The United Kingdom has introduced sweeping changes to its work visa system as part of a broader immigration reform aimed at reducing overall numbers and increasing selectivity. According to a newly released government white paper, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration intends to build a system that is “controlled, selective, and fair.”
In 2024, the UK’s net migration fell by nearly 50% to 431,000—a significant drop attributed to declining numbers of foreign workers and students entering the country. This marks the first major shift under Labour, which has pledged to regain control of immigration amid pressure from right-leaning rivals like Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.
The changes come after years of tightening under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose Conservative government had already limited visa access for dependents of students and workers. Data from Bloomberg shows that in 2024, the number of dependents brought by international students fell by 81%, while those accompanying workers declined by 35%.
As part of the new strategy, the minimum salary threshold for most UK work visa applicants has been raised to £38,700—up nearly 50% from the previous £26,200. However, exceptions apply to roles governed by national pay scales, such as health and social care workers and teachers. Notably, a special visa program for care workers introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic will cease accepting new applications starting in June.
Applicants for the Skilled Worker visa must now attain 70 points under the UK’s points-based immigration system. A confirmed job offer, appropriate skill level, and English proficiency provide 50 core points. Additional points can be earned through factors like higher education qualifications, higher salary, or work in shortage occupations. The visa is valid for up to five years and can be extended.
The new policy also raises the education requirement for foreign applicants. To be eligible, candidates must now possess qualifications at degree level or higher, replacing the previous A-level equivalent standard. Existing visa holders applying for extensions are exempt from this rule. The government estimates that this policy will reduce new visa issuances by about 39,000 annually by 2029, particularly impacting roughly 180 job types. Lower-qualification visas will be limited to employers with government-approved labor training programs.
Further changes include extending the wait time for permanent residency, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), from five to ten years. While this may affect new applicants and possibly those already in the UK, some pathways could remain faster for dependents of British citizens or individuals deemed to have made substantial contributions to the UK economy or society.
The post-study work visa period for international graduates has also been reduced from two years to 18 months. Meanwhile, the government is considering imposing a 6% tax on tuition revenue from international students to reinvest in the domestic higher education sector.
Additionally, language requirements are becoming stricter. Adult dependents of visa holders must now prove basic English proficiency before entering the UK. However, the new income thresholds do not apply to renewals of existing family visas. In 2024 alone, the UK issued approximately 86,000 family-related visas.
Related Topics
