New UK Immigration Rules 2025: What The White Paper Means For US Citizens
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed on Monday to cut immigration numbers and make it harder for people to settle in the U.K.
The prime minister announced he would end Britain's "failed experiment in open borders" just two weeks after Reform UK, an anti-immigrant party, saw big victories in local elections.
"Every area of the immigration system—work, family, and study—will be tightened up so we have more control," Starmer said in a speech in Downing Street before the publication of the White Paper on immigration on Monday. "We will create a system that is controlled, selective and fair."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on immigration at Downing Street in London on May 12, 2025.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on immigration at Downing Street in London on May 12, 2025.
Ian Vogler/WPA Pool-Getty Images
What the New U.K. Immigration Rules Mean for U.S. Workers Moving to Britain
Government plans published Monday say the threshold for skilled worker visas will be increased to graduate level, in a bid to reduce lower-skilled migration. Meanwhile, the list of exceptions to the rules for temporary shortage visas in some industries will be narrowed.
The white paper says the U.K. will go further to ensure the "very highly skilled" have the opportunity to come to the U.K. As part of that, the white paper says the U.K. will increase the number of places on its scheme for research interns and make it easier for "top scientific and design talent" to the use the Global Talent visa. It also says the number of workers that an overseas business can send to the U.K. with the aim of establishing a presence there will be doubled.
How U.S. Students Planning To Study in the U.K. Will Be Affected
The white paper says the requirements that institutions must meet in order to recruit international students will be strengthened to prevent the misuse of student visas.
These measures, including requiring them to maintain a course completion rate of at least 85 percent, will ensure sponsors "are encouraged to recruit their students responsibly, only offering places to genuine students."
It is essential that opportunities to study in the U.K. are "only given to individuals who are genuinely here to [study], and that the universities who sponsor those individuals to study here are treating that responsibility with the seriousness it deserves."
Graduates will only be permitted to remain in the U.K. for 18 months after their studies.
What Changes Mean for Americans Joining Family in the U.K.
The white paper said that a new policy for family migration will be set out before the end of the year.
The policy will have "clear relationship requirements" so only those in genuine relationships qualify, to ensure those coming to the U.K. have an "appropriate level of English language skills" and ensure the family unit has "sufficient money financially to support any migrants without relying on the taxpayer."
New Language Requirements
The white paper says English language requirements will be increased for visa holders and their dependents.
English language requirements for Skilled Workers and workers where a language requirement already applies will be increased to B2 (Independent User).
A new English language requirement for adult dependents of workers and students at A1 (Basic User) will be introduced. People will have to demonstrate progression to A2 for a visa extension and B2 for settlement.
Can U.S. Citizens Still Settle in the U.K. Long-Term?
Yes, U.S. citizens will still be able to settle in the U.K. long-term, but the path to permanent residency will be more difficult.
The new system means people will have to spend 10 years in the U.K. before being able to apply for citizenship instead of five years.
But "high-skilled, high-contributing individuals" who contribute to the economy and society, including nurses, doctors, engineers and AI leaders, would be fast-tracked through the system.
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