strengthening the lives of vulnerable migrants
10 Important Changes in Immigration Rules
The UK government states that it needs to reform immigration rules in order to:
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reduce net migration,
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discourage irregular migration,
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ensure settlement is based on “contribution,”
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reduce dependence on overseas labour. (GOV.UK)
The overall direction is towards:
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fewer lower-paid work visas,
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tougher settlement rules,
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more restrictive asylum policies,
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and stronger enforcement powers.
Major changes have been proposed and some already introduced into the UK immigration system. The immigration sector notes that the proposed changes:
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create insecurity for refugees,
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make integration harder,
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separate families,
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and increase uncertainty for migrant workers and employers.
Main Changes
1. Standard settlement changing from 5 years to potentially 10 years
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the normal route to settlement/ indefinite leave to remain (ILR) will double from 5 years to 10 years. It is not yet confirmed if there will be transitional protection for people already in the UK. (see section 3.5 of the March 26 Parliamentary Briefing Paper) Migrants can shorten this if they meet higher contribution and other criteria as follows:
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1 year less for migrants with higher English skills at C1 level (an advanced level, similar to that of a degree, whereby the user can function effectively in academic and professional environments)
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5 years less for migrants with taxable income of at least £50,270 a year
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7 years less for migrants with taxable income of at least £125,140 a year
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5 years less for migrants in specified public service occupations (such as those working in education or the NHS, though a list is to be confirmed)
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3 to 5 years less for migrants working in their community, such as through volunteering (details remain unclear)
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The following factors would result in longer waiting periods would also apply (only the largest):
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5 years longer if the applicant has received public funds for less than 12 months
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10 years longer if the applicant has received public funds for more than 12 months
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Up to 20 years longer for people who entered the UK illegally, first arrived on a visitor visa, or overstayed a visa for more than 6 months (up to a maximum total of 30 years)
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This reform is not yet fully implemented, but parts are being prepared now.
2. Refugee status becomes temporary
Previously, recognised refugees normally received 5 years’ leave, then could apply for settlement. Now, refugee permission is being reduced to 30 months (2.5 years) for many new claims from March 2026.
The new system involves repeated reviews of refugee status, less automatic settlement, and potentially much longer routes to permanent residence. The government says this discourages irregular migration and aligns the UK with stricter European systems. Critics argue it creates long-term insecurity and deters employers from investing in refugee employment as their continued presence in the UK is not guaranteed. Even if they allow they to switch to worker visas, the process is not straightforward and has a cost element to it which is another barrier to helping refugees into employment.
3. Skilled Worker visas become much harder to get
The Skilled Worker route has tightened significantly. Key changes include: higher salary thresholds, reduction of eligible occupations, graduate-level skill requirements for many roles, closure of overseas recruitment for care workers.
From July 2025, many medium-skilled jobs stopped qualifying for sponsorship, especially outside shortage occupations. This is part of a policy to reduce reliance on overseas labour.