Upcoming Changes to the Immigration System

The UK government released a new Immigration White Paper on 12 May 2025. This page has been set up to help provide support with the upcoming changes. 

Please note that a white paper is a statement of intended strategy, it is not a legal document. It does not give the detail of the stated changes, or how they will be implemented, it just sets the direction of policy for the future. 

Indefinite Leave to Remain
Following the Home Secretary's speech on Monday 29th September 2025 and the MPs parliamentary debate on Monday 8th September 2025 on the two petitions relating to the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain the plans will remain subject to consultation. A call for evidence has been launched by parliament and is open to contributions from the public.

Reforms to work visas
The first phase of reforms to work visas took effect from 22nd July 2025, these included:

Future changes

We will continue to communicate detail to impacted staff as we have it. Please email the Staff Immigration Team if you would like to have a 1:1 discussion about your personal situation.

We have regular Staff Immigration Team Surgeries where you can meet an Adviser in person at the Global Lounge.

Upcoming Surgery:

29th January 2026 - location to be confirmed

Email us at staff-immigration-team@bristol.ac.uk to book a slot.

Last updated: 22/10/25