New immigration white paper signals sweeping reforms to UK immigration system

Today marks a pivotal moment for UK immigration policy as the government unveiled its long-anticipated white paper titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System. The 82-page blueprint, released by the Home Office and the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, sets out a raft of significant changes designed to reduce net migration, strengthen border controls and reorient immigration towards highly skilled individuals who contribute directly to the UK’s economic growth.

A new direction: skills, contribution and control

The white paper outlines an ambitious plan to reverse what the government calls a “failed system” that saw net migration quadruple between 2019 and 2023. A central pillar of the reforms is a renewed focus on high-skilled migration. Should the proposed be introduced, eligibility for the Skilled Worker route will require qualifications at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or higher. Accompanying this, salary thresholds are set to rise, and the existing Immigration Salary List, which previously allowed salary discounts, will be abolished.

The government also plans to restrict the points-based system to only those occupations facing long-term shortages, and where employers can demonstrate that they are actively training and recruiting from the domestic workforce.

Major impact on key sectors: social care, study and family routes

In a particularly contentious move, the government has announced it will end overseas recruitment for social care visas. While transitional arrangements will remain in place until 2028 for those already in the UK, new applications from abroad will no longer be accepted.

The education sector will be subject to tighter scrutiny. International students will face stricter compliance measures, with sponsoring institutions required to meet more rigorous standards. Moreover, the post-study work period under the Graduate Route will be reduced to 18 months – a significant shift from the current two-year allowance.

Family and private life immigration policies will be simplified, with new legislation intended to clarify when the right to remain applies. The government aims to reduce the number of cases treated as “exceptional” under Article 8, especially those used to delay or prevent deportation.

Incentivising talent and tackling abuse

Despite the overall tightening of immigration routes, the white paper reaffirms the UK’s commitment to attracting top global talent. The government will increase places under the Global Talent visa and make improvements to the Innovator Founder and High Potential Individual routes. There will also be expanded pathways for research interns and professionals in strategic industries.

To address concerns about abuse of the immigration system, new enforcement measures will be introduced. These include tighter visa restrictions, financial penalties for non-compliant sponsors, and reforms to the asylum and deportation frameworks, particularly for foreign national offenders and repeat asylum claimants.

Changes to settlement and citizenship

One of the most notable long-term changes is the doubling of the standard residency requirement for settlement from 5 to 10 years. Additionally, settlement and citizenship eligibility will become points-based, reflecting individual contribution to UK society and economy. Further details are expected later this year.

What happens next?

This white paper forms part of the government’s broader plan for change, with initial reforms expected to be implemented in the coming weeks. More detailed proposals on asylum and border security will follow this summer.

As these sweeping reforms take shape, individuals and employers alike are urged to review their immigration strategies and prepare for a significantly changed landscape.

Updated: 12 May 2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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