The Government’s May 2025 White Paper, "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System", proposes significant reform across multiple areas of UK immigration policy. Framed as a reset of the legal framework governing migration, the proposals will affect work routes, settlement pathways, family migration, student sponsorship, and compliance requirements.

While the Government has positioned these reforms as necessary to reduce net migration and ease pressure on public services, they will also require immediate consideration by employers and sponsors reliant on overseas talent, as well as by individuals with plans to remain in the UK long-term.

Below is our overview of the principal changes.