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In a sweeping immigration reform, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced tougher language and settlement rules aimed at reducing net migration. Under the new policy, migrants will need to live in the UK for 10 years—up from the current five—before they can apply for British citizenship.
However, high-skilled and high-contributing migrants such as doctors, nurses, engineers, and AI specialists may be eligible for fast-tracked permanent residency under a new “contributions-based” model.
The government also plans to raise English language requirements across all visa categories, including for adult dependents for the first time. Officials say this will promote better integration and employment outcomes.
The changes come as part of an upcoming Immigration White Paper, which aims to cut legal migration after net migration reached record highs in recent years. While some experts doubt the new measures will significantly reduce migration numbers, they agree that language requirements could affect the number of visas issued.
More details—including on the proposed care worker visa restrictions—will be presented in Parliament next week.
