Immigration changes applied on the 14th Oct 2025

As we draw close to the end of 2025 – we await the White Paper (Restoring Control over the Immigration System) on the immigration & nationality changes. It’s important the Government considers a clear-road map to changes, that would benefit the society, individuals and the economy. 

We also need to draw a closure of wrong media work being done such as the BBC – to stop creating narratives that does not benefit the UK. Asylum seekers do not make up the number of migrants who come to the UK. HNW, Entrepreneurs, Investors including highly skilled migrants are needed – to ensure we can create opportunities and growth for the economy. 

Visit visa requirements for Botswana nationals

ETA has been removed from Botswana nationals. UK Home Office have taken this position due to the increase in over-staying & have claimed asylum by those nationals. 

An application for a visit visa must be applied and considered in line with the immigration rules. This would include intention to visit the UK and leave the UK – without submitting any further leave to remain application. With the increase of asylum claims being made, it has been made apparent that it is around 62% of those coming to the UK. 

Recognising the Palestine State

Palestian nationals can now apply for the UK visit visa – as the UK Government have recognised the State. Whilst Palestian nationals have applied for visas in the past – the policy has not changed, and the conditions are at the same position.

It is likely that those who apply for a visit visa – may not be granted due to the current situation and we hope that changes. 

EU national students including Germany & France

This was a responsible change whereby those 19 years of age and under – can travel to the UK for educational purposes without a UK visa.

This is to ensure students can travel to the UK – this applies to all EU nationals, who do not require a passport and will only need a National ID card. As part of the application – a school letter is required to support entry to the UK. 

Appendix Temporary Permission to Stay for Victims of Human Trafficking or Slavery

Application route has been opened by the Home Office – this would be applied under FLR(HRO) application route. 

In evidence, an applicant must provide evidence to show they are a victim of modern slavery and provide legal defence statement in consideration of the application. If granted, leave to remain would be given for 30 months, with a view to settlement.

Appendix Statelessness application

An applicant can apply from the 11^th Nov 2025 – as a dependant. Both partners and children can apply on those routes if family life existed before the main applicant was granted Statelessness status. 

If the main applicant was granted after the family life was created, then dependants must apply for Appendix FM application route. 

Home Office have now updated the immigration policies to consider those changes. 

New English language requirements for all migration routes

In line with the Government planned changes – English Language requirements for Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up work visas routes from 8^th January 2026. 

High Potential Individual immigration program

Home Office have extended the list and the capped application is now at 8,000 per year. 

Labour Market Evidence Group & work reforms

The Government promise to limit skilled workers to the UK – has been enhanced with changes to the salary requirements and removing employment opportunities that can be covered using the skilled worker program. 

Whilst this is admiral – the core issues that all organisations and employer’s find themselves is the lack of resources available. It does not improve competitiveness of the industry and for businesses intended to grow their business in the UK – are limited due to difficulty in accessing human capital. 

It is expected that we will interest’s those who are at the emerging markets and not those established – for example from the USA, Australia etc. 

Study programs and changes being applied from 2026

Agent Quality Framework and also Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) metric by five percentage points is being introduced to ensure only students who wish to study in the UK – are able to come in the UK. Students can come to the UK – to study. Graduate visas reduced to 18 months only.

ILR changes

Those looking to settle in the UK – will be moved to 10 years. 

Non-UK dependants of British Citizens can apply for settlement to 5 years. 

About the author

ICS Legal are a regulated law firm in the UK. Shajjad Miah is a regulated Immigration Lawyer, accredited at Level 3—the highest level—by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) – https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/immigration-advice-authority.

With 19 years of experience in UK immigration and nationality law, he brings extensive expertise to every case. You can connect with him on Quora, where his insights have attracted over 2.5million views: https://www.quora.com/profile/Shajjad-Miah.

Resources

^1.UK Whitepaper in Immigration Changes – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-accessible#chapter-7-conclusion—a-system-fit-for-the-future

^2.Statement of Changes – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1333-14-october-2025/explanatory-memorandum-to-the-statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1333-14-october-2025-accessible.