The UK government published its "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System" White Paper in 2025, setting out the most sweeping changes to UK immigration in a decade. Implementation began in early 2026. This guide summarises every major change in plain English — including what it means for you if you are already in the UK.
1. ILR extended from 5 to 10 years
The headline change: the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — permanent residence — has been doubled from 5 to 10 years for most work and family visa holders. Settlement is now "earned" through demonstrated contribution, good conduct, and integration rather than granted automatically.
- ✓Most Skilled Worker, Health & Care, Spouse, and family visa holders: 10-year route
- ✓Some medium-skilled routes may face a 15-year route (under consultation)
- ✓Accelerated routes for NHS workers, high earners, and community contributors (details pending)
- ✓British citizenship (naturalisation) follows ILR by 12 months: now 11 years for most
2. Skilled Worker salary threshold: £41,700
The minimum salary for the Skilled Worker Visa rose from £38,700 to £41,700 from 22 July 2025. The skill level threshold was also raised to RQF 6 (graduate level), removing most non-graduate roles from eligibility.
3. English language requirement raised to B2
From 8 January 2026, all new Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and HPI visa applicants must demonstrate B2-level English (upper-intermediate — equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.5 across all components). The previous requirement was B1 (intermediate).
4. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) enforced
From 25 February 2026, all nationals of visa-exempt countries — including USA, EU, Australia, and Canada — must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. Cost: £20. Valid 2 years or until passport expires. Apply via the UK ETA app in 5 minutes.
5. Graduate Visa cut to 18 months
From 1 January 2027, the post-study Graduate Visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates. PhD graduates retain 3 years. If you are a 2026 graduate, apply before 31 December 2026 to lock in 2 years.
6. Refugee protection reduced to 30 months
The duration of refugee and humanitarian protection status has been reduced from 5 years to 30 months. This affects those on protection routes and their pathway to settlement.
7. New compliance duties for employers
From spring 2026, employers who hold sponsor licences face new duties — including stricter salary compliance checks per pay period, enhanced right-to-work audit requirements, and new penalties for non-compliance. Employers must ensure Skilled Worker salaries are paid correctly every month, not just as an annual average.
8. Ukraine Permission Extension updated
Ukrainians already in the UK under Ukraine schemes can now apply to extend their permission for a further 24 months. Applications can be submitted within 90 days before the current permission expires.
What should you do now?
- ✓Approaching 5-year ILR mark: apply immediately if you qualify under transitional provisions
- ✓On a Skilled Worker Visa: verify your salary meets £41,700 and your role is still RQF 6 eligible
- ✓International student graduating in 2026: apply for Graduate Visa before 31 December 2026
- ✓Visiting from a visa-exempt country: get your ETA at gov.uk/eta before your next trip
- ✓On any work or family visa: use the ILR Calculator to plan your 10-year timeline
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