Understanding the UK Immigration Reforms of 2025: Key Changes for Students, Skilled Workers, and Health Professionals

The UK government has announced a series of significant immigration reforms in 2025, aimed at tightening visa conditions, reducing net migration, and enhancing the domestic workforce. These changes have major implications for international students, skilled workers, and healthcare professionals. Below is a summary of the key updates, along with relevant sources for reference.

International Students

1. Graduate Visa Shortened: The Graduate Route visa duration has been reduced from two years to 18 months, limiting the period international students can stay and work in the UK post-graduation (BBC News).
2. Introduction of Education Levy: A new 6% levy on tuition fees for overseas students has been introduced, aimed at supporting the UK education infrastructure (Technical Annex – UK Government).
3. Institutional Compliance: UK universities and colleges face stricter compliance requirements for sponsoring foreign students, potentially limiting their ability to recruit internationally if standards are not met.

Skilled Workers

1. Increased Salary Threshold: The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants has been raised from £26,200 to £38,700 per year (Immigration Barrister UK).
2. Higher Skill Level: The minimum skill level has been upgraded from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6, aligning eligible job roles with graduate-level qualifications.
3. Revised English Language Requirement: Applicants must now meet a B2 level in English, up from the previous B1 requirement.
4. Removal of Immigration Salary List: The existing salary discount for shortage occupations has been replaced with a Temporary Shortage Occupation List aligned with industrial strategy.

Healthcare and Social Care Workers

1. Closure of Care Worker Visa: The visa route for overseas care workers will close to new applicants from mid-2025. Those already in the UK on this visa can extend their stay until 2028 (BBC News).
2. Domestic Hiring Priority: Employers are now required to prioritize recruitment from the UK-based labour market before seeking overseas candidates.
3. Exemptions for Medical Professionals: Roles such as doctors, nurses, and midwives remain unaffected and continue to be eligible under the Skilled Worker route.

Settlement and Deportation Policies

1. Extended Settlement Period: Most visa holders must now live in the UK for ten years before they are eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, up from the previous five-year requirement (Financial Times).
2. Tougher Deportation Measures: New rules broaden the scope of deportable offences to include minor crimes, not just those resulting in prison sentences.

Conclusion

These sweeping immigration reforms signify the UK government’s commitment to reducing immigration numbers while boosting domestic talent development. Stakeholders including students, employers, and education providers must now navigate a more restrictive and highly regulated immigration environment.