UK Immigration Just Got Tougher – Here’s What You Need to Know

The UK has seriously tightened things up with their immigration rules, and if you’ve got plans to move there, you need to hear this. The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is not playing at all, and it’s clear they want to shake things up. First of all, Keir said it loud and clear on Twitter: “Settlement in the UK is a privilege that is earned, not a right.” He even doubled down, saying: “I'm backing Britain's young people. We're charging employers more to recruit from overseas, and if they do, they must prove they are investing in British workers and increasing British skills.” This means they’re basically telling employers to think twice before hiring from abroad, and if they do, they’ll have to pay more and show proof that they’re not just relying on foreign talent.

Key changes you should know about as an Immigrant or someone planning on moving to the UK:

1. Longer Wait for Permanent Residency – They’ve extended the time you need to settle permanently from 5 years to 10 years. If you were planning to settle quickly, just know it’s going to take you a whole decade now.
   

2. Higher Salary Requirements – The minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa has gone up to £25,000 per year (from £23,200). If your job isn’t paying that much, it’s going to be a struggle.
   

3. Stricter English Language Rules – They’ve made English tests tougher, and even dependents now have to prove they can speak English before coming over.
   

4. Student Visa Squeeze – They’ve cut the post-study work visa duration from 2 years to 18 months and added a 6% levy on tuition fees.
   

5. No More Care Worker Visas – The UK is no longer issuing visas to foreign care workers, a big hit for those looking to enter this sector. The Bigger Picture Statmer made clear that he’s trying to cut overall migration and stop illegal entries through small boats. He said: “I know you’re angry about immigration. I get it. Mark my words: I will take back control of our borders.” What This Means for You; If you’re planning to move to the UK, these changes mean you’ll need to be more prepared than ever. From language tests to higher salary thresholds, the bar is getting higher. But don’t worry – with the right planning and the right approach, it’s still possible to make it work. Just make sure you’re getting your information from legit sources and you’re prepared for a longer journey to settlement.

   Stay Informed and Avoid Mistakes With these new rules, you need to be extra careful and make sure you have the right information before making any major moves. The wrong step could set you back for years. That’s where Terra Tag comes in. We stay up to date with every travel policy change and guide you through the process to make sure your visa and travel plans are as smooth as possible. Whether it’s study, work, or settlement, we’ve got you covered. Ready to start your journey? Reach out to Terra Tag today and let’s make it happen.