UK Announces End of Social Care Visa, English Tests for Dependants, Doubling of Settlement Period, Others in Immigration Reform

The UK government has released a sweeping white paper on immigration, outlining dramatic changes to how foreign nationals can enter, work, and settle in the country. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the new framework on Monday, describing it as a decisive move to “finally take back control of our borders” and reduce migration numbers.

The 82-page policy document signals the end of the overseas social care visa route, a pathway that previously allowed qualified health and social care professionals to enter the UK for jobs with the NHS and other registered care providers. Although current visa holders will be allowed to extend or switch their visas until 2028, the route will be phased out as the government reforms skills thresholds and develops a domestic workforce strategy.

Another major change is the doubling of the settlement period for migrants from five to ten years. The government says this is to ensure that only “high-value” individuals—particularly those in healthcare and technology—remain long-term contributors to the UK economy. At the same time, international students will now only be allowed to stay in the UK for 18 months after completing their studies, down from the previous five years.

The white paper also introduces new English language testing requirements for both primary applicants and their dependants, a measure not previously applied to family members. The Home Office will monitor language improvements over time.

In efforts to tighten deportation policies, the government will now consider a wider range of offences for deporting foreign nationals, not just prison sentences. This includes plans to update the criteria to reflect the seriousness of crimes such as violence against women and girls. Deportation procedures will also be accelerated through unspecified diplomatic “measures” to ensure other countries cooperate in receiving their nationals.

International recruitment will face new restrictions under a planned Labour Market Evidence Group, which will rely on economic data to determine where foreign workers are truly needed. Only sectors experiencing long-term shortages will be allowed to hire from abroad, and only if employers commit to increasing domestic workforce participation. Additionally, the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas will rise, and existing salary discounts will be scrapped.

“We must not become an island of strangers, but a nation that walks forward together,” Starmer said, defending the proposals as a balance between economic sustainability and social unity. Parliament is expected to receive further details on the settlement changes before the end of the year.