Major UK Visas Made More Difficult | New Changes Explained in Detail | Pardes Explainers скачать в хорошем качестве

Major UK Visas Made More Difficult | New Changes Explained in Detail | Pardes Explainers

In the past two years, the United Kingdom has significantly tightened its immigration rules for foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the country under various visa categories. These changes have been part of a broader policy outlined in the government’s 2025 immigration white paper, “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” which aims to reduce net migration, curb perceived abuses, and strengthen border control. Student Visas One of the most impactful changes has been to the student visa route. From 1 January 2024, most international students are no longer permitted to bring family members to the UK, except in limited cases such as postgraduate research or government-funded scholarships. This restriction was introduced to reduce the use of student visas as a backdoor for family migration and to lower overall immigration figures. Although the UK still welcomes international students, this change has drastically reduced dependent visa applications, with data showing a sharp decline of over 80% in student dependants. Post-Study (Graduate) Visas The Graduate Route (Post-Study Work or PSW visa) has also come under review. The UK government is planning to shorten the post-study stay period — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates — to 18 months from January 2027, while PhD holders may stay for three years. This proposed change represents a tightening of the previously generous post-study work rights. Other proposed adjustments include stricter English language requirements and potential longer routes to settlement, making the UK less competitive compared to countries like Canada and Australia. Work Visas Work visas, particularly the Skilled Worker Visa, have been made more restrictive in several ways: Higher salary thresholds: The minimum salary requirement has increased multiple times. Starting in April 2024, the threshold rose significantly and is now around £38,700, with further adjustments to around £41,700 for many roles under the new rules. These changes have contributed to a reported fall in work visa applications and made it harder for employers to recruit internationally. Care Worker Visas One of the most dramatic shifts has been the treatment of care worker visas. As part of the reforms: The UK ended new overseas recruitment for adult social care worker roles from July 2025, meaning such visas can no longer be applied for from abroad. Care workers and senior care workers are no longer eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under those specific codes. Dependants of health and care worker visa holders can no longer join them in the UK — a restriction introduced in March 2024. Only employers registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) can sponsor care worker visas, narrowing the field of eligible sponsors. These combined restrictions have seen a steep decline in care worker visa applications. Family Visas Family migration rules have also become more stringent: The minimum income requirement for British or settled sponsors to bring a spouse/partner has increased from £18,600 to £29,000 in April 2024, and is expected to rise to £38,700 by 2025. Stricter financial and language criteria are intended to ensure that sponsors can genuinely support dependants without recourse to public funds. The Graduate Route (Post-Study Visa): While the 2-year duration remains for now, the government has announced it will be slashed to 18 months for those applying on or after January 1, 2027. Furthermore, students can no longer switch to work visas before completing their course. 2. Skilled Worker and Care Worker Visas The "Skilled Worker" route saw a massive salary hike to ensure only high earners migrate. Salary Thresholds: In April 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa jumped from £26,200 to £38,700. By July 2025, this was uprated again to £41,700. Skill Level: The minimum skill level for sponsorship was raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level) for many roles, effectively closing the route to medium-skilled workers. Care Worker Ban: Since March 11, 2024, Care Workers (SOC 6135) and Senior Care Workers (SOC 6136) are strictly prohibited from bringing partners or children. By July 22, 2025, the route was largely closed to new overseas recruitment entirely. 3. Family and Spouse Visas The cost of living with a foreign partner in the UK has nearly doubled. Minimum Income Requirement (MIR): In April 2024, the income a British citizen must earn to sponsor a spouse rose from £18,600 to £29,000. Future Hikes: While currently frozen at £29,000 pending review, the previous target was £38,700. Unlike the old rules, there is no longer a separate "child element" fee, but the flat threshold remains a major barrier for lower-wage earners. #pardes #immigration #visa