In the year leading up to June 2023, the UK saw nearly 1 million arrivals. However, for the period ending June 2024, net migration is expected to drop to 728,000, reflecting a 20% decrease from the previous figure of 906,000. This shift is partly attributed to the UK government’s decision to restrict dependants from accompanying students enrolled in postgraduate-taught courses.
UK Government’s New Immigration Approach: Focusing on Skills and British Workers
According to Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, the government’s goal is to prioritize lower net migration, higher-skilled workers, and supporting British workers. This approach, outlined in the UK Immigration White Paper, aims to create a more efficient and targeted immigration system that aligns with the country’s labor market needs.
For more information on UK immigration policies, visit the UK Home Office website.
Uk Immigration Changes to the Graduate Route: Reduced to 18 Months
A notable shift in the White Paper is the reduction of the UK Graduate Route from two years to just 18 months. This adjustment directly impacts international graduates who were previously allowed to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies to seek employment. Now, they will only have 18 months to secure a job that qualifies for sponsorship under the UK’s work visa system.
This decision aligns with the government’s broader goal to focus on high-skilled workers and ensure that the migration system meets the needs of key industries. For more details on the Graduate Visa, visit the official government page: Graduate Visa.
New Skills Threshold for Work Visas
Another major change involves raising the skills threshold for work visas. From now on, the minimum skill level for workers will be set at RQF6 (graduate level). This is a reversal of the system introduced between 2021 and 2024, which saw an influx of lower-skilled workers to the UK.
By raising the skill level, the UK government hopes to ensure that work visas are granted to individuals with higher qualifications, thereby prioritizing skilled labor and reducing the number of lower-skilled workers entering the country. Corresponding salary thresholds will be adjusted to reflect this increased skill level. For more details on the Skilled Worker Visa, visit Skilled Worker Visa Information.
Limited Access for Lower-Skilled Jobs
For positions that fall below the graduate-level threshold, access to the immigration system will be strictly time-limited. The government has emphasized that work visas for these roles will only be issued if there is strong evidence of labor shortages in critical industries. Employers will also be required to outline workforce strategies to boost domestic recruitment and skills development.
End of Automatic Settlement and Citizenship after 5 Years
Under the new framework, individuals will no longer automatically qualify for settlement and citizenship after living in the UK for five years. Instead, migrants will need to stay in the UK for at least 10 years before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain, unless they can demonstrate a significant and sustained contribution to the UK economy and society.
Fast-Tracking High-Skilled Workers
One of the most significant changes outlined in the White Paper is the fast-tracking of certain highly-skilled migrants. Individuals working in fields such as nursing, healthcare, engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI) will be prioritized for settlement if they are contributing positively to the UK economy.
The government aims to attract high-skilled, high-contributing individuals who play by the rules and make a lasting impact on both the economy and society. These workers will be considered for fast-tracked permanent residency.
For more insights on the UK’s overall migration policy and strategy, check out the Immigration and Border Control Strategy here: Immigration White Paper.
Conclusion: A Shift Towards a More Skilled, Targeted Immigration System
The UK’s new immigration system, as detailed in the Immigration White Paper, marks a significant shift towards prioritizing higher-skilled workers while reducing the number of lower-skilled migrants. The changes to the Graduate Route, the introduction of higher skills thresholds, and stricter rules for settlement all aim to ensure that the UK’s immigration system is better aligned with the country’s economic needs. These reforms are designed to support British workers, address labor shortages, and attract individuals who can make a positive and lasting impact on the UK economy.
Uk Immigration Changes:
- Graduate Route reduced to 18 months for international graduates
- Skills threshold for work visas raised to RQF6 (graduate level)
- Limited access for lower-skilled jobs, with evidence of critical shortages
- Settlement and citizenship now require 10 years of residency, with exceptions for high-skilled migrants
- Fast-tracking of high-skilled workers such as doctors, nurses, engineers, and AI professionals
These adjustments signal the UK’s shift to a more focused and skill-based immigration system that aligns with the needs of its labor market.
These official UK government links provide further context and resources for understanding the immigration policy changes in detail:
READ MORE:
- UK Work Visa Sponsorship: Eligibility and Application Guide
- Unskilled Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship: Find Your Next Opportunity
