What Are the UK's New Immigration Rules?

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a comprehensive new immigration policy that aims to significantly reduce net migration to the United Kingdom by 2029. The plan promises to be “controlled, selective and fair” and introduces stricter requirements for migrants across work, study, and family visa categories. For many Sri Lankans who have long looked to the UK for education, employment, or a new life, these changes mark a major shift in opportunity and access.

Here is a breakdown of the most significant changes and how they could affect Sri Lankan citizens.

English Language Requirements Tightened

One of the most wide-reaching reforms is the introduction of stricter English language standards for all visa categories.

Skilled worker visas now require at least an upper-intermediate level of English, up from the previous
intermediate level.

Dependents, such as spouses and children, must now also demonstrate basic English proficiency, which was not previously required.

Individuals seeking visa extensions must show progress in their English skills over time.

Settled Status Will Take Longer

Under current rules, migrants can apply for settled status after living in the UK for five years. This has now been doubled to ten years.

There will be some flexibility for high-contributing individuals, such as doctors and nurses, who may still apply after five years.

A new bereaved parent visa will allow parents who lose a British or settled child to receive immediate settled status.

Settled status allows individuals to live and work in the UK indefinitely and provides many of the same rights as citizenship, including access to healthcare and social services.

Changes for International Students

Sri Lankan students hoping to remain in the UK after completing their studies will face tighter rules.

The graduate visa will now only allow a post-study stay of 18 months, down from two years.

PhD graduates will be allowed to stay for two years, instead of the current three.

Universities sponsoring international students will face stricter oversight, and those not meeting standards will have recruitment restrictions imposed.

Skilled Worker Visa Overhaul

The UK is raising the bar for skilled migration.

Applicants must now hold at least a university degree, replacing the previous minimum requirement of A-level qualifications.

There will be tighter restrictions on overseas recruitment for jobs with critical skill shortages.

The UK will prioritise highly skilled individuals through special routes like the Global Talent Visa, Innovator Founder Visa, and High Potential Individual Visa.

Refugees may also have limited access to employment through the skilled worker system.

Social Care Visa to Be Phased Out

The social care visa, which allowed care workers to move to the UK due to staffing shortages, will be discontinued by 2028. A transition period will allow current visa holders to extend or switch visas until then.

Citizenship Requirements and Family Life Rules

Applicants for British citizenship will now be assessed not just on time spent in the UK, but on their contributions to society and the economy.

The Life in the UK test will be revised

The "right to family life" — often used in asylum and deportation appeals — will be restricted, with Parliament defining how it applies to immigration cases.

Enforcement and Deportation Measures

The new rules give the Home Office broader powers to remove individuals who break immigration laws.

Visa holders who commit crimes, even without serving prison time, can be deported.

Offences such as violence against women and girls will carry greater weight in deportation decisions.

Asylum claims, especially those lacking clear justification, will face stricter scrutiny.

Banks and financial institutions will be required to report individuals suspected of being in the UK illegally.

Humanitarian and Refugee Routes

Existing humanitarian visa routes for people from Ukraine, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan will remain in place. However, the government will assess the long-term viability of sponsorship programs supporting these groups.

Impact on Sri Lankan Migrants

These sweeping changes will significantly affect how Sri Lankans approach moving to the UK.

Students must now prepare for a shorter window to find work post-graduation and may face tougher institutional requirements.

Skilled workers will need higher academic qualifications and stronger English skills.

Families hoping to reunite may face greater legal challenges, especially under revised family life policies.

Those aiming for permanent settlement or citizenship must now be ready for a much longer and more rigorous path.

The message from the UK government is clear: Britain wants to welcome migrants who are highly skilled, economically beneficial, and socially integrated. For Sri Lankans, this means a narrower, more competitive route to the UK — but one that remains open with the right preparation.