UK Visa Update 2025: Temporary Status, Longer ILR, and New Rules for Migrants
The UK government is introducing big changes to immigration rules in 2025. Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, says that living permanently in the UK is a privilege, not a right.
What’s Changing for Migrants
- Temporary Asylum: Asylum seekers will get protection for 2.5 years, not permanent settlement. Their status will be reviewed, and if conditions improve at home, they may be sent back.
- Permanent Residency (ILR): Indefinite Leave to Remain will now take 10–20 years, sometimes up to 30 years depending on work, contributions, and English proficiency.
- Welfare Access: Migrants can only access benefits after citizenship, which requires living in the UK for at least 13 years.
- Overstayers & Deportation: Illegal migrants, including “overstayers,” will face faster deportation. Only one appeal will be allowed, processed within weeks.
Why This Affects Indians
- Indians are the sixth largest nationality seeking asylum in the UK. Around 5,475 Indians applied for asylum between July 2024 and June 2025. Most came on legal visas like student visas, then applied for asylum after their visa expired.
- Indians also top the list of overstayers. Mahmood’s government plans to identify and deport them faster.
- Countries that refuse to take back deportees could face visa bans. India may be affected if it does not cooperate.
Impact on Legal Migrants
- The automatic five-year path to permanent settlement has been removed. Now, migrants must wait 10 years or more and demonstrate job, income, contribution, and English skills.
- Access to social housing and government support is restricted until citizenship.
- These rules also affect migrants who arrived during the “Boris wave” from 2021 onwards.
Tips for Indian Migrants
- Keep all visa and immigration documents updated.
- Follow UK rules carefully to avoid delays or deportation.
- Plan for long-term settlement, knowing the waiting period may be longer than before.
FAQs
Permanent residency (ILR) may now take 10–20 years, and sometimes up to 30 years depending on work, contributions, and English skills.
Asylum seekers will get protection for 2.5 years, after which their status will be reviewed. They may be sent back if the situation at home has improved.
Overstayers are migrants whose visas have expired. They are considered illegal until their status is regularized or they leave the UK.
Migrants can only access benefits after obtaining British citizenship, which requires at least 13 years of residency.
Yes. The rules apply to new arrivals and migrants who came during the 'Boris wave' from 2021 onwards.
