In November 2025, the UK government unveiled its White Paper, “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System”, outlining significant reforms aimed at reducing net migration to what it calls “sustainable levels.” Following record highs of 906,000 in the year to June 2023, numbers fell sharply to 431,000 in 2024—a 52% drop. The Home Office projects that the new measures will cut migration by a further 100,000, bringing figures closer to mid-2010s levels (excluding pandemic years). Among these changes are new pathways to settlement for foreign nationals, which could reshape long-term immigration strategies. Read our opinion piece.

This factsheet highlights key UK immigration changes taking effect from 2025, including higher skill and salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas, updates to GBM routes, increases to the Immigration Skills Charge, the shorter Graduate visa period, and expanded eligibility for the High Potential Individual route. Prepared by Latitude Law, it summarises the policy shifts impacting employers, students and migrants.

From 11 November 2025, the UK Home Office will replace Part 9: Grounds for Refusal with a new unified framework – Part Suitability. This update reshapes how suitability and good character are assessed across visa routes, including family applications. Latitude Law explains what these changes mean for future immigration decisions.

On 10 February 2025, the Home Office updated their Nationality: Good Character guidance which explains how one’s history, both criminal, immigration and otherwise will affect their naturalisation application.

The UK government's secret Afghan Response Route, created after a 2022 data leak exposed 18,000 Afghan resettlement applicants, has now been made public following the lifting of a super-injunction. The scheme quietly resettled around 7,000 people, including family members, but has drawn criticism for its secrecy, cost misrepresentation, and exclusion of at risk individuals who were not approached.

Latitude Law outlines the 2025 UK Immigration Rules (HC 997), detailing the RQF 6 skills threshold increase, new salary requirements, and changes to care worker sponsorship. Understand the impact on Skilled Worker visas and transitional provisions for businesses and applicants.

Latitude Law unpacks the 2025 UK Immigration White Paper, detailing the Temporary Shortage List, higher Skilled Worker visa thresholds, and care sector changes. It emphasizes workforce strategies, regional balance, and stricter sponsorship rules to prioritize domestic talent while managing immigration.

Latitude Law examines the April 2025 Skilled Worker rule changes, impacting care worker recruitment, visa fees, and salary thresholds. New provisions close loopholes around sponsorship costs and investments, adjusting how payments affect eligible wages. From increased care staff salaries to revised sponsor duties, these updates reshape the landscape for skilled visa applicants.