The UK’s new immigration policy for 2025–2027 brings some of the biggest changes in years, affecting international students, skilled workers, care workers, and asylum seekers. The reforms reduce the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa from 2 years to 18 months, raise the English language requirement from B1 to B2 for many routes, and remove dependents for most taught Master’s and undergraduate students. ILR is extended from 5 to 10 years, with a new salary-based fast track, while low-paid health and social care workers may wait up to 15 years for nationality. Stricter university ratings and temporary-only asylum rules further reshape who can study, work, and settle in the UK.
Overview Table – Major UK Immigration Changes (2025–2027)
| Category | Old Rules | New Rules |
| Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) | 2-year duration | Reduced to 18 months |
| PSW for PhD Graduates | 2 years | 3 years |
| Student Work Hours | 20 hrs/week | 25 hrs/week |
| Student Dependents | Allowed in most degrees | Only for PhD & research students |
| English Requirement – Dependents | No A1 needed | A1 mandatory |
| English Requirement – Skilled Worker | B1 | B2 required |
| ILR (Settlement) | 5-year qualifying period | 10 years (most applicants) |
| ILR Based on Salary | Not salary-dependent | £125K salary = ILR in 3 yrs £50K–£125K = 5 yrs |
| Care Worker & Low-Pay Visa Nationality | Normal timeline | May take 15 years to qualify for nationality |
| Asylum Nationality | Eligible after 5 years refugee status | No UK nationality; visa renewed every 2.5 years |
| University Sponsorship System | General compliance | Red-Amber-Green rating (strict) |
| Visa System | Standard online | New digital application portal |
| Financial Requirements | Previous lower threshold | Higher funds required for 28 days |
UK New Immigration Policy for Students – Study & Work Changes (2025–2026)
Big changes are coming for students who want to study in UK and work in the UK. The new rules reduce PSW duration, restrict dependents, and raise English requirements, making it important to plan ahead.
Financial Requirements Increasing
From November 2025, the UK is increasing the financial proof requirements for student visas, meaning students must show higher funds for both living costs and the full first-year tuition fee as stated on their CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
For living expenses, you’ll need to prove:
- £1,483 per month (up to 9 months) if you are studying in London
- £1,136 per month (up to 9 months) if you are studying outside London.
This money must remain in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, and the last day of that 28-day period must fall within 31 days before you submit your visa application.
The funds can come from your own bank savings, a student loan, or official financial sponsorship, and if you are bringing dependents, you must show additional funds to cover their living costs as well. In simple words, you now need more money, held for a stricter fixed period, to prove you can afford to study and live in the UK.
Graduate Route (PSW) Reduced
| Previous rule | New rule |
| 2-year PSW visa | 18 months only |
| Applies until 31 Dec 2026 | New rule applies 1 Jan 2027 |
Important: Anyone who applies after 1 January 2027 will receive only 18 months PSW, except PhD graduates, who will still get 3 years PSW.
What does this mean for students?
You will have less time to:
- Find a suitable job
- Secure a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
You’ll need to:
- Plan your career path earlier
- Actively network with employers during your course
- Focus on high-demand sectors that are more likely to sponsor visas
Student Work Hours Increased
One of the most student-friendly updates in the new UK immigration policy is the extension of working hours during term time. Under the revised rules:
- Previous limit: 20 hours per week
- New limit: 25 hours per week
- Effective from: November 2025
This change allows students to earn more, gain valuable work experience, and build stronger connections with employers while completing their studies.
Dependents Policy Restricted
The rules for bringing family members (spouse and children) on a student visa have become more restrictive.
What’s changing?
Previously, many postgraduates and some other students could bring dependents. But under the new system, this right is expected to remain mainly for:
- Research postgraduate students
- Doctoral (PhD) students
For most undergraduate and taught Master’s students, dependents will no longer be eligible for visas under the new rules. This will particularly affect families who were planning to move together.
Higher English Language Requirements
The UK is raising English language standards for both students and workers, especially for those who want to stay long term or bring family.
| Visa Type | New Level |
| Student Dependents | A1 minimum |
| Skilled Worker | B1 → B2 (from Jan 2026) |
For many students, skilled workers, and their dependents, the UK is now expecting a stronger command of English, especially at B2 level on the CEFR scale for most main routes.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- SELT (Secure English Language Test)
This change is designed to ensure better academic performance, employability, and integration into UK society.
University Sponsorship Compliance Overhaul
The way the UK evaluates universities that sponsor international students is also changing. UK universities will now be assessed using a tiered compliance model:
| Rating Category | Meaning & Impact |
| 🟥 Red-Rated Institutions |
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| 🟧 Amber-Rated Institutions |
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| 🟩 Green-Rated Institutions |
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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Extended Timeline
A significant change in the new policy is the shift in the ILR (settlement) timeline.
- Old rule: Most applicants could qualify for ILR after 5 years.
- New proposal: Many routes may now require 10 years of lawful residence before ILR.
- Healthcare workers & dependents must wait 15 years to get nationality.
Salary-Based Fast-Track ILR
The UK New Immigration Policy has introduced a new salary-based fast-track system for permanent residency (ILR), allowing higher earners to qualify much faster than others. The system is tougher for everyone, but it clearly sends one message: the higher your earnings, the faster your route to ILR and long-term settlement.
| Annual Salary | ILR Timeline |
| £125,000+ | 3 years |
| £50,000–£125,000 | 5 years |
| Below £50,000 | 10-year route applies |
Note: A petition with 188,526 signatures opposed the 10-year ILR policy, but the government did not reverse it.
Asylum & Refugee Policy – New Rules (2026)
The “Asylum & Refugee Policy – New Rules (2026)” outlines important changes in the UK’s approach to asylum seekers and refugees. As part of the UK New Immigration Policy, these updates aim to streamline the process and ensure a fairer, more efficient system for those seeking protection in the country.
| Old System | New System |
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📌 Britain will allow asylum seekers to remain protected but not settle permanently.
Faqs
Will current students still get a 2-year Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)?
Yes. Students graduating before the new rules take effect are expected to keep the full 2-year PSW. The 18-month PSW applies from January 2027 for new applicants.
What is a Petition?
A petition is a formal request signed by the public asking the government to make a change. If it gains 100,000+ signatures, Parliament must debate it but they are not required to change the law.
Can simple Master’s students bring dependents?
Mostly no. Under the new rules, dependents are mainly allowed for PhD and research students only.
What English level is required under the new rules?
The Student dependents require minimum A1 and skilled worker visa raised from B1 to B2 (effective January 2026)
Will asylum seekers get UK nationality under new rules?
No. From 2026, asylum seekers will receive temporary protection only, not automatic citizenship. Their status will be reviewed every 2.5 years.
