How changes to immigration rules might affect you

On 12 May 2025, the government announced plans to change UK immigration rules. They explained the changes in a ‘white paper’ - this is a type of government plan. The changes in the white paper aren’t law yet and might change.

The changes might affect what visas you’ll be able to apply for after the rules change. They might also affect how long you have to wait before you can get indefinite leave or citizenship in the UK.

We’ll keep updating this page as we find out more about the government’s planned changes to immigration rules.

Applying for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship

Currently, most people on a ‘route to settlement’ can apply to live in the UK permanently after 5 years. This is called getting ‘indefinite leave to remain’ (ILR). The government plans to increase the wait to 10 years. 

The change will apply to most visas that let you get ILR - for example work visas. We don't expect it to affect family visas. We don't know yet if it will affect people already in the UK on visas.

These new rules mean you’ll have to wait longer to get British citizenship - you can only apply for this when you have ILR. 

The government have said there might be exceptions for people who ‘make a contribution to the economy or society’. The exceptions would let people apply earlier for ILR or citizenship. We don’t know how these exceptions will work yet.

If you already have indefinite leave to remain or settled status

If you’re thinking of applying for British citizenship, it’s best to apply as soon as possible.

If you haven’t already taken your ‘Life in the UK’ and English tests, you should also take them soon.

If you wait until after the rules change, you might have to wait longer to apply.

Check if you can apply for British citizenship.

Health and Care Worker visas

If you’re already in the UK, you’ll still be able to do the following until 2028:

• extend your Health and Care Worker visa so you can stay in the UK longer

• switch from a different visa to a Health and Care Worker visa 

At some point in 2025, people who live outside the UK will stop being able to apply for Health and Care Worker visas for jobs in the adult social care sector. The government haven’t said exactly when this will happen yet.

Skilled worker visas

Currently, you need at least a qualification like an A level to apply for a skilled worker visa. After the rules change, you’ll need a degree-level qualification.

If you already live in the UK on a skilled worker visa, this will stay the same. You will be able to extend your visa based on your qualifications.

For people outside the UK, the rules will change. They’ll need a degree-level qualification to apply for a skilled worker visa.

The government have said there will be exceptions for a limited time after the rules change. You might not need a degree-level qualification to apply for jobs in sectors with staff shortages - for example, construction.

Graduate visas

If you’re a student and you graduate from a UK university, you can currently apply for a ‘Graduate visa’ to stay in the UK for 2 or 3 years. After the rules change, the Graduate visa will only last 18 months. 

If you’re already on a Graduate visa, the new rules will not affect you.

Family visas

There weren't any changes to family visas in the white paper.

If you’re in the UK on a family visa, you need to live in the UK for 5 years to apply for indefinite leave to remain. We don’t expect this to change to 10 years after the rules change. You can check the rules for applying for indefinite leave to remain.

English language requirements

The English language requirement will become stricter for most visas.

If you’re on a student or work visa and want to bring a partner to the UK, they’ll need to prove they have a basic level of English. If they later apply to extend their visa or to get ILR or apply for citizenship, they’ll need to show they have a higher level of English.

If you’re already in the UK, this change might affect you when you apply to extend your visa, get ILR or apply for citizenship. You might need a higher level of English than you needed when you first applied for a visa.

If you're finding things difficult

You can speak to a trained volunteer at organisations like Samaritans or Shout.

Samaritans

Shout

You can also text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout volunteer. Texts are free, anonymous and confidential from anywhere in the UK.

If you think it's an emergency

If you think your life or someone else's is at risk, you should call 999 or go to A&E if you can.

If you need support you can call NHS 24 on 111. The Mental Health Hub is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.