Starting Today, July 22: UK Implements New Visa & Immigration Rules

From today, July 22, 2025, the UK government begins enforcing major changes to immigration, visa sponsorship, and settlement routes. These are part of the new reforms outlined in its white paper: “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System.”

If you’re a Nigerian in the UK—or planning to move—these new rules could impact your plans. Here’s everything you need to know:

🔑 What’s Changing from Today?

Two big changes are now in effect:

1. ❌ No More Sponsorship for Medium-Skilled Jobs

• The Skilled Worker occupation list has been shortened.
• Medium-skilled roles (RQF levels 3–5) can no longer be sponsored unless approved by the Migration Advisory Committee.
• This new list will stay in place until the end of 2026.

2. ❌ End of Care Worker Sponsorship

• Employers are no longer allowed to sponsor international care workers under the Skilled Worker route.
• However, existing sponsored care workers can continue under current terms.

📚 What Else Is Coming Soon?

These are upcoming reforms still being developed:

1. 🎓 Tougher Rules for Student Visas

• Universities will face stricter compliance to keep their sponsor licenses.
• A possible tax on foreign student tuition is under discussion (needs parliamentary approval).

2. 🧑🏽‍🎓 Graduate Visa Cut Short

• The current 2-year post-study visa may be reduced to 18 months.

3. 📉 Tougher English Requirements

• Expect higher English language requirements, even for dependents on work visas.

4. ⏳ Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Could Take 10 Years

• The government is considering extending the settlement period from 5 to 10 years.
• This won’t happen immediately—it’s currently under consultation.
• A proposed “earned settlement” route may offer early ILR for migrants making strong economic and social contributions (criteria still unclear).

👥 Who Will Be Affected?

The proposed 10-year ILR rule may not apply to:

• Partners of British citizens
• Victims of domestic abuse
• EU citizens under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement
• Possibly other categories like Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders (still unclear)

👉🏽 If you’re already in the UK, it’s not confirmed whether you’ll be moved to the 10-year track. But the white paper hints some transitional protections may apply.

🏛️ Parliament’s Role

• Most of these changes can be made via Statements of Changes to Immigration Rules—which do not require a parliamentary vote, unless challenged within 40 days.
• Only a few (like new tuition taxes or naturalisation changes) would need full parliamentary approval.

🧭 What Happens Next?

The UK is entering a new era of tighter immigration controls:

• Less visa sponsorship
• Longer settlement timelines
• Higher compliance for students and employers
• Priority for UK-based labour

Stay alert—more changes will roll out throughout 2025.

📢 For Naijas in the UK

If you’re living in the UK or planning to come here, now’s the time to stay informed and plan ahead. Whether it’s your study, work, or settlement goals—these new rules could affect your future.

🔗 More immigration updates: gov.uk

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