The government’s immigration White Paper Restoring control over the immigration system was published in May 2025 and sets out significant proposals to control immigration and promote growth.  

The key planned reforms include: 

• The skills threshold for the Skilled Worker will increase from RQF level 3 (A-Level-equivalent) to RQF level 6 (graduate level). This means that a skilled worker visa will only be available for occupations that meet graduate level or above. 
• The Immigration salary list will be abolished. A new temporary shortage list will only allow recruitment for below graduate level for critical shortage occupations on a time limited basis, subject to Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) approval. Employers will need to have a workforce strategy in place and a real commitment to increase domestic recruitment.  
• The English language requirements will increase and apply to adult dependent relatives for the first time. The current requirement for skilled worker applications from B1 (intermediate level) will be increased to B2 (independent user). All adult dependent skilled worker applicants must meet the level A1 (basic user) and progress to A2 (higher basic user) for extension applications and B2 for settlement applications.  
• Indefinite leave to remain qualifying period will be extended from 5 years to 10 years, and the qualifying period can be reduced if applicants can demonstrate contributions to the UK economy and society. 
• Graduate visa holders can only be employed in graduate level roles, and the graduate visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months.  
• Social care visas will end for new overseas applicants, and employers will need to utilise existing overseas care workers. There will be a transitional period until 2028, but this will be kept under review with the aim to end sponsorship for social care roles.  
• The immigration skills charge for employers will increase to £1,320 per sponsored year (32% increase). 
• The new Labour Market Evidence Group (LME Group) will focus on sectors which currently have high levels of reliance on migration for their workforce and will make recommendations on where workforce strategies should be implemented. 

What does this mean for you? 

Employer’s ability to recruit below graduate level will be severely restricted. and costs for sponsors will increase significantly. The proposed changes will bring significant challenges, and although no date has been confirmed for when the changes will come into effect, employers will need to be aware of the potential impact and start to plan in readiness.  

How Capsticks can help 

 Capsticks Business Immigration team supports employers with international and immigration issues including sponsorship, visa and right to work checks.  

If you need advice or guidance on the proposed changes in the White Paper, please get in touch with Raj Chahal or Nadirur Choudhury.