Immigrating to the UK

[Priapus]

It's huge. It would mean any CoS issued won't get you even close to IRL, unless they update CoS to be valid for 10 years as well?

I think the maximum is 5 years currently.

Yeah, it would be tough to get there on a SWV. You'd need multiple sponsored jobs and or to stay with the company for a decade.

 

[Priapus]

When it was changed in 2006 from 4 to 5 years for ILR, it applied to everyone, not just new applicants.



The changes to the Immigration Rules

Yes, the government then allowed people to apply for a 1 year extension, so it was a non issue, really.

The White Paper will eb released today. So we will have to wait and see. But I doubt it will apply to people already in the country.

 

[Priapus]

When it was changed in 2006 from 4 to 5 years for ILR, it applied to everyone, not just new applicants.



The changes to the Immigration Rules

It's also worth noting, the decision was reversed in 2009, after a court ruled it unlawful to apply it to people already in the UK.

As I have mentioned; I'm certain this change won't affect people already here on visas - and more reading says it might not even affect family route. We will have to wait for The White paper though.

 

[Nivec]

Yes, the government then allowed people to apply for a 1 year extension, so it was a non issue, really.

The White Paper will eb released today. So we will have to wait and see. But I doubt it will apply to people already in the country.

It's also worth noting, the decision was reversed in 2009, after a court ruled it unlawful to apply it to people already in the UK.

As I have mentioned; I'm certain this change won't affect people already here on visas - and more reading says it might not even affect family route. We will have to wait for The White paper though.

Interesting, lets hope.

 

[prod]

We will have to wait for The White paper though.

I think's it's already out:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6821aec3f16c0654b19060ac/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper.pdf

Couldn't see anything that specifies who it applies to. But the way they word things though, makes me think it's going to apply to anyone

As things stand, more people are likely to become eligible for settlement and then citizenship over the next few years as a result of the extremely high level of net migration between 2019 and 2024.

Through the expansion of the Point-Based System, individuals will also have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period based on Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society. We will consult on these changes later this year.

 

[Sinbad]

Yes, the government then allowed people to apply for a 1 year extension, so it was a non issue, really.

The White Paper will eb released today. So we will have to wait and see. But I doubt it will apply to people already in the country.

Except it wouldn't be a non issue if you have to pay another 5 years of spouse visa and IHS.....

 

[Sinbad]

265. We will continue to offer a shorter pathway to settlement for non-UKdependants of British citizens to five years, provided they have remained compliant with their requirements, and we will retain existing safeguards to protect the vulnerable, including settlement rights for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

 

[Priapus]

Except it wouldn't be a non issue if you have to pay another 5 years of spouse visa and IHS.....

I did not say it wouldn't be an issue if it was for another 5 years nor imply as such.

 

[Priapus]

265. We will continue to offer a shorter pathway to settlement for non-UKdependants of British citizens to five years, provided they have remained compliant with their requirements, and we will retain existing safeguards to protect the vulnerable, including settlement rights for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

As I said; they would not change current rules for people already here.

 

[Sinbad]

As I said; they would not change current rules for people already here.

That's not what they said though.
Looks like they will keep the 5 year path for family. I'm willing to bet they will change SWV to a 10 year path unless you can prove value somehow - even if you're in the country already.

 

[prod]

That's not what they said though.
Looks like they will keep the 5 year path for family. I'm willing to bet they will change SWV to a 10 year path unless you can prove value somehow - even if you're in the country already.

unfortunately I think so too, part of their point is to prove you are skilled and needed so getting another 5 years sponsor shouldn't be too difficult...?

Christ this has rocked me now, not sure what to do

 

[Priapus]

That's not what they said though.
Looks like they will keep the 5 year path for family. I'm willing to bet they will change SWV to a 10 year path unless you can prove value somehow - even if you're in the country already.

It's a little light on details. But I think you're right having re-read it.

Probably just for SWV and other routes. Thankfully I am off that route and on family route now.

 

[Priapus]

unfortunately I think so too, part of their point is to prove you are skilled and needed so getting another 5 years sponsor shouldn't be too difficult...?

Christ this has rocked me now, not sure what to do

Well, they've not said It applies to people already in the country - I think they need to clarify that bit more. But you're obviously not falling into the "low-skilled" category and I assume you scored a lot more on your points for the SWV?

 

[Priapus]

unfortunately I think so too, part of their point is to prove you are skilled and needed so getting another 5 years sponsor shouldn't be too difficult...?

Christ this has rocked me now, not sure what to do

I put the PDFs into ChatGPT and this is what it spat out for people already in the Skilled Worker visa route.

Yes, the technical annex provides important clarification that directly affects your situation as someone already on a Skilled Worker visa.

Key Takeaways for You:

1. You Are Likely Exempt from the New RQF 6 Threshold

The annex explicitly states that the raise in skill level to RQF 6 will apply to new applicants.

You, as an existing Skilled Worker, can continue to renew your visa, change employment within eligible occupations, and apply for ILR under the current rules — even if your job is below RQF 6.

2. No Immediate Change to Your ILR Path — But Timeline May Shift

There is a proposed increase to the qualifying period for settlement (ILR) to 10 years (from 5 years).

This is currently only an illustrative proposal; implementation details (e.g. who is affected and from when) are not confirmed.

If you are already on the Skilled Worker visa, there's a strong chance you will be grandfathered under the 5-year rule, but this is not guaranteed.

3. Increased English Language Requirements

The proposal raises the language requirement for Skilled Workers from B1 to B2 (more advanced).

The annex does not confirm whether current Skilled Worker holders applying for ILR will need to meet B2.

If implemented, you may need to meet B2 if applying for ILR after the change takes effect, so preparing for that standard is prudent.

4. Dependants: English Language Requirement

All adult dependants of Skilled Workers will need to meet a new minimum A1 English requirement.

This could affect future visa renewals or ILR applications for dependants, but the document again leaves some implementation details open.

---

Summary:

If you're already on a Skilled Worker visa:

You can stay on your current job and renew your visa even if it's below RQF 6.

You are likely to be eligible for ILR under existing rules, but may face increased English language requirements depending on when you apply.

Monitor announcements on the ILR qualifying period — if the 10-year rule comes into effect and includes current visa holders, it could delay your settlement plans.

 

[Priapus]

That's not what they said though.
Looks like they will keep the 5 year path for family. I'm willing to bet they will change SWV to a 10 year path unless you can prove value somehow - even if you're in the country already.

Technical annex provides clarity:

Page 22 , reference 29, second part of the paragraph

New joiners to the Skilled Worker route are considered here to be inflows from out of country, and those in country switching to the Skilled Worker route. Individuals currently on the Skilled Worker route who may extend their visa are expected to be exempt from the policy proposals so are excluded from this analysis.

@prod - Looks like you'll be unaffected.

 

[Tman*]

I see there's some changes coming very soon to try to curb net migration.
One measure is that skilled work visas will require a degree. They also want to stop recruiting care workers overseas.

Odd approach in a country with such low unemployment.

watched a documentary of a crime ring hiring like 10 "chefs" as a kebab shop to get exploit the skills workers visa....

 

[Sinbad]

The annex is just a technical analysis of immigration flows and possible impacts to flows of various changes. I would not use it to extrapolate any future law/policy...

None of this is policy. This is a whitepaper for discussion. Law/regulation creation will take a fair amount of time to happen I imagine.

 

[AstroTurf]

Anyone watch the PM's speech a few mins ago on the White Paper?

What I got out of that:

- Rules tightening across all routes
- Higher English standard across all routes - including dependents
- 10 years now instead of 5 to ILR
- Care visas scrapped

Hoping this won't affect @AstroTurf too much.

https://assets.publishing.service.g...l-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper.pdf the white paper.

For family visas still 5 years but yea need higher English (Think they want a B2 and am fine with it, was planning on doing that anyway).

 

[AstroTurf]

Applying for ILR isn't linked to visas though. It's a different process. So I'd imagine that the fair thing to do would be to apply it to people who first arrive in the UK after the law is changed... - I hope.

I am sure that is what they will do, they did not retroactively change laws when conservatives were playing around with them in 23/24

 

[AstroTurf]

The annex is just a technical analysis of immigration flows and possible impacts to flows of various changes. I would not use it to extrapolate any future law/policy...

None of this is policy. This is a whitepaper for discussion. Law/regulation creation will take a fair amount of time to happen I imagine.

Yea some time in 2026 apparently.