On 12 May 2025, the UK government published its White Paper proposals to reform the UK immigration system (again).
The stated purpose of the paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, is to tighten up the visa rules to:
- safeguard border security
- reduce migration levels further
- introduce a link between UK immigration policy, skills, and training.
The White Paper is a stated intention to change UK law – the changes are not effective yet, and no implementation timetable has been published. The new rules will apply to those applying for a UK visa after the changes become law.
Other than changes to the Skilled Worker skill level, the White Paper is silent on whether changes will apply retrospectively to anyone holding immigration permission before the changes go live and who will remain in that same visa route to subsequently extend or apply for settlement. However, subsequent commentary has suggested that they will.
The White Paper (which we have summarised here) contains several specific proposals that will impact high net worth families:
- Settlement (indefinite leave to remain): The qualifying period for applicants under the points-based system will double from five years to 10 years. Non-UK dependants of British citizens (Appendix FM) who have complied with the rules will be exempt, and there may be an opportunity to reduce the qualifying period based on unspecified 'points-based contributions to the UK economy and society'. In addition to the cost implications for applicants, this change means high net worth individuals who want to settle in the UK (a mandatory step to apply for British citizenship) will be caught by the April 2025 FIG and Inheritance Tax regime changes. When planning a family's next years, it is important to note that, for children to be eligible to apply for settlement, both parents must also apply.
- English language requirement for family members: For the first time there will be an English language requirement for adult dependants to qualify for a visa. While the level required is low, this will impact non-native English speakers.
- Graduate visas: The visa period for post-study work will be reduced from the current two years (for most graduates) to 18 months. This may impact families who are sending children to the UK for education as it may impact their work options after graduation.
- New Investor Visa? While not mentioned in the White Paper, articles were circulated on 17 May about a possible new Investor Visa. The Investor route closed in 2022 due to concerns about misuse. If correct, the UK government’s plans would centre on investment into pre-approved funds or projects that contribute directly to innovation, green growth, and strategic infrastructure in priority industries. These would include key strategic sectors like artificial intelligence, life sciences, and clean energy. However, for this visa route to appeal to investors, it would also need to offer an accelerated settlement route to avoid the IHT reforms biting.
While the White Paper aims to reduce migration numbers and protect the integrity of the immigration system, it does contain some changes to encourage investment and talent into the UK. These include:
- simplifying the Global Talent route
- reviewing the Innovator Founder route
- doubling the number of workers that can use the UK Expansion Worker route from five to 10
- a targeted expansion of the High Potential Individual route (for applicants that have graduated in the last five years from an elite non-UK university) by doubling the number of qualifying institutions.
