The UK’s immigration system continues to evolve, reflecting the country’s priorities for skilled labour, economic growth, and border security. In 2025, significant updates to immigration policies are coming into effect. With the new labour government keen to get net migration figures down, there have been some changes to policy which may affect worker visas. Be sure to keep up to date on all the latest immigration changes on the Remitly website, where you’ll find helpful tips and information on this topic and more.
Issues like skill and worker shortages in key industries have made government officials rethink the immigration sector. Schemes which look to address these issues such as care-worker visas, graduate visas and skilled-worker visas provide an opportunity for those looking to maximise their chances of application approval.
With a need to fill roles within high-demand sectors, new fast-track options have been made available which can approve an application in as little as one day. But with the number of applications increasing year on year, the government have imposed more stringent regulations on many schemes. Mandatory documentation such as biometrics, proof of income and relationship verification processes have made things harder in many ways. So too have the requirements set out for employers when sponsoring someone. These changes have incentivised some employers to sponsor someone whilst proving too much hassle for others.
This article explores the key updates to UK immigration rules for 2025, covering work visas, family reunification, and pathways to permanent residency.
Why Are Immigration Rules Changing in 2025?
The Rationale Behind the Updates
As the UK adapts to new challenges like COVID-19, Brexit, and the cost of living crisis, the Government are having to think very carefully about immigration. The recent shakeup in immigration control could spell bad news for some, whilst looking promising for others. So what are some of the main factors contributing to these changes?
First of all, the UK jobs market has seen significant shortages in certain industries. Before Brexit came into effect, sectors such as healthcare, IT and engineering benefited from the additional workforce which boosted existing numbers. Now with stricter regulations on entry and residency in the UK, these sectors have struggled with workforce numbers. This has encouraged Government officials to reconsider the current immigration policy.
The government has also recognised the value of skilled workers looking to come to the UK. The government aren’t so quick to dismiss applicants, especially under a scheme such as the points-based system which incentivises applicants to train and learn valuable skills.
With UK public sector debt now at £2.68 billion, the government are keen to close the fiscal gap and become more financially independent. One way of doing so is by focusing on growth. Many of the changes to legislation have been part of an effort to meet long-term economic goals by leveraging stringent immigration policy. These policies look to encourage skilled workers to apply for residency, whilst making it more difficult for those without skills or experience.
The current net migration figure ending June 2024 was 728,00.1 Whilst this was a 20% decrease from the previous year, the figure still remains higher than pre-Brexit levels. More on UK immigration statistics can be found here. The impact of these high numbers of people entering the country is multi-faceted. Whilst there may be negative effects associated with higher populations than some areas are able to sustain, some positives include stronger growth and a greater skill talent pool. The question for the government therefore becomes more of a question of who enters the country than how many.
Key UK Immigration Changes in 2025
Updates to Skilled Worker Visas
Immigration salary list
The immigration salary list, which replaced the shortage occupation list in April 2024, is a list of jobs where a reduced salary threshold applies to applications on the skilled worker route. If a job is on the immigration salary list, the general salary threshold of 80% of the skilled worker route’s usual minimum rate applies. More information can be found on the government website.
Along with the substantial changes made in April 2024, new roles in technology, renewable energy and healthcare have been identified and added to the list of skilled worker routes. However, the list of jobs for which it is possible to sponsor someone was made shorter. In addition, the UK saw the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas change from £26,200 to £38,700.
Streamlined Application Process
UK Visas & Immigration have introduced a new streamlined service for those applying via the skilled worker route or for those who wish to extend their stay. The decision was made with the intention to retain skilled workers in high-demand industries. Decisions are made on visa applications typically within three weeks when the applicant is outside the UK. Quicker decisions can be made by using the priority service or the super-priority service (by the end of the next working day).
New, faster digital application processes can be used both by workers and employers. Applications are made using the GOV.UK website and applicants can submit their details securely.
Enhanced sponsorship schemes are available for high-growth and emerging UK businesses. The ‘Scale-up Visa’, for example, allows fast-growing start-up businesses under four years old to benefit from fast-tracked, flexible migrant sponsorship.
Graduate Visa Extensions
Longer Work Rights for Graduates
International graduates can apply to stay to work in the UK after completing studies in key fields. Undergraduates or masters students can apply to stay for up to two years, whereas, PhD students can apply to stay for up to three years.
The scheme known as the graduate route visa was implemented to retain talent within the UK in key sectors. This route is unsponsored, meaning you can look for work at any skill or salary level and you’re not tied down to any one job.
Family Reunification Changes
Processes for Spouses and Dependents
There have been no significant changes to the family reunion immigration policy. However, a new four-stage decision-making process has been introduced to help with accessibility, readability and consistency with the wider immigration laws. Applicants must still provide the necessary documentation such as proof of identity, birth and marriage certificates and biometric information.
Although there have been no major changes to the reunification application process, the Home Office has made improvements to the speed in which these applications are processed. The priority visa service for example can have a spouse’s application processed within five working days at a cost of £500. The super priority service can have the same application processed within a day for the cost of £1000.
New Pathways for Parents of UK Citizens
The UK government says it recognises the impact of fragmented family relationships due to conflict and persecution. To that end, the government introduced the Adult Dependant Relative Visa (Family visa) in 2012, and since then, changes have been made to the policy to make this process easier to access and understand. However, there are several challenges when it comes to this type of visa including a high-minimum income threshold and stringent regulations around relationship verification.
Introduction of the Points-Based Business Visa
Attracting Entrepreneurs and Startups
With a range of visas available like start-up and innovator visas, applicants have the opportunity to stay in the UK and work in booming sectors like business and tech. Other visas like the Global Talent visa provide great opportunities and flexibility for highly skilled workers looking to migrate to the UK. For more information on visas, see our recent blog post here.
Benefits for Small and Medium Enterprises
Small and medium businesses looking to sponsor workers have the added benefit of doing so with less red tape. Reduced fees also incentivise business owners to begin the process of recruiting from overseas.
Faster Track for High-Earning Professionals
The Indefinite Leave to Remain scheme (ILR) enables non-British citizens to live in the country without time restrictions. To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must earn a specified salary (dependent on when they were last sponsored)6 and must demonstrate consistent earnings over the past three years.
A total of 70 points is needed to be able to apply to work in the UK. Impact factors such as education, shortage of workers in priority sectors and earning capacity all contribute toward higher points being awarded.
Integration Requirements
Under the points-based system, there are three mandatory characteristics. The first is an offer of a job by an approved sector, the second is the job must be met with an appropriate skill level, and the third is a requirement to speak English at the appropriate level.
These requirements were created with a focus on English language proficiency and civic integration.
Implications for Migrants and Employers
What This Means for Migrants
The recent changes in policy and legislation in the UK immigration system pose several benefits and challenges to those looking to stay in the UK permanently. Amongst these changes are several new pathways open to skilled workers, graduates and families. All of which have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Further opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators have been made available through the points-based system. Small and medium-sized businesses now benefit from reduced fees and red tape, making sponsoring a person a more attractive proposition. Skilled or talented workers benefit from greater flexibility and overall success of being accepted into these programmes.
However, there have been several challenges to the system. The Government are keen to get net migration down. This means stricter compliance with documentation, adherence to more regulations and a higher barrier to entry. Applications are likely to be scrutinised much more heavily, and it may seem more difficult to secure residency than it has done in previous years.
What This Means for Employers
Employers now have greater choice when it comes to sponsorship routes. With fast-track options available for small businesses and in-demand industries, the process for employers is more attractive than it has been in previous years. Employers may even feel encouraged to consider migrant sponsorship where they haven’t previously due to a lack of suitable options.
Employers should be mindful when it comes to compliance with immigration policy. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that they comply with current regulations and stipulations. It’s imperative that employers stay up to date on any changes to the law. This additional responsibility can make things difficult for prospective employers and in some instances, may be a reason not to take certain routes.
Employers may wish to seek further advice from an immigration specialist before embarking on the process. Employers must consider all the relevant factors which may impact on the process.
Key Takeaways
The UK immigration system has seen radical change since the Government reviewed its net migration figures. Changes to policy and legislation make application processes easier in some areas but more challenging in others. The family visa for example sets out a pathway for those who already reside in the UK who wish to have their relative join them (or visa versa). However, stringent verification checks, high minimum threshold requirements and lengthy processing times can make things difficult.
On a positive note, schemes such as the skilled worker visa, the graduate visa and the ILR points-based system are all attractive routes to residency. They reward those who possess particular skills, talent, or those who wish to work in sectors which are in need of additional workers. This highlights the importance of continual skill progression and a desire to develop and maintain a high level of training and experience.
Despite the challenges involved, assistance is available through charities and government-sponsored employer programmes. Employers and workers respectively should be alert to any changes in policy by following updates on the government website. Those looking to make an application may wish to seek the advice of immigration experts or charities who are on hand to assist.
Sources
- Migration Observatory. (n.d.). Net migration to the UK. The Migration Observatory. Retrieved from https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
- UK Government. (n.d.). Skilled Worker visa: Immigration salary list. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk
- House of Commons Library. (2024). Changes to legal migration rules for family and work visas in 2024. Retrieved from https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk
- UK Government. (2023). Explanatory memorandum to the statement of changes in immigration rules presented to Parliament on 9 March 2023 (HC 1160). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk
- UK Government. (n.d.). Family reunion (accessible). GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk
- UK Government. (n.d.). Indefinite leave to remain if you have a Scale-up Worker visa: Financial requirements. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk
- UK Government. (n.d.). The UK’s points-based immigration system: An introduction for employers (accessible version). GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk
