Recently, in May the UK government published a white paper policy document titled ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System’. The purpose of this document was to propose ideas that would tighten the immigration mechanisms in place in order to reduce the overall immigration levels in the UK. Within this document, there are 8 new proposals:

• Shortening the list of jobs for which employers can sponsor a worker from overseas for a Skilled Worker visa. Jobs assessed as being medium-skilled – RQF level 3 – cannot be filled from overseas unless the Migration Advisory Committee recommends an exemption and the industry is demonstrating efforts to recruit domestically.
• Ending an existing exemption for social care workers: employers will no longer be allowed to recruit them from abroad. · Exploring a levy on English universities’ income from international student fees.
•  Making it harder for universities to keep their licence to sponsor student visas by introducing tougher compliance rules. · Reducing the standard length of the Graduate visa, for international students to stay on and work in the UK, from two years to 18 months.
•  Stricter English language rules: higher standards for those already taking language tests, and requiring the partners of people moving to the UK on work visas to have basic English to qualify for a ‘dependant’ visa.
•  Increasing the standard qualifying period for permanent residence (also known as indefinite leave to remain or settlement) from five to ten years, with some people qualifying sooner based on criteria yet to be decided.
•  Making it easier for people to come to the UK on certain visas aimed at highly skilled migrants, such as the Global Talent and High Potential routes

What do some of these proposed changes mean?

For the time being, individuals who are on a ‘route to settlement’ can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years. However, the governments proposed changes may require individuals to wait up to 10 years before obtaining an ILR (bullet point 7). Not only this, but as seen in bullet point 6, the UK government aim to apply stricter rules to English language requirements meaning that

individuals have to show more fluency for the English language. Evidently, these specific changes may affect how individuals apply for visas and the duration it takes in order to grant indefinite leave to remain or an UK citizenship.

When will these changes come into force?

Although there is no fixed date as to when these new policies will be embedded into the UK legal system, some are expected to come into force within a couple of weeks’ time.

How can we help you?

Here at Vas Solicitors, we understand the emotional toll this may take on you and your family members. That is why we approach each case with care and careful consideration, with the hopes of providing a satisfactory service for you. If you are aware that you may experience any difficulty due the changes that may come into force do not hesitate to reach out. For more information on our Immigration service please click here (insert hyperlink to immigration page).

More information on the proposed immigration changes can be found on the UK Parliament website here