UK tightens work visa, citizenship norms. 5 top points

India Today

13-05-2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced stringent British immigration rules, declaring a stop to what he called a "squalid chapter" and a "failed experiment in open borders." Starmer vowed to "take back control" with the more stringent rules which make it harder to obtain work, family and student visas to the UK. This is a major shift for many Indians, who dream to study or work in the UK. The new shift in the policy changes has been discussed in five major points.advertisement"The damage [immigration] has done to our country is incalculable," the prime minister wrote in a policy document, according to an NPR report.He also said these changes in policy will save England from becoming "an island of strangers".These changes are of the utmost importance to Indians as they were the largest group of non-EU immigrants for both work and study-related visas. Over 116,000 work-related visas and around 127,000 visas will be issued to Indians by June 2024.This is as net migration reached a peak of 906,000 in the year to June 2023 under the last Tory government but began to decline after former prime minister Rishi Sunak's administration cracked down on family and dependent visas, The Financial Times reported.As the rules on work, family and student visas become more stringent, here are the five big points Indians should know about the recent policy changes.1. UK TIGHTENS RULES FOR WORK VISAadvertisement
One of the key changes involves tightening the eligibility criteria for skilled work visas, particularly regarding the qualifications required.Overseas workers will now typically be required to hold a degree-level qualification to apply for the main Skilled Worker visa — a reversal of the Boris Johnson-era policy that had lowered the threshold to A-level or equivalent, according to a BBC report.Currently, these need to be at least at the level of what is known as regulated qualifications framework (RQF) 3, roughly equivalent to A-levels. This will be changed to RQF6, which is degree-level, according to the Guardian.Reduced qualification requirements will continue on a "time-limited basis" for sectors identified as experiencing persistent recruitment challenges.At the same time, the government aims to broaden eligibility for its dedicated work visa targeting graduates from top-tier universities outside the UK.2 PATH TO BRITISH CITIZENSHIPImmigrants will generally need to live in the UK for 10 years before they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), doubling the current requirement of five years. The ILR grants permanent residency, and is in some ways similar to the US Green Card.However, the government plans to introduce an "earned settlement" system, where individuals can earn points based on their contributions to the UK's economy and society, potentially allowing them to qualify earlier, according to the BBC report.advertisementThe exact start date for this extended residency requirement hasn't been announced yet.More details on the new system, including a related plan for citizenship applications, will be released for public consultation later this year.3 STUDENT VISA: POST-STUDY STAY DURATION CUTThe international graduates will only be able to stay in the UK for 18 months after completing their education, in place of the previous window of two years.The ministers are also thinking of charging English universities a new 6% tax on tuition fee income from international students. This will then be reinvested into the higher education and skills system.The government expects it to be passed to international students in the form of higher fees, reducing applications by 7,0000 per year.4. ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS GET TOUGHERUnder the rule, language requirements for all work visas will be raised, and adult dependents of visa holders must now demonstrate a basic level of English proficiency.This will be needed to qualify under the spousal or partner route.The government says those extending visas will be required to demonstrate a higher level of English when applying to settle in the UK, the BBC reported.advertisement5. TOUGHER FOR IMMIGRANTS TO MOVE FAMILY TO THE UKThe government plans to introduce legislation to "clarify" the application of the right to family life, as outlined in European human rights law, in the context of immigration cases, the BBC report added.The Labour government also stated that Parliament will be empowered to adopt a "framework" designed to restrict the use of family rights in delaying the removal of individuals who lack legal permission to remain in the UK.All these will significantly impact Indian nationals, who are the largest group of immigrants to the UK. Starmer also vowed to introduce additional measures to curb immigration to the UK if needed.