Immigration Rules changes: analysis and news pieces

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis

This subtopic includes a compilation of analysis pieces on selected major Statements of Changes in Immigration Rules since HC 1039, which was published on 14 March 2013. It also provides links to news reports on most remaining minor

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Immigration News

Immigration weekly highlights—3 July 2025

Welcome to the 3 July 2025 highlights from the Immigration team, which provides links to key news stories from the last week, as well as a round-up of new and updated content in Immigration.

Statement of changes in Immigration Rules, HC 997—analysis

Immigration analysis: the Lexis+® UK Immigration team outlines the main changes set out in HC 997, published on 1 July 2025. The Statement primarily implements the first tranche of significant changes that had been announced in the 12 May 2025 Immigration White Paper ‘Restoring control over the immigration system’, notably raising the standard skill level for Skilled Worker to Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 and closing off entry clearance applications from careworkers and senior careworkers, with a sunset for permitted in-country switches to 22 July 2028. The skill level change has been somewhat tempered by the retention (and slight expansion) of the Immigration Salary List until 31 December 2026 and the creation of a new interim Temporary Shortage List, which will be subject to review and will also be removed by that date. This will enable persons in certain RQF 3–5 occupations to still commence sponsorship as new applicants for a limited period, although they will not be able to bring dependants. However, even with these measures, there will be 111 roles which can no longer be sponsored. There has also been a raft of changes to salary levels in Skilled Worker and various other work routes, which are primarily increases, and are in line with the latest (2024) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data, published by the Office for National Statistics. In another change, which was not anticipated, the government has shut down for new applicants with immediate effect the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

Policy Exchange publishes report on international student migration regime reforms

Policy Exchange has published a report, focussing on the UK’s international student migration system. The report states that 425,000 visas were issued to international students in 2024, accounting for 43% of all non-travel visas. It also argues that there has been an increase in visa switching, with 40% of study visa holders in 2023 transitioning to another visa within 12 months. The report argues that international students are displacing British students. The increase in international student enrolments is attributed to demand for short postgraduate courses at lower tier universities. Additionally, many universities are administering their own English language assessments, with 18% reporting that no international student has failed their internal qualifying tests. The report authors argue for reforms to reduce migration. These include: (1) scrapping the Graduate Visa route; (2) enforcing stricter English language requirements for international students; and (3) introducing a £1,000 annual International Student Levy, with exemptions for top tier universities. The report authors also argue that extending eligibility for student loans to EU students under the proposed ‘Youth Experience Scheme’ could cost HM Treasury £2bn over five years.

First tranche of White Paper changes issued

The Home Office has issued a new Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 997, along with an Explanatory Memorandum (EM) on 1 July 2025. In addition to the immediate closure of the Afghan resettlement schemes (from 15:00 BST on 1 July 2025), the Statement principally brings in a number of significant changes to the Skilled Worker route, which were previously announced in the 12 May 2025 Immigration White Paper ‘Restoring control over the immigration system’. Those changes come into effect for persons issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship on or after from 22 July 2025. This piece sets out a summary of the main changes as set out in the EM, but the provisions are complex, and further detailed analysis will follow shortly.

View Immigration by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]Important note—Archived Practice Note: this Practice Note is no longer updated as it relates to the position prior to the introduction of simplified Immigration Rules and procedures at and before the end of the Brexit transition period. It has been

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of caseA strike out order can be made either following an application by the parties or on the court's own initiative. This Practice Note deals with the scenario of the order being made following a party's application.Making an application
Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]

Retention of documents by the Home Office [Archived]Important note—Archived Practice Note: this Practice Note is no longer updated as it relates to the position prior to the introduction of simplified Immigration Rules and procedures at and before the end of the Brexit transition period. It has been

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of case

Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of caseA strike out order can be made either following an application by the parties or on the court's own initiative. This Practice Note deals with the scenario of the order being made following a party's application.Making an application