Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has set out Labour’s long-anticipated blueprint for reforming the UK’s immigration system, promising a “controlled, selective and fair” approach aimed at reducing net migration while attracting top global talent.
The proposals, laid out in a newly published government white paper, introduce significant changes to work, student, and care visas, alongside tightened eligibility for permanent residency.
Tightened Rules for Skilled Workers
A central feature of the plan is a reversal of the post-Brexit relaxation on work visa requirements. Overseas workers will now generally need a degree-level qualification to qualify for a skilled worker visa, replacing the current A-level equivalent threshold introduced under Boris Johnson’s government. While this change won’t apply to existing visa holders renewing their permits, it is expected to block new applications for around 180 job roles, potentially cutting immigration by 39,000 annually by 2029.
However, exemptions will remain on a time-limited basis for sectors facing persistent labour shortages. Employers seeking to benefit from these exemptions will need workforce training plans and will be subject to a cap on visa allocations.
Looser Rules for High Talent
At the same time, the government is expanding routes for highly skilled individuals. The “high potential individual” visa will now include graduates from twice the number of international universities as before. Research internships will also be scaled up, and efforts will be made to attract top-tier talent in science and design via the global talent visa.
Longer Wait for Residency
In a move to tighten long-term immigration pathways, the standard residency requirement for indefinite leave to remain will be increased from five to 10 years. Exceptions will be made for certain “high-skilled, high-contributing” individuals, pending further consultation. The five-year route will remain for dependents of British citizens.
Care Visa Abolished
In a controversial move, the government will phase out the care sector visa introduced after Brexit, citing “exploitation and abuse.” Extensions will be allowed until 2028, with current holders permitted to change sponsors during their visa term.
Stricter Rules for Students
International graduates will face a reduced post-study stay period, cut from two years to 18 months. The government is also exploring a new 6% levy on international student tuition fees, which would be reinvested in the UK’s education and skills sector.
New Refugee Pilot and Language Standards
An EU-backed refugee employment pilot will be extended, allowing a limited number of UN-recognised refugees to work in the UK through skilled routes. English language requirements will also be raised across all work visas and extended to adult dependents.
No Cap, But Migration Cuts Promised
Despite the wide-ranging measures, Starmer declined to set a specific target for net migration, saying past efforts to impose numerical caps have consistently failed. The Conservatives, by contrast, have proposed annual migration caps to be voted on by Parliament.
The package reflects a balancing act: responding to public concerns over high migration while positioning the UK as open to global talent. The white paper now moves into the consultation phase, with implementation expected in stages over the coming years.
