The UK government will begin enforcing the first phase of immigration reforms from July 22, 2025, as part of its wider policy agenda outlined in the immigration white paper titled “Restoring control over the immigration system”. The measures, aimed at reducing net migration, include a narrower list of sponsor-eligible jobs and a ban on overseas hiring in the care sector.
The white paper, published on May 12, signals the government’s intent to make it more difficult to move to and settle in the UK. Though a white paper does not itself change immigration law, several of its proposals are already being actioned through changes to immigration rules.
What changes will take place from July 22?
Effective tomorrow, the Home Office will implement two key reforms:
These changes form part of a wider policy drive to prioritise domestic labour and reshape immigration pathways.
Other reforms still in pipeline
Additional proposals in the white paper include:
Ten-year wait for settlement under review
A key feature of the white paper is the proposal to extend the qualifying period for permanent residence—known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), from five years to ten. This policy is still under consultation and will not come into force immediately.
The white paper also proposes an “earned settlement” route, which would allow some migrants to qualify earlier if they demonstrate sufficient contribution to the UK economy and society under the points-based system. However, the criteria for this route have yet to be defined.
“We will set out further details of the earned settlement and citizenship reforms later this year, and we will consult on them. There will be plenty of opportunity for people to comment on and consider the detail,” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament.
Who will be affected?
Certain groups are expected to be exempt from the longer settlement timeline:
The government has not clarified whether other routes currently offering a five-year path to ILR—such as the Hong Kong BN(O) visa, will be included. When questioned in Parliament, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship said, “We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year and will provide details of how the scheme will work after that, including which immigration routes it will apply to.”
Will current residents be affected?
Whether the ten-year settlement rule will apply to migrants already on existing routes remains undecided. A technical annex to the white paper suggests it might, “A number of those currently in the UK are likely to leave due [to] it taking longer to gain settled status.”
Parliamentary responses have so far deferred specifics, saying the issue will be addressed during the consultation phase. Nonetheless, media reports indicate that transitional measures may be considered for those nearing eligibility under current rules.
Role of Parliament in the changes
Most of the changes, including adjustments to the visa sponsorship list and English requirements, can be made through statements of changes to immigration rules. These do not require a parliamentary vote and come into effect automatically unless disapproved by motion within 40 days, a rare occurrence.
Only a few proposals, such as the levy on student fees or changes to naturalisation law, will require an Act of Parliament.
What’s next?
With the first round of changes beginning July 22, the UK’s immigration framework is entering a new phase. While many of the most impactful changes, such as the settlement timeline are still pending consultation, the direction of policy is clear: tighter eligibility, increased compliance, and a greater focus on economic contribution.
The white paper, published on May 12, signals the government’s intent to make it more difficult to move to and settle in the UK. Though a white paper does not itself change immigration law, several of its proposals are already being actioned through changes to immigration rules.
What changes will take place from July 22?
Effective tomorrow, the Home Office will implement two key reforms:
- Reduced skilled worker occupation list: Employers will no longer be allowed to sponsor overseas workers for roles classified as medium-skilled (RQF levels 3–5), unless those jobs are granted exceptions by the Migration Advisory Committee. The revised list will apply until the end of 2026.
- End of international recruitment for care workers: Employers will be barred from recruiting care workers from overseas under the Skilled Worker route. Those already sponsored by that date will not be affected.
These changes form part of a wider policy drive to prioritise domestic labour and reshape immigration pathways.
Other reforms still in pipeline
Additional proposals in the white paper include:
- Tighter student visa compliance: Universities will face stricter compliance rules to maintain their licence to sponsor international students.
- Levy on international student fees: The government is exploring a charge on university income from foreign tuition, which would require parliamentary approval.
- Graduate visa shortened: The post-study Graduate visa is set to be reduced from two years to 18 months.
- Stricter English language requirement: The Home Office has announced plans to introduce higher English language standards by year-end, including for dependents of work visa holders.
Ten-year wait for settlement under review
A key feature of the white paper is the proposal to extend the qualifying period for permanent residence—known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), from five years to ten. This policy is still under consultation and will not come into force immediately.
The white paper also proposes an “earned settlement” route, which would allow some migrants to qualify earlier if they demonstrate sufficient contribution to the UK economy and society under the points-based system. However, the criteria for this route have yet to be defined.
“We will set out further details of the earned settlement and citizenship reforms later this year, and we will consult on them. There will be plenty of opportunity for people to comment on and consider the detail,” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament.
Who will be affected?
Certain groups are expected to be exempt from the longer settlement timeline:
- Partners of British citizens
- Victims of domestic abuse
- EU nationals under the Settlement Scheme, who are covered by the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement
The government has not clarified whether other routes currently offering a five-year path to ILR—such as the Hong Kong BN(O) visa, will be included. When questioned in Parliament, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship said, “We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year and will provide details of how the scheme will work after that, including which immigration routes it will apply to.”
Will current residents be affected?
Whether the ten-year settlement rule will apply to migrants already on existing routes remains undecided. A technical annex to the white paper suggests it might, “A number of those currently in the UK are likely to leave due [to] it taking longer to gain settled status.”
Parliamentary responses have so far deferred specifics, saying the issue will be addressed during the consultation phase. Nonetheless, media reports indicate that transitional measures may be considered for those nearing eligibility under current rules.
Role of Parliament in the changes
Most of the changes, including adjustments to the visa sponsorship list and English requirements, can be made through statements of changes to immigration rules. These do not require a parliamentary vote and come into effect automatically unless disapproved by motion within 40 days, a rare occurrence.
Only a few proposals, such as the levy on student fees or changes to naturalisation law, will require an Act of Parliament.
What’s next?
With the first round of changes beginning July 22, the UK’s immigration framework is entering a new phase. While many of the most impactful changes, such as the settlement timeline are still pending consultation, the direction of policy is clear: tighter eligibility, increased compliance, and a greater focus on economic contribution.
You may also like
Man guilty of brutally murdering couple before dumping bodies in suitcases on bridge
Brit teen who fell to death from Ibiza Rocks Hotel identified as ice hockey star
Over 2 lakh women enrolled under LIC's Bima Sakhi Scheme
Holidaymakers urged to clear 1 area of the home before going away
India holds the water advantage despite China's Brahmaputra dam push
