What to know about the new UK immigration reform

The UK's new immigration reforms, unveiled on May 12, 2025, will significantly impact foreign residents currently living in the country. 

These changes, detailed in the government’s white paper titled "Restoring Control over the Immigration System," aim to reduce net migration and shift the focus towards high-skilled workers.

Key Changes Affecting Foreign Residents

1. Extended Residency Requirement for Citizenship

The standard period required to attain permanent residency has been doubled from five to ten years. Additionally, migrants must now demonstrate their contributions to society—such as consistent tax payments, community service, or employment in public sector or high-skilled jobs—to qualify more quickly for residency under a new, contributions-based model.

2. Stricter English Language Requirements

Migrants seeking permanent residency will need to meet higher English language proficiency standards, aiming to enhance integration and communication skills among long-term residents. 

3. Changes to Work Visas

The skilled worker visa threshold has been raised to degree-level qualifications, and the Immigration Salary List has been eliminated. Recruitment of international workers in adult social care has been paused, and a new Labour Market Evidence Group will assess labour demands. 

4. Reduced Post-Study Work Opportunities

For international students, the post-study visa duration has been reduced from two years to 18 months, with stricter compliance measures imposed on sponsoring institutions. 

5. Tougher Deportation Policies

Deportation policies have been toughened, allowing removal of individuals convicted of even minor offences. Asylum policies will be stricter, and the citizenship process will now span 10 years instead of five, with a points-based model in development.

6. Digital Immigration System

The UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, replacing physical documents like the biometric residence permit with digital eVisas. This change aims to streamline the immigration process and improve compliance monitoring. 

These reforms reflect the UK government's intent to reduce reliance on foreign labour and prioritize domestic workforce development. Foreign residents should review their current immigration status and consult with immigration professionals to understand how these changes may affect their individual circumstances.

OlomoTIMES