Background
On 12 May 2025, the UK Government announced potential changes to the immigration system via the Immigration White Paper (gov.uk)
The proposed changes focus on work visas, study routes, family visas, and settlement rules. The changes aim to reduce net migration, prioritise domestic workers, and align immigration policy with UK economic goals. The changes would have an impact on families and employers.
Scotland’s Migration Service was established by Scottish Government to support international workers and their families to move and settle in Scotland. The proposed changes would make it more difficult for many international workers to come to Scotland and affect employers' ability to recruit them.
Scotland is a place of welcome and the Scottish Government will continue to support those affected by upcoming changes through this service. Scotland’s Migration Service offers clear, impartial advice and information on visas and immigration for employers and individuals.
Do keep in mind that the immigration system has not changed yet. We’ll update our information pages when things do change.
We know you might have questions about what this means for you. Although the changes haven’t been made yet, acting early to submit applications or extend visas before the changes come into force might reduce the impact on your organisation.
If you need help to understand how proposed changes may impact your organisation and what to do next, you can book a free appointment with Scotland’s Migration Service.
Summary of proposed changes
UK Work Visas
Skilled Worker Route: The skill threshold would rise to RQF 6 (bachelor’s degree level) from RQF 3 (equivalent to A-Level), with higher salary requirements. Access to the points-based system would be restricted to shortage occupations, decided by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and workforce strategies. The Immigration Skills Charge would increase to encourage investment in UK workers.
Social Care: Overseas recruitment for care workers would end, with a transition period until 2028 for visa extensions and in-country switching from another visa.
High-Skilled Talent: The UK Government aims to attract top global talent through enhanced high-skill routes and accelerated settlement options by seeking to attract the best from abroad.
Study Visa restrictions
Graduate Route: The length of time international students can remain in the UK after graduation would be reduced from two years to 18 months.
Sponsor Compliance: Institutions sponsoring international students would face tighter, and more costly, compliance rules. This would include minimum pass rates and a new “Red-Amber-Green” banding system. Underperforming sponsors could face limits on student recruitment.
Student Levy: The UK Government is exploring a levy on income from international students, assuming they can find rewarding employment. The money would potentially be reinvested into domestic education and skills.
Short-Term Study: There would be tighter regulation of the short-term study route for English language learners.
Family Visa and Settlement
English Language: English language requirements would be tightened across all immigration routes. Skilled workers would need to meet B2-level proficiency. Adult dependants would need to demonstrate A1 English on arrival, progressing to B2 by settlement.
Settlement: Pathways to indefinite leave to remain would become longer and more difficult to achieve. Excluding the EU Settlement Scheme, the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave will double from five to 10 years. While some exceptions may apply for those making “significant contributions,” the broad path to settlement will be narrowed. The Life in the UK test is also set for reform.
Family Framework: Rules would limit “exceptional” cases, with legislation addressing Article 8 family life arguments to separate families and streamline deportations.
Implications for employers
Sectors reliant on migrant labour, particularly care, hospitality, and agriculture, may be worried.
Universities, which rely heavily on international student fees, may be concerned about the shortened Graduate Route and a possible levy on overseas income.
Conversely, high-skill industries might welcome greater incentives for top global talent, although they will face increases to the Immigration Skills Charge.
Scotland-based organisations may be more severely impacted than England-based organisations because they rely more heavily on immigration to meet labour needs.
If you need help to understand how proposed changes may impact your organisation and what to do next, you can book a free appointment with Scotland’s Migration Service.