New visa reforms target net migration, impact skilled workers, students, and care sector
The UK government has officially enforced the first phase of its immigration reforms starting Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in a move aimed at curbing net migration and tightening control over foreign worker and student inflows, reported english.gujaratsamachar.com.
Stricter skilled visa rules and student restrictions to reshape UK immigration landscape.
Under the revised rules, employers can no longer sponsor overseas workers for medium-skilled jobs (those at RQF levels 3–5), unless those roles are granted special exemption by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). This updated Skilled Worker Occupation List will remain in force until end-2026.
Additionally, the government has ended overseas applications from care workers and senior care workers and has increased the salary thresholds required for sponsored employment in the UK
As detailed in a White Paper released on May 12, the government has proposed further reforms targeting international students and universities, including:
- Stricter compliance obligations for universities to retain sponsorship licenses
- A proposed levy on tuition income from international students (pending parliamentary approval)
- A reduction of the Graduate visa duration from 2 years to 18 months
Further tightening is expected later this year, as the Home Office plans to implement tougher English language requirements, which will also apply to dependents of work visa holders.
These sweeping changes reflect the UK’s strategy to balance economic needs with immigration control, though they have also drawn criticism from industry leaders and education bodies for potentially discouraging global talent.
