London: The UK government has begun enforcing the first phase of immigration reforms from July 22, 2025, as part of its wider policy agenda outlined in the immigration white paper titled “Restoring control over the immigration system”. The measures, aimed at reducing net migration, include a narrower list of sponsor-eligible jobs and a ban on overseas hiring in the care sector.
The Home Office will implement two key reforms:
Reduced skilled worker occupation list: Employers will no longer be allowed to sponsor overseas workers for roles classified as medium-skilled (RQF levels 3–5), unless those jobs are granted exceptions by the Migration Advisory Committee. The revised list will apply until the end of 2026.
End of international recruitment for care workers: Employers will be barred from recruiting care workers from overseas under the Skilled Worker route. Those already sponsored by that date will not be affected.
Additional proposals in the white paper include: Tighter student visa compliance: Universities will face stricter compliance rules to maintain their licence to sponsor international students.
Levy on international student fees: The government is exploring a charge on university income from foreign tuition, which would require parliamentary approval.
Graduate visa shortened: The post-study Graduate visa is set to be reduced from two years to 18 months.
Stricter English language requirement: The Home Office has announced plans to introduce higher English language standards by year-end, including for dependents of work visa holders.
