UK immigration policy has undergone transformative changes since 2024 and faces the most significant overhaul in decades with the proposed Earned Settlement reforms. This comprehensive guide explains the current immigration rules, recent implementations, and the consultation on settlement changes that could affect up to 2 million migrants already in the UK.
Understanding the Current UK Immigration Policy Framework
UK immigration policy operates through the Immigration Rules, which are updated regularly through Statements of Changes laid before Parliament. The current framework reflects substantial reforms implemented from April 2024 onwards, designed to reduce net migration while maintaining the UK's competitiveness in attracting skilled talent and investment.
The government's stated objectives include reducing net migration from the record 764,000 recorded in 2022, ensuring migrants contribute to the economy, and creating a system where settlement is earned through contribution rather than time alone. These objectives have driven both the 2024 implementations and the proposed 2026 settlement reforms currently under consultation.
Skilled Worker Visa Policy Changes
The Skilled Worker visa general salary threshold increased from £26,200 to £38,700 on 4 April 2024. The Shortage Occupation List was replaced by the Immigration Salary List, removing the 20% salary discount. In July 2025, the eligibility list was further reduced, with medium-skilled roles removed from sponsorship eligibility.
The Skilled Worker visa has undergone the most significant changes in UK immigration policy. The reforms target economic migration by raising the bar for sponsored employment, ensuring only roles that genuinely require international recruitment remain eligible.
April 2024 Salary Threshold Increase
The general salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas increased by nearly 50%:
- Previous threshold: £26,200 per annum
- New threshold from 4 April 2024: £38,700 per annum
- Alignment: Set at the median full-time UK salary to ensure sponsored workers earn above average
- Going rate requirements: Occupation-specific rates also apply, whichever is higher
Immigration Salary List Replaces Shortage Occupation List
From April 2024, the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was transformed into the Immigration Salary List (ISL):
- 20% salary discount eliminated: Previously, shortage occupations benefited from reduced salary requirements
- New criteria applied: Roles on the ISL must demonstrate genuine shortages that cannot be filled domestically
- Migration Advisory Committee review: Ongoing assessment of which occupations should remain eligible
July 2025 Eligibility List Reduction
Further restrictions on 22 July 2025 removed medium-skilled occupations from Skilled Worker eligibility:
- Affected sectors: Transport, some dental roles, prison services, and other medium-skilled positions
- Review period: Current list in place until end of 2026
- MAC assessment: Continuing review of which medium-skilled jobs should remain sponsorable beyond 2026
Family Visa Income Requirements
The minimum income requirement for family visas increased from £18,600 to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. Further increases to align with the £38,700 Skilled Worker threshold were planned but have been paused pending review. The current requirement remains at £29,000.
UK immigration policy on family migration has tightened substantially. The spouse visa financial requirements now require sponsors to demonstrate higher income levels to bring partners and children to the UK.
The increased threshold affects applications for UK spouse visas, fiancé visas, and dependent visa applications under the family route. Additional income is required for each child sponsored alongside a partner.
Health and Care Visa Reforms
Care workers and senior care workers can no longer bring dependants from overseas. All care providers must be CQC-regulated to sponsor migrant workers. Overseas recruitment of social care workers ended on 22 July 2025, with only domestic switching permitted.
The Health and Care visa route has been substantially reformed under UK immigration policy changes designed to address exploitation concerns while maintaining NHS staffing.
Key Policy Changes for Care Workers
- Dependants ban (April 2024): Care workers and senior care workers cannot bring family members when applying from overseas
- CQC regulation requirement: Only providers engaged in CQC-regulated activities can sponsor migrant care workers
- Overseas recruitment ended (July 2025): New overseas applications for care worker sponsorship no longer accepted
- Domestic switching permitted: Those already in the UK on other visas can still switch to care worker roles
The Immigration Health Surcharge continues to apply, though Health and Care visa holders benefit from exemptions.
Student Visa Policy Changes
Master's students can no longer bring dependants (January 2024). Graduate visa duration will reduce from 2 years to 18 months for applications from January 2027 (PhD graduates retain 3 years). An international student levy of £925 per year begins August 2028.
UK immigration policy changes have significantly affected the international student pathway. The UK student visa requirements now include stricter dependant rules and reduced post-study options.
Student Dependant Restrictions
From January 2024, restrictions on student spouse and dependent visas came into force:
- Master's students: Can no longer bring family members to the UK
- PhD/Doctoral students: May still bring dependants
- Government-sponsored students: Dependant rights preserved
Graduate Visa Changes
The Graduate visa (post-study work visa) will be shortened:
- Current duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD)
- From January 2027: 18 months (PhD remains 36 months)
- International student levy: £925 per year of study from August 2028
The High Potential Individual visa route was liberalised in November 2025, providing an alternative pathway for graduates from top global universities.
Earned Settlement Consultation 2026: Proposed Changes to ILR
The Home Office consultation on "Earned Settlement" proposes extending the ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years, with reductions for high earners and extensions for those with adverse factors. The consultation closes 12 February 2026, with implementation expected from April 2026.
The most significant proposed change to UK immigration policy in decades is the "Earned Settlement" model. This consultation represents a fundamental shift in how Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is granted, moving from a time-based to a contribution-based system.
The Four Pillars of Earned Settlement
The proposed model assesses applicants against four mandatory requirements:
- Character (Suitability): No criminal convictions, no government debt, meeting Immigration Rules suitability requirements
- Integration: English language at CEFR B2 level (increased from B1), pass the Life in the UK test
- Contribution: Annual earnings above £12,570 for minimum 3-5 years
- Residence: Continuous residence in the UK meeting the baseline qualifying period
Qualifying Period Changes
The proposals would transform the qualifying period for settlement:
Abolition of 10-Year Long Residence Route
The consultation proposes abolishing the current 10-year long residence route in its current form. Those relying on the private life route may face substantially longer pathways to settlement.
Dependant Settlement Changes
Currently, dependants of economic migrants qualify for settlement at the same time as the main applicant. The proposals would require:
- Independent assessment: Dependants must earn settlement in their own right
- Own qualifying period: Could be longer or shorter than the main applicant based on their own circumstances
- Children turning 18: Special consideration for those who turn 18 during parents' qualifying period
Impact of UK Immigration Policy Changes on Different Visa Categories
Settlement forecasts estimate 1.6-2 million people will be affected between 2026-2030, peaking at 450,000 in 2028. High earners and NHS workers face minimal impact; standard Skilled Workers and care sector staff face the greatest changes with extended qualifying periods.
The proposed UK immigration policy changes will affect different visa holders in varying ways, depending on their earnings, occupation, and circumstances. Understanding these impacts helps individuals plan their immigration pathway.
Skilled Workers
- Earning £125,140+: Could qualify for ILR in 3 years (improved from current 5 years)
- Earning £50,270+: 5-year route maintained - no change
- Earning below £50,270: Extended to 10-year qualifying period
- Below RQF Level 6 roles: Consultation seeks views on 15-year baseline for this group
NHS and Healthcare Workers
Those on the Health and Care visa route in NHS or medical roles may benefit from occupation-specific considerations, though precise details are subject to consultation feedback.
Family Route Applicants
Family members of British citizens are expected to retain the 5-year route to settlement, though they must still meet enhanced integration requirements including B2 English.
Global Talent and Innovator Founder
The proposals indicate that Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa holders should continue to benefit from the 3-year accelerated route to settlement, subject to meeting specific conditions.
Exemptions and Protected Groups
EU Settlement Scheme holders, BN(O) visa holders, existing ILR holders, Windrush Scheme beneficiaries, and family members of British citizens are protected from the proposed settlement changes. The consultation seeks views on whether other groups should also be protected.
Certain groups are explicitly excluded from the proposed UK immigration policy changes on settlement. Understanding these exemptions is important for affected individuals and their advisers.
Confirmed Exemptions
- EU Settlement Scheme: Completely out of scope under Withdrawal Agreement obligations
- BN(O) visa holders: Protected from changes
- Existing ILR holders: Those who already have indefinite leave are not affected
- Windrush Scheme: Grants of settlement under Windrush are out of scope
- Family of British citizens: Expected to retain 5-year route
Groups Under Consultation Review
The consultation asks for views on whether additional groups should be protected:
- Victims of domestic abuse: May retain existing settlement rules
- Children who grew up in the UK: Special consideration being sought
- Children in care and care leavers: Pathway to settlement under separate consideration
- Ukrainian visa holders: Position being considered given humanitarian circumstances
British citizens living abroad returning with foreign spouses should note the family route exemption.
- Review your current immigration status and qualifying period progress
- Check if you may qualify for ILR under current rules before changes take effect
- Assess your income level against proposed thresholds
- Consider whether exemptions apply to your circumstances
- Prepare for enhanced English language requirements (B2 level)
- Respond to the consultation by 12 February 2026
- Consider the ILR application process if currently eligible
- Seek professional immigration advice for complex situations
- UK immigration policy has undergone major changes since 2024, with more significant reforms proposed for 2026
- Skilled Worker salary threshold increased to £38,700; family visa income requirement is £29,000
- The Earned Settlement consultation proposes extending ILR qualifying periods from 5 to 10 years
- High earners (£125,140+) could qualify for settlement in just 3 years under the proposals
- EU Settlement Scheme holders and family of British citizens are protected from changes
- Consultation closes 12 February 2026; implementation expected from April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Immigration Policy
What are the main UK immigration policy changes in 2024-2026?
The main changes include increasing the Skilled Worker salary threshold to £38,700 (April 2024), raising family visa income requirements to £29,000, restricting dependants for students and care workers, and the proposed Earned Settlement model which would extend ILR qualifying periods from 5 to 10 years with reductions for high earners.
When does the UK settlement consultation close?
The consultation on "A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: Earned Settlement" closes at 11:59pm on 12 February 2026. The Home Office plans to begin implementing changes from April 2026, with Immigration Rules typically changing twice yearly in spring and autumn.
Will the settlement changes apply to people already in the UK?
The consultation proposes applying changes to everyone in the UK who has not already received ILR. This means those part-way through the current 5-year route would be subject to new requirements once rules change. However, transitional arrangements are being consulted on and final details depend on consultation feedback.
Who is exempt from the proposed UK immigration policy changes on settlement?
Confirmed exemptions include EU Settlement Scheme holders (protected under the Withdrawal Agreement), BN(O) visa holders, those who already hold ILR, Windrush Scheme beneficiaries, and family members of British citizens. The consultation asks whether additional groups such as domestic abuse victims and children who grew up in the UK should also be protected.
What is the current minimum income for UK spouse visa?
The current minimum income requirement for spouse visas is £29,000 per year, increased from £18,600 in April 2024. A further planned increase to £38,700 has been paused and is under review. Additional income is required for each dependent child included in the application.
How will high earners benefit under the proposed settlement changes?
Under the proposals, high earners would benefit from accelerated settlement pathways. Those earning £125,140+ annually could qualify for ILR in just 3 years (reduced from the proposed 10-year baseline). Earners above £50,270 would receive a 5-year reduction, maintaining the current 5-year route. Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa holders would also retain faster routes.
What happens to the 10-year long residence route under UK immigration policy changes?
The consultation proposes abolishing the current 10-year long residence route to settlement in its current form. Those relying on this pathway, including people on the private life route, may face substantially extended qualifying periods under the new earned settlement model. The exact arrangements will depend on consultation feedback.
How many people will be affected by the UK settlement policy changes?
Home Office estimates suggest between 1.3 and 2.2 million people will settle in the UK between 2026 and 2030 (central estimate 1.6 million). Most of those forecast to settle arrived between 2021 and 2024, a period of record high net migration. The peak year is expected to be 2028 with approximately 450,000 settlement grants.