At Arlingsworth Solicitors, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of legal and policy developments that impact our clients. The UK Government has recently published a White Paper titled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System: A New Framework for the UK, setting out a major reform of the country’s immigration policy. We’re here to break down what this means, and how it could affect you or your business.

What Is the Government Proposing?

The White Paper, published on 12 May 2025, sets out several key proposals designed to:

  • Reduce net migration
  • Prioritise high-skilled workers
  • Enforce compliance and improve fairness
  • Encourage integration

At the heart of the proposal is a “single, simplified immigration system” that treats all nationalities equally, ending the preference previously given to EU citizens. The focus has shifted firmly to a skills-based system, one that values contribution over origin.

Summary of the Key Proposals

Work Routes

  • Higher Skills Threshold: Skilled Worker visas will now require a minimum of RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree equivalent), replacing the previous A-level threshold (RQF Level 3).
  • Increased Salary Requirements: Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas and their dependents will rise (figures pending).
  • Closure of Overseas Social Care Recruitment: The Health and Care Worker visa will be closed to new overseas applicants, with a transition period until 2028.
  • Abolition of the Immigration Salary List: This will be replaced with a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for roles below RQF Level 6, subject to MAC endorsement and workforce strategies.
  • Dependents’ Restrictions: Those on TSL routes may face limits on bringing family members.
  • Increased Immigration Skills Charge: A 32% rise in this charge aims to encourage domestic recruitment.
  • Refugee Employment Route: Limited access to work routes for UNHCR-recognised refugees is under review.
  • Highly Skilled Migration: Expansions to the High Potential Individual (HPI) route are expected, including more qualifying institutions.

 

Student Routes

  • Graduate Route Shortened: Post-study work rights will reduce from 2 years to 18 months.
  • Stricter Sponsor Compliance: Universities will face tougher rules and a new Red-Amber-Green banding system.
  • Higher Education Levy: A potential levy on tuition fees for international students is under consultation.

 

Family Immigration

  • Policy Revisions Due by End of 2025
  • New English Requirements: Adult dependents will need to meet increasing English levels (from A1 to B2 depending on visa stage).
  • Bereaved Parent Route: Parents who lose a child in the UK will be eligible for immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

 

Settlement & Citizenship

  • Longer Routes to ILR: Most work-based ILR routes will now take 10 years, not 5.
  • Earned Settlement Model: A new route may allow individuals to earn faster settlement based on contributions to UK society.
  • Increased Focus on Integration: A review of the Life in the UK Test and greater emphasis on English fluency is planned.

 

Enforcement & Compliance

  • Fair Work Agency: A new agency will help tackle exploitation and give sponsored workers the right to switch employers in cases of abuse.
  • Stronger Penalties for employer non-compliance.
  • Digital Visa System: A new universal eVisa will provide real-time data for border and compliance enforcement.

What Does This Mean for You?

Whether you’re:

  • An individual planning to move to the UK,
  • A business owner hiring talent from overseas, or
  • A family navigating complex immigration pathways–

This new framework introduces tighter rules, higher thresholds, and more rigorous compliance requirements.

Employers will need to:

  • Reassess recruitment practices
  • Understand sponsor licence obligations
  • Adapt to higher salary and skill requirements

 

Individuals and families will face:

  • New eligibility and language criteria
  • Longer pathways to settlement
  • Fewer low-skilled routes and reduced post-study opportunities

How Arlingsworth Solicitors Can Help

As immigration law becomes increasingly complex, expert guidance is more important than ever. At Arlingsworth Solicitors, our dedicated team is fully equipped to help you navigate these upcoming changes.

The Government’s proposed system is still evolving, with legislation and Immigration Rules updates expected throughout 2025. If you have questions about how the White Paper might affect your status, your business, or your family’s future, don’t hesitate to contact us.