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In May 2025 the UK government set out its plan to cut migration in the immigration White Paper. Part of it was implemented in 2025 and 2026, while another major part, 10-year settlement, is still a proposal. This article separates the two.
What is in force
| Change | From |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker only for RQF 6 jobs at £41,700; care worker visa closed to overseas applicants | 22 July 2025 |
| 32% rise in the employers' Immigration Skills Charge | 16 December 2025 |
| B2 English for Skilled Worker, HPI and Scale-up | 8 January 2026 |
| HPI expanded to the global top 100 universities | 4 November 2025 |
| Higher student maintenance funds | 30 November 2026 |
| 18-month Graduate visa | Applications from 1 January 2027 |
| B2 English for settlement | Applications from 26 March 2027 |
What is still a proposal
- Earned settlement: a 10-year baseline for settlement with reductions for high earners and talent routes; the government says details will come before February 2027. Details
- A new Temporary Shortage List for 2027, after the government responds to the Migration Advisory Committee.
- Spouse visa minimum income: the Migration Advisory Committee proposed a review, but nothing has changed and £29,000 still applies.
Our advice
- If you are about to graduate, applying for the Graduate visa by the end of 2026 means 6 more months.
- If you are close to 5 years' residence, plan your settlement application timing with a lawyer.
- For work visas, build the B2 English test into your plan from the start.
All routes to the United Kingdom
Based on the statements of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997, HC 1333, HC 1691, HC 584); position as of October 2026.
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