Great Britain Key Changes in Immigration & Citizenship Rules
1. Higher Skill Threshold for Skilled Worker Visas
●Minimum required skill level raised from RQF Level 3 (A‑level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree equivalent) for new applicants.
●Corresponding minimum salary threshold will also increase, likely targeting roles at or above £38,700 and higher depending on occupation.
●Grandfathering applied: current visa holders (under old rules) can renew or change jobs without meeting the new thresholds.
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2. Introduction of a Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
●Replaces the previous Immigration Salary List with the TSL, targeting in‑demand roles at RQF 3–5 under sectors critical to industrial strategy or infrastructure.
●Sponsored workers under TSL may face caps and limitations on bringing dependants.
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3. Graduate Route and Work Transition
●Post-study work visa validity reduced from 2 years to 18 months for most graduates
●Graduates must progress more quickly into Skilled Worker roles to secure long-term status
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4. Stricter Language Requirements
●English level for Skilled Workers raised from B1 to B2 (CEFR)
●Dependants must meet progressive English levels: A1 at first, A2 for extension, B2 for settlement
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5. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): From 5 to 10 Years
●Standard ILR pathway extended to 10 years for new migrants in the points-based system
●“Earned settlement” mechanism will allow high contributors (e.g., high earners, skilled individuals) to apply for early settlement—details pending
●Exemptions: Spouses of British citizens (Appendix FM) and specific groups like SIV holders will retain the 5‑year timeline
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6. Citizenship Rules Also Tightened
●Like ILR, the citizenship qualifying period will increase, with earlier eligibility possible for high contributors
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7. Removal of Social Care Route & Increased Employer Fees
●Sponsorship for adult social care workers will close to new applicants (current workers can extend until 2028) .
●The Immigration Skills Charge (employer fee) will increase by about 32%, targeting inflation since 2017
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🗣️ What’s Driving These Changes?
●Rising net migration (~1M/year) and efforts to tighten border control .
●Aiming to balance attracting top talent while reducing reliance on low-skilled migration .
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🔍 Current Status & Next Steps
●These are proposed changes; many require consultations or legislative steps
●Some reforms (like language checks and student visa compliance) are expected “in the coming weeks”; broader changes will roll out through 2025–2026 .
●Major uncertainty: whether longer ILR timelines apply retroactively to current migrants—likely decided during consultation.
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✅ Advice for Prospective Migrants & Employers
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Stakeholder
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Key Action Items
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New Visa Applicants
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Ensure job meets RQF 6/salary criteria or is on TSL; improve English to B2.
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Current Visa Holders
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Strengthen case before ILR: aim for promotion, salary growth, or “high contributor” status.
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Graduating Students
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Accelerate transition into Skilled Worker roles within 18 months post-graduation.
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Employers
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Review sponsorship roles; consider TSL; prepare for higher charges; ensure language compliances.
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🗣️ Cautious Optimism
●Some changes, such as the English level increases and ILR lengthening, are likely for new applications only—but this is not concrete yet
●If you’re already in the UK under the old rules, stay updated; transitional protections may be proposed during the consultation period later in 2025.
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Bottom line: These reforms represent a major shift toward a more selective, higher-skilled immigration system. If you’re planning to come to or remain in the UK, act swiftly—lock in Skilled Worker roles now, improve key metrics like salary and language, and monitor consultations closely.
Where to Find Skill Shortage Jobs in 2025?
Despite tougher rules, many UK employers still need international talent. Check out these trusted platforms:
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