On 12 May 2025, the UK government published an immigration white paper outlining a number of proposed changes to the UK’s immigration rules. We understand that these changes may raise questions and concerns for our current students and prospective international students.
At King’s, we’re proud to have international students from all over the world as part of our community. We want to assure you that King’s is - and will always be - a welcoming, inclusive and supportive place for everyone in our community.
What's being proposed?
The Graduate Route visa may be reduced from 2 years to 18 months
A new English language requirement may be introduced for adult dependants of students and workers
The time required for migrants to become eligible for permanent settlement (indefinite leave to remain) may increase from 5 years to 10 years
The Skilled Worker visa may now only be available for jobs at RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s degree level or above). This means some entry-level or less specialised jobs may no longer qualify for sponsorship
The minimum salary you need to earn to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa may go up. This might make it harder to get sponsorship for some graduate-level jobs, especially in sectors with lower starting salaries.
What you need to know
These changes are proposals only and are not yet law - there’s no timeline for when they might happen
King’s will continue to support you and provide expert visa advice, career services, and guidance on your post-study options.
Who's speaking up for international students?
The National Union of Students (NUS) is running a national campaign to protect the Graduate Route visa. They’re making sure that student voices are heard by the government.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), the national body for international student support in the UK, has released a statement asking for clarity and fairness in any changes. They’re actively engaging with the government and other stakeholders to represent your interests.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Visa & International Student Advice team. Keep an eye on the ‘Embrace My International Adventure’ page on the King's Student app for updates.
We'll keep you updated as we learn more.