The UK government has published its latest immigration white paper, introducing stricter regulations across all aspects of the immigration system, including study, work, and family-related routes. Notably, the Graduate Route visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months following graduation.

The white paper also outlines measures aimed at curbing the misuse of student visas. To this end, the government plans to enhance the requirements for institutions that sponsor international students by updating the Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) — an annual review that evaluates each sponsor’s adherence to immigration rules.

A new “Red-Amber-Green” rating system will be implemented to clearly indicate which institutions meet compliance standards and which do not. Institutions found to be underperforming may face specific interventions, such as caps on international student enrollment and mandatory improvement plans.

Furthermore, the Agent Quality Framework (AQF) will become compulsory for institutions using recruitment agents for international student admissions. Additional reforms will include the introduction of new English language requirements across several visa categories.

Currently, international students must demonstrate English proficiency to enrol in UK programs, but their adult dependants have not been subject to the same rule. Under the proposed changes, dependants must now demonstrate basic English skills (A1 level) to enter the UK, progressing to A2 for visa extensions and B2 (independent user level) for settled status.

English proficiency standards will also rise for skilled workers and those already subject to language requirements, moving from B1 to B2, in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The new immigration framework will also eliminate the automatic right to settlement and citizenship after five years of residency in the UK. Instead, migrants will need to live in the UK for ten years before applying for permanent status — unless they can demonstrate a significant and lasting contribution to the UK’s economy and society.

A fast-track route will be introduced for “high-skilled, high-contributing individuals” who comply with immigration rules and contribute meaningfully. Professions such as nurses, doctors, engineers, and AI experts were cited as examples of those eligible for expedited settlement.

Source: The UK government immigration white paper