Mastering Immigration Law Subscription Update – May 2025
The May 2025 Immigration White Paper introduced substantial reforms to the UK’s Graduate Route, High Potential Individual visa, and Skilled Worker route, which were implemented by July 2025. These changes altered several visa pathways to focus on higher-skilled migration while adjusting settlement access, affecting both new applications and the renewal and settlement options for existing visa holders. We bring some of the most important highlights in May 2025 to you in our MIL blog.
Business Immigration
Graduate Route Reforms: A Shift Towards Skills-Based Immigration
May 2025 proved a pivotal moment for the UK’s Graduate Route following publication of the Government’s Immigration White Paper and comprehensive Home Office evaluation on 12 May. The centrepiece proposal involved reducing the Graduate Route duration from two years to 18 months for undergraduate and master’s degree holders, whilst maintaining the three-year provision for PhD graduates. This shift is a sign of growing government interest in net migration levels and to demonstrate that post-study routes really serve the economic interests of the UK.
The Home Office review indicates varied outcomes in spite of the huge upsurge from below 100,000 in 2022 to almost 250,000 in 2024. While 62 percent of the graduates secure jobs within one month and 90 percent within six months of graduation, just one-third in graduate posts, and almost 31 percent of the graduates enter less skilled roles. The White Paper further recommended a 6% levy on overseas student fee revenue for investment in higher education to address sustainability concerns regarding the growing dependence of universities on international student fees.
These recommendations had taken the form of concrete policy changes by 22nd July 2025, as the anticipated cut to 18 months was introduced together with tougher conditions for the English language and a longer settlement pathway from five to ten years for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Although the Graduate visa continues to enjoy the advantage of not requiring job sponsorship or minimum wage requirement, the reduction in duration puts additional pressure on graduates to secure sponsored jobs earlier, in effect transforming the post-study employment market for international students.
High Potential Individual Route: Modest Numbers Drive Expansion Plans
In contrast to the Graduate Route’s widespread usage, the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa has experienced more limited uptake since its launch in May 2022. The Home Office assessment published with the Immigration White Paper indicated that there were only around 4,500 HPI visas granted between May 2022 and June 2024, small in comparison to the quarter of a million participants of the Graduate Route.
This modest take-up has prompted the Government to propose that the Global Universities List be increased from 20 to 40 universities. The restrictiveness of the current list would seem to limit the scope of candidates who can apply to this route, given that the route does not appear to be lèss attractive to candidates as the routes itself is three years for both bachelor’s and master’s degree holders and two years for those who have obtained their PhD. Unlike other visa categories, the HPI route is unique in that it does not require an offer of employment or sponsorship in order to apply, and therefore can be particularly valuable for graduate entrepreneurs and those who wish for flexibility in developing a career in the UK.
The evaluation results indicated that while the HPI concept is sound, a greater broadening of eligibility criteria is warranted to unlock its potential for attracting the highest calibre of international talent. The recommended broadening shows the recognition that the eligibility criteria are too narrow to meet the Government’s objectives of recruiting “the brightest and best”.
It is also noteworthy that in the July 2025 immigration rule changes, the HPI route was unscathed while numerous other routes were subject to the changes. This implies the Government’s continued commitment to this route for sourcing premium talent even whilst other routes have been tempered. The expansion of the university list represents the only meaningful addition to this category, and the details will aim to raise momentum through the consultation process as pledging as detailed in the White Paper.
Skilled Worker Route: Elevation to Graduate-Level Requirements
The Skilled Worker route faced the most substantial overhaul detailed in May’s Immigration White Paper, with changes that fundamentally reshape the UK’s approach to work-based immigration. The headline reform raises the minimum skill requirement from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level), effectively removing approximately 180 medium-skilled occupations from eligibility.
The scale of the change is stark, as roles that skilled workers could access, from secretarial roles to technical tradespersons will no longer be eligible unless they can be placed on some new Temporary Shortage list that reflects critical national priorities. The Government has also indicated the salary thresholds will increase, which then makes it harder for employers wanting to recruit international workers into these roles.
The reforms go further than just entry requirements to settle down in the UK. The suggested increase in the residence period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to ten years represents a break from a long-established policy that could now impact thousands of current Skilled Worker visa holders’ plans for the future. It also supports wider government aims to delay any potential permanent settlement in the UK while offering economic advantages.
While current Skilled Workers in relevant roles can still renew and change employers during the transition period, the end of the Immigration Salary List closes the chapter on lower salary thresholds for shortage occupations and marks a shift towards stricter skilled migration requirements.
These reforms began taking effect in July 2025, though full implementation remains subject to ongoing consultation and parliamentary approval. Proposed but not yet enacted measures include raising English language requirements for all applicants and adult dependants (CEFR B1 to B2) and increasing the qualifying period to Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) as a Skilled Worker from 5 years to 10 years. The Migration Advisory Committee is reviewing the Temporary Shortage List and salary and benefits associated with it. Expect full implementation by no later than mid-2026.
EUSS Applications
Mustaj v SSHD: Court Clarifies Restrictive Interpretation of Paragraph (aaa)
The Court of Appeal strongly criticised the drafting of Appendix EU as “highly convoluted” and presenting “a real challenge for the most experienced lawyer, let alone for lay users
The Court of Appeal strongly criticised the drafting of Appendix EU as “highly convoluted” and presenting “a real challenge for the most experienced lawyer, let alone for lay users.” The case highlighted multiple structural problems ranging from the 60-page definitions section with non-alphabetical ordering, excessive use of sub-paragraphs extending to sub-sub-sub-paragraphs, poor formatting on government websites that obscures crucial indentations, and the absence of hyperlinks between defined terms and their definitions.
Furthermore, the Court confirmed that the April 2023 revision to paragraph (aaa) was intended to restrict, not expand, access for unlawfully resident applicants. The accompanying Explanatory Memorandum explicitly stated the change aimed “to underline the original policy intent under the EUSS that it is only where they had another lawful basis of stay in the UK before the end of the transition period that a durable partner who was not documented as such under the EEA Regulations can rely on that residence.”
Asylum
Guidance Manage asylum claim updated
The revisions made in May 2025 to the Guidance Manage asylum claim reflect significant procedural advancements made under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which received Royal Assent in May 2025. The amendments mark a significant trajectory towards an expansion of rights and protections available to asylum seekers whilst also maintaining previously strong case management systems. The significant point of consideration is that asylum applicants are now able to apply for work after three months of processing, which removes previous restrictions on the applicant to work, that meant that many were left with uncertainly for long periods.
New rules create new safe and legal pathways for refugees and those requiring international protection to enter the UK legally from overseas, moving beyond pathways that are somewhat limited. Family reunification entitlement has increased considerably, particularly for unaccompanied child refugees, who can also be joined by parents and other relatives with close links under broader family reunification criteria. Guidance also introduces a humanitarian travel permit, after which people can apply for entry clearance from abroad, as an alternative to taking dangerous irregular journeys after having credible and plausible claims for protection.
Importantly, the updated guidance removes unlawful entry from citizenship good character assessment consideration, which acknowledges that many bona fide refugees have no option, other than to enter illegally, after having fled persecution. This workflow improvement is also supported by continuous dependency on secure digital systems for case management, where document handling is still governed by Home Office instruction.
Keeping Pace with UK Immigration Law Changes
At HJT Training, we are committed to ensuring immigration advisers maintain their position at the forefront of legal practice. Through our continuously updated Mastering Immigration Law (MIL) platform, we deliver precise and comprehensive analysis of emerging developments. Our subscribers benefit from authoritative insights and practical guidance, enabling them to provide outstanding representation to their clients.
We take pride in delivering prompt, precise, and perceptive analysis of the ever-shifting immigration landscape. By tapping into our resources, advisers can confidently tackle the intricacies of immigration law, providing expert guidance to those who depend on their knowledge.
For our subscribers’ convenience, we’ve compiled a thorough list of all updates in the Updates & Videos module. It’s our way of ensuring you’re always in the know, ready to face whatever challenges the world of UK immigration might bring.
A comprehensive list of all the updates is listed for our subscriber’s reference under the Updates & Videos module.
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As the year progresses, we anticipate further changes on the horizon and MIL will be your reliable companion throughout these times.
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Written by Shareen Khan – Legal Content Writer, HJT Training
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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration advisors should consult the full decisions and official policy documents when advising clients on specific cases.
