• Simplified routes for the "brightest and best" global talent, including scientists and innovators.

Educational Establishments – Stricter University Rules

• Institutions must meet stricter Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) requirements to sponsor international students. This includes maintaining a minimum course enrolment rate of 95% and a course completion rate of 90%.
• A new Red-Amber-Green banding system will assess BCA performance.
• Interventions will be introduced for underperforming sponsors, including action plans and limits on international student recruitment.
• A review of Short-Term Study accreditation bodies will be conducted to strengthen their assessment processes.
• All sponsors using overseas recruitment agents must sign up to the Agent Quality Framework.

Graduate Visa Route

• Graduate visa holders will be permitted to stay for 18 months (reduced from two years) following their studies.
• A potential levy may be introduced on higher education providers' income from international students, to be reinvested in domestic skills training.

English Language Requirements

• The required level for Skilled Workers and others where applicable will increase from B1 to B2 (CEFR scale).
• A new A1-level English requirement will apply to all adult dependants of Skilled Workers and students, aligned with spousal/partner routes, with future increases expected.
• For visa extensions, applicants must show progression: A2 for intermediate extensions, and B2 for settlement.
• These increases apply across the majority of immigration routes.

Enforcement – Tackling Illegal Work

• Expedited removal of foreign criminals and those who breach visa conditions.
• Roll-out of digital IDs (eVisas) to replace physical permits, enhancing border security and tracking.
• Increased workplace enforcement in high-risk sectors, including gig work, with the use of digital surveillance tools.
• Financial institutions will assist in identifying employers engaged in tax evasion.

Settlement and Citizenship

• For migrants on the Points-Based System, the standard qualifying period for settlement will increase to 10 years.
• Accelerated pathways to settlement and citizenship will be available for those who make significant contributions to the UK’s economy and society.
• Families of British citizens will retain the five-year settlement route.

Bereaved Parent Route

• A new route will allow the parent of a British or settled child who has tragically passed away to settle in the UK immediately.

Children Without Immigration Status

• Children who have grown up in the UK and later discover they have no immigration status will be supported in regularising their stay.
• A clear pathway to settlement will be introduced for children in care and care leavers.

These reforms signal the UK Government’s intent to link immigration policy to domestic skills development, ensuring that no sector becomes dependent on migrant labour alone.

Need Help Navigating These Changes?
Contact our Immigration Team today to arrange a confidential consultation and find out how these reforms may affect you, your business, or your family. 📞 023 9266 0261 📧 info@biscoes-law.co.uk