White paper outlines tougher visa restrictions, longer settlement periods, and new controls on universities in bid to cut migration
The Government has set out a wide-ranging package of proposed changes to the UK’s immigration system, designed to make it harder to move to and settle in the UK, as part of its pledge to reduce net migration.
In a new white paper published on 12 May 2025, entitled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, ministers propose stricter visa conditions, tougher rules on settlement, and a series of measures affecting international students and their dependants.
Although the white paper does not itself change the law, it signals the Government’s intentions for future policy. Many of the proposed measures can be implemented through amendments to the Immigration Rules, while a few will require parliamentary approval.
The white paper also signals broader changes to how the immigration system balances the right to family life under human rights law against public interest in enforcing immigration controls.
Eight Key Proposals
The document outlines eight major proposals detailed enough to be quantified — with civil servants providing indicative estimates of their likely impact on net migration.
- Shortening the list of eligible jobs: The Government proposes reducing the number of occupations for which employers can sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker visa route. In future, jobs deemed to be only medium-skilled (RQF level 3) will be excluded unless the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends an exemption and the sector is actively trying to recruit UK-based workers.
- Ending the exemption for social care workers: Employers will no longer be allowed to recruit social care workers from overseas under the Skilled Worker visa route, reversing a policy introduced to tackle staff shortages.
- Introducing a levy on international student fees: The Government is exploring the introduction of a levy on income earned by English universities from international student fees. The precise details of the levy will be set out in future legislation.
- Tougher compliance for student visa sponsors: Universities will face stricter requirements to maintain their sponsorship licences for student visas. This will include tighter compliance checks and new obligations to demonstrate that sponsored students are genuine and compliant.
- Reducing Graduate visa length: The standard length of the Graduate visa, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK after graduation, will be reduced from two years to 18 months.
- Stricter English language requirements: Higher English language proficiency standards will be introduced for visa applicants already required to take tests. In addition, partners of people moving to the UK on work visas will be required to meet basic English language standards to qualify for a dependant visa.
- Extending settlement period to 10 years: The standard qualifying period for permanent residence (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain or settlement) will be increased from five years to ten years, although some people will still be able to qualify earlier through an earned settlement route based on their contribution to the UK economy and society.
- Easing entry for highly skilled migrants: In contrast to the other restrictions, the Government plans to make it easier for people to come to the UK via specific visas targeting highly skilled migrants, such as the Global Talent and High Potential Individual routes — the only measure intended to increase migration.
Scope for Wider Reform
Beyond these eight core proposals, the white paper also signals Government action on:
- Establishing a new Labour Market Evidence Group to inform future decisions about skills shortages.
- Reforming the rules for family and dependant visas.
- Reviewing the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life.
- Implementing faster procedures for the deportation of foreign national offenders.
Timing and Consultation
No firm timetable has been set for implementing the changes. The accompanying press release states that measures will be introduced “over the course of this Parliament” (up to 2029), with some changes coming into force in the coming weeks.
The most contentious proposal — extending the settlement qualifying period from five to ten years — will be subject to a consultation later this year. The Government has said the change will not take immediate effect.
Earned Settlement: How Will It Work?
Under the proposed earned settlement model, migrants will normally qualify for settlement after ten years, but those making Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society may qualify earlier.
However, the white paper does not explain how these points would be earned or how much sooner some people might be able to settle. These details will be addressed in the forthcoming consultation.
Impact on Current Visa Categories
Some exemptions are already confirmed:
- Partners of British citizens will continue to qualify for settlement after five years.
- Victims of domestic abuse will also remain eligible for settlement after five years.
- Those with post-Brexit residence rights under the EU Settlement Scheme will retain their right to permanent residence after five years, as guaranteed under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.
The Government has not yet confirmed whether other visa routes with current five-year settlement pathways — such as Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visas — will be included in the new earned settlement scheme.
In a recent Parliamentary answer, 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.”
Impact on Migrants Already in the UK
It remains unclear whether the proposed longer settlement period will apply retroactively to those already on qualifying visa routes or only to future arrivals.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated that this question will be addressed in the forthcoming consultation:
“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.”
However, the technical annex to the white paper suggests the Government does intend the changes to affect at least some people already in the UK, stating that “a number of those currently in the UK are likely to leave due [to] it taking longer to gain settled status.”
Similarly, reports in the BBC and Financial Times, citing government sources, suggest that ministers aim for the new settlement rules to apply to existing migrants, possibly with mitigations for those already close to qualifying.
MPs continue to press the Government on this point, but so far answers have reiterated that it will be resolved through the consultation.
Will MPs Get to Vote?
Most of the proposed changes — particularly adjustments to visa routes and settlement periods — can be implemented via statements of changes to the Immigration Rules, which do not usually require a Parliamentary vote unless either the House of Commons or House of Lords actively objects within 40 days.
Historically, such votes are rare. The Government is under no obligation to make time for a Commons vote, even if MPs table motions of opposition.
However, certain elements of the white paper — notably the proposed levy on international student fees and changes to citizenship rules — will require primary legislation, which must be passed by both Houses of Parliament.
The white paper marks the most ambitious attempt yet by the new Labour Government to bring net migration under control after figures reached record levels under successive Conservative administrations.
The reforms are also intended to ensure that Article 8 rights are interpreted consistently, following mounting public and political concern over human rights challenges blocking deportations of illegal migrants and foreign offenders.
In unveiling the proposals, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“We want an immigration system that works for our economy and society and that earns public trust. That means taking a common-sense approach, ensuring proper controls are in place, and making sure we strike the right balance between openness and control.”
Further details of the proposed reforms — particularly on the earned settlement scheme — are expected to be published for consultation in the coming months.
