The UK changed the visa rules. How much will it affect India-China and other countries?

The UK has made major changes in its immigration rules from 22 July 2025, which will affect the people of India, China, and many other countries. This change is part of the strategy of the Labour Party government of Britain, which aims to reduce net migration (the difference between those coming from outside and those leaving the country), give more jobs to local people and strictly control the immigration system. These rules will increase the challenges for students and professionals from many countries including India-China. Let us know what these rules are and what will be their impact?

What do the new rules say?

The UK Home Ministry has explained these changes in detail in an 82-page white paper. These changes are mainly focused on the rules of Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa and Settlement (Permanent Residence). Let us know about them in detail.

Strictness in Skilled Worker Visa

Now the job level for Skilled Worker Visa should be RQF Level 6, i.e. graduate level. Earlier it was at RQF Level 3 (equivalent to 12th). This means that now only those people will be able to get visa who have a degree-level job. Due to this, about 180 jobs in sectors like hospitality, logistics and care will be out of the scope of the visa. People coming from India and China will now have difficulty in getting visa.

Ban on Care Worker Visa

The UK has completely banned recruitment from abroad for care workers like nursing assistants. These changes have come into effect from 22 July 2025. However, for those who are already working on this visa, there will be a transition period till 2028, that is, they will be able to renew the visa. However, newcomers will not be able to get visa in this sector. A large number of people from Kerala and Punjab of India go to work in this sector. This path is now closed for them.

Strict English language conditions

Now English language proficiency will be mandatory for all visa categories, including dependents (family members). The main applicant will already have to speak and understand English at CEFR B2, while dependents will have to pass the basic level (A1). A2 level will be required for visa renewal and B2 level for settlement. This can be a challenge for those people from countries like India and China, whose English is weak.

Settlement time doubled

Earlier, after living in Britain for 5 years, people could apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) i.e. permanent residence. Now this time has been increased to 10 years. However, people like doctors, nurses, engineers or AI experts, whose contribution to the economy or society will be more, can get settlement in less time. Who will get this exemption, it will be decided later. This is a big setback for Indian and Chinese immigrants who dream of settling in Britain for a long time.

Graduate visa duration reduced

The duration of graduate visa for students (which allows working after completion of studies) has been reduced from 2 years to 18 months. Earlier, PhD holders used to get 3 years, but now it will be 18 months for everyone. Every year lakhs of students from India and China go to Britain and this change will reduce the time for them to find a job.

Increase in immigration skills charge

Employers will now have to pay more immigration skills charge for every foreign employee, which has increased by 32%. This charge has become 480 pounds per annum for small companies and 1320 pounds per annum for big companies. This will increase the cost of companies, which may affect the employment of Indian and Chinese professionals.

What will be the impact on India?

India is the largest group of non-European immigrants in Britain. In 2023, 2.5 lakh Indians went to Britain, most of whom were students and skilled workers. Know how the new rules will affect?

Health and Care Sector: A large number of nursing assistants and care workers from India used to go to Britain. Now with the closure of new recruitment in this sector, this path has been closed for thousands of people. Especially those going from states like Kerala and Punjab will be affected.

Skilled Workers: Now visas will be available only for degree-level jobs. Indian professionals working in fields like IT, engineering and healthcare can benefit as they will get the opportunity for fast-track settlement. However, it will become difficult for those who have low-skill jobs to go to Britain.

Students: In 2023-24, 1.07 lakh Indian students went to Britain. Due to the reduction in the duration of graduate visa, it will be difficult for them to find a job after studies. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) has expressed concern that this may reduce the number of Indian students, which can also be harmful for the UK economy.

Dependents: The new condition of English test for those going to Britain with family will increase difficulties. Especially for those families where the dependents have weak English.

What will be the impact on China?

98400 students and thousands of professionals went to Britain from China in 2023-24. Like India, the people of China will also be affected by these changes.

Students: Chinese students trying to find a job in Britain after studies will now get a chance to work only for 18 months. This will make it difficult for them to get a permanent job and reach settlement.

Professionals: Chinese professionals, especially in fields like technology and research, can benefit from fast-track settlement. However, the doors are now closed for them for low-skill jobs.

English Test: Strict English language conditions can be the biggest challenge for Chinese applicants, as many times their ability in English is less than that of Indians.

What will be the impact on other countries?

These rules will also have a deep impact on immigrants coming from countries like Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. Especially for Nigerian and Pakistani workers working in the care sector, it has now become almost impossible to go to Britain. Students coming from these countries will also face problems due to the short duration of graduate visa and the strictness of the English test.