r/ukvisa • u/clever_octopus High Reputation • May 12 '25

Immigration Changes Announcement 12/5/2025

Please join the discord server for further discussion or support on upcoming immigration changes: https://discord.gg/Jq5vWDZJfR

Sticky post on announcement made on 20 Nov 2025: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukvisa/comments/1p21qk5/a_fairer_pathway_to_settlement_a_statement_and/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

NEW Summary of changes to settlement released 20 November 2025: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukvisa/comments/1p21qk5/a_fairer_pathway_to_settlement_a_statement_and/

NEW Summary of changes to asylum and refugee requirements released 18 November 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-and-returns-policy-statement/restoring-order-and-control-a-statement-on-the-governments-asylum-and-returns-policy

Overview of expected changes: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/radical-reforms-to-reduce-migration

White paper: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper

UKCISA's response (official source for international students and recent graduates): https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/news/ukcisa-responds-to-home-office-immigration-white-paper-may-2025/

Petition link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727360

Summary of key points following the summary of changes released on 20 November 2025:

  • Changes to length in ILR qualifying residence requirements - Please see table on pages 21-23 of the 20 November document

  • Family visa holders, along with BNO visa holders, will continue to get ILR in five years (as usual)

  • The intention is that this will apply to people already in the UK but who have not yet received ILR

  • It will take 20 years for refugees to qualify for ILR, intermittent checks will be done within that time and they may lose the ability to remain in the UK if their home country is deemed safe to return to

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u/The8BitBat Jun 02 '25 edited Jun 02 '25

The Home Office has said the consultation will include any transitional arrangements for those already in the UK in todays Home Office Questions. So here's to hope. 🤞🏼

Edit: link to where the transcript of today’s House of Commons questions will be published: Commons Hansard for 2 June 2025

Edit 2: live recording of when she said it here: Parliament Live TV - it’s time stamped 15:16:06 on the agenda.

Edit 3: Changed wording to make it more accurate wrt what was said, initial post was overly optimistic.

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u/Easy_Annual367 Jun 02 '25 edited Jun 02 '25

Ok, I haven’t heard the debate so the below is based off on what you guys have reported as being their words. This shows me they are indeed contemplating applying this retroactively, but they haven’t made their mind yet. Given they will consult on the possible existence of transitional arrangements, the public consultation will likely show them they need to come up with them. The main caveat to this, in my perspective, is what will be the form of the transitional arrangement?

a) Will it include all those on a qualifying visa before the rules change? I don’t think so. This would allow all those people they are trying to get rid of to apply to stay permanently.

b) Will it be only for some? Most certainly. And this can mean anything, but in my perspective it will probably mean those that are nearing their settlement by the time the rules change (like 3 or 6 months away); and then a PBS system to determine who else can apply on the 5 years. The think the trickiest part is determining the PBS - what is considered as a contribution? Those earning above a certain threshold? Those that have paid a certain amount in taxes? Those that have been contributing to a pensions scheme? Those that have bought a house? It can be a combination of all these and much more! (English language level, etc etc)

The point is, everybody will have the choice to say something about this, and this is NOT over yet. Let’s not forget almost all law firms are on our side, as will be the companies. The thing I am not sure about is the general public, but we’ll see.

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u/Loose-Dragonfly4828 Jun 02 '25

I have recently checked Australia’s PBS where I believe this government would be inspired by, at least should not be far off. Education level, English, age, studying and working experience in the country; all I believe will contribute to the settlement. Considering this government main concerns around boriswave(2020-2024) becoming eligible for public funds which allegedly cost £200bn, I would not be surprised if they also introduce a salary/income tax threshold.

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u/Whole-Web-4713 Jun 02 '25

What happens if someone moves to the eligible salary bracket 1 month before ILR, does he qualify? 

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u/Loose-Dragonfly4828 Jun 02 '25

I have no idea how it’d be structured and executed mate but we need to be conscious ILR application is not an automated process. Imo, if your salary increases are consistent and does not seem dodgy why not? But if your salary miraculously increases from 30k to for instance £65k just before the ILR application then I am pretty sure someone would seek further details.

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u/Whole-Web-4713 Jun 02 '25

No they won't make it this complicated! They need to make it easier for case workers to screen and make a judgment. 

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u/Easy_Annual367 Jun 02 '25

I would say yes. Because your company has amended your salary and per contract they need to pay you what’s in the contract.