UK Immigration Laws to Make it Harder for Immigrants to Migrate and Settle in the UK

The UK government has released a policy document proposing measures to curb immigration, making it more difficult for immigrants to migrate and settle in the UK. The new laws, which will go into effect soon, aim to reduce the net migration rate, which hit a record high of +906,000 in June 2023. The proposed changes include shortening the list of jobs eligible for skilled worker visas, ending international recruitment for care workers, and introducing a levy on universities that receive income from international students. These changes are expected to make it harder for international students to study in the UK and for workers to stay in the country after completing their studies.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK government's proposed measures aim to reduce the net migration rate by making it harder for immigrants to migrate and settle in the UK.
• The list of jobs eligible for skilled worker visas will be shortened, with only high-skilled jobs assessed as being RQF level 4 or above remaining on the list.
• International recruitment for care workers will end, and UK employers will no longer be allowed to recruit them from abroad.
• A levy will be introduced on universities that receive income from international students, expected to increase the cost of studying in the UK.
• The standard length of the Graduate visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months.
• Stricter English language requirements will be introduced for international students and workers entering the country for study, work, and settlement.
• The qualifying period for permanent residence will be increased from five to ten years, with some people qualifying sooner based on criteria yet to be decided.
• The Talent Visa will be made easier to access, allowing more highly skilled migrants to come to the UK.
• The Student visa sponsorship system will be subject to tougher compliance rules.
• The new rules aim to encourage individuals to enhance their English language skills over time as they continue their residence in the country.

Statistics:

• Net migration in the UK hit a record high of +906,000 in June 2023.
• The net migration rate quadrupled from its level of 224,000 in June 2019.
• The maximum fee for a standard full-time undergraduate course in the 2025/26 academic year was increased by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.
• The proposed levy on universities is expected to be passed on to foreign students, making the cost of studying in the UK costlier than before.

Sources:

• "Restoring control over the immigration system" policy document, released on May 12, 2025, by the UK government.
• Contify.com.