In November 2025, the UK government unveiled its White Paper, “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System”, outlining significant reforms aimed at reducing net migration to what it calls “sustainable levels.” Following record highs of 906,000 in the year to June 2023, numbers fell sharply to 431,000 in 2024—a 52% drop. The Home Office projects that the new measures will cut migration by a further 100,000, bringing figures closer to mid-2010s levels (excluding pandemic years). Among these changes are new pathways to settlement for foreign nationals, which could reshape long-term immigration strategies. Read our opinion piece.

This factsheet highlights key UK immigration changes taking effect from 2025, including higher skill and salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas, updates to GBM routes, increases to the Immigration Skills Charge, the shorter Graduate visa period, and expanded eligibility for the High Potential Individual route. Prepared by Latitude Law, it summarises the policy shifts impacting employers, students and migrants.

The UK’s Global Talent Visa is a unique immigration route designed for individuals who have already made significant contributions to their fields or show promising potential. It provides a flexible path to living and working in the UK without the need for a job offer, offering opportunities for long-term settlement.

From 11 November 2025, the UK Home Office will replace Part 9: Grounds for Refusal with a new unified framework – Part Suitability. This update reshapes how suitability and good character are assessed across visa routes, including family applications. Latitude Law explains what these changes mean for future immigration decisions.

It’s a stressful and uncertain time for some overseas students hoping to enrol in UK universities. At Latitude Law, we have seen a significant increase in enquiries from students whose visa applications have been outstanding beyond the Home Office’s three-week service standard for out of country student applications.

Nearly 2,000 UK sponsor licences were revoked in the past year, signalling a sharp rise in immigration enforcement. Gary McIndoe outlines the urgent steps employers must take to stay compliant and protect their workforce.

While recent changes to the UK’s skilled worker route have made it impossible to issue new sponsorship to chefs, the Home Office has also been raising the temperature for licensed sponsors across all sectors. Can you stand the heat, or should you get out of the kitchen? 

At Latitude Law, we believe that exceptional legal service is built on trust, expertise, and a deep commitment to our clients. We’re proud to announce that we’ve now received over 200 5-star Google reviews, with more than 95% of our clients rating us at the highest level. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the life-changing outcomes we help deliver every day.