The UK government is planning major changes to immigration, visa and settlement rules and many migrants are understandably anxious. A new White Paper published on 12 May 2025 called ‘Restoring control over the immigration system’ outlines proposals it more difficult to move to and settle in the UK. This is part of the government’s broader goal to reduce net migration.

At the same time, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is calling for even more extreme changes, including the abolition of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

This has caused increasing panic amongst those presently in the UK on limited leave.

At Sincere Immigration, we understand how overwhelming this can feel. That’s why we’ve broken down:

• What the proposals say
• What’s happening now
• What you can do to protect your future

First and foremost – The White Paper outlines a plan only. These changes are not yet law, and most will not take effect until they are implemented through legislation or immigration rule updates. So, there’s time to prepare and act wisely.

Let’s understand some of key changes proposed in the White Paper:

1. Fewer jobs eligible for Skilled Worker visas
   • Some medium-skilled jobs (like those in health, transport, or care) may no longer qualify unless there’s a proven need.
2. No more hiring social care workers from abroad
   • Care homes and similar employers can’t bring in foreign workers for these roles anymore from outside the UK, however they can continue to sponsor existing care workers inside the UK and even those switching from an alternative visa routes – note that there are specific qualifying criteria from those switching to care worker or switching employer.
3. Shorter Graduate visa
   • Students can currently stay 2–3 years after studying. This will be cut down to 18 months.
4. Tougher English language requirements
   • Higher standards for tests. Also, unlike before partners of visa holders will also need to meet an English language requirement and must speak basic English.
5. Increasing the 5 year route to permanent residence to 10 years
   • The usual wait will increase from 5 years to 10 years, unless you meet special “points-based” criteria known as ‘earned settlement’. Details of which routes this will affect is still to be finalised, however the White Paper has confirmed that spouses of British Citizens, Victims of Domestic Violence and those with pre-settled status under the UE Settlement Scheme, will continue to remain on the 5 years route to settlement provided they meet the relevant criteria.

So what’s the “earned settlement” idea?

You may qualify earlier than 10 years if you:

• Work and pay taxes
• Don’t claim benefits
• Speak good English
• Have no criminal record
• Contribute to the community

Exact rules and points system haven’t been published yet.

So, When are these changes happening?

• There is no fixed timeline, however some changes have already started in July 2025 such as:
  • Job list for Skilled Worker visas was shortened.
  • Recruitment of care workers from abroad ended.
• Other changes (like stricter English rules) may be enforced as by the end of 2025.
• In relation to increased ILR threshold, we are still waiting on further details for the 10-year residence rule — a public consultation is planned.

You may also be aware that Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has recently proposed a number of changes to immigration policy. Please note that these are currently only proposals and not law. The key points can be summarised as follows:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain to be abolished – making British citizenship the only means of permanent residence.
• Current ILR holders would be affected: They would lose their current ILR status and must meet new immigration rules.
• Five-year renewable visa: Immigrants would need to reapply every five years to live and work in the UK.
• Stricter criteria: New rules would include higher salary thresholds and better English language standards (details still unspecified).
• No benefits access: Only British citizens could claim benefits. At present certain visa holders such as ILR visa holders, or some limited leave to remain visa holders are permitted access to public funds. In this proposal all visa holders would be excluded.
• Visa compliance enforced: Those who don’t meet the conditions would be forced to leave the UK.
• Exemptions: People from Hong Kong, Ukraine, and EU citizens with settled status would not be affected.
• Citizenship changes: The wait time for citizenship would rise from six (5 years residence plus 1 year post ILR) to seven years, and applicants would have to renounce any other citizenships.

Considering the possibility of a more restrictive approach to immigration in future, it is advisable not to delay your settlement or citizenship applications if you are already eligible. At Sincere Immigration, we can review your immigration history and assess your earliest eligibility date for settlement or citizenship, helping you submit your application without unnecessary delay.

Contact us to book your free 30 minute consultation.

SINCERE IMMIGRATION