Policy paper

The UK's future skills-based immigration system

The future skills-based immigration system white paper sets out the government's plans to introduce a new single immigration system, ending free movement.

Documents

The UK’s future skills-based immigration system (print-ready version)

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The UK's future skills-based immigration system white paper (accessible version)

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Details

Leaving the EU will end free movement and ensure full control of the border. A new single immigration system has been designed based on skills and talent.

The new system includes:

  • a skilled workers route open to all nationalities
  • lowering of the skills threshold on the skilled workers route to include medium-skilled workers
  • no cap on numbers on the skilled workers route, meaning that business will be able to hire any suitable qualified migrant
  • the abolition of the resident labour market test
  • a new time limited route for temporary short-term workers of all skill levels, including seasonal low-skilled workers
  • an extension to the post-study period for international students
Published 19 December 2018
Last updated 19 December 2018 + show all updates
  1. Accessible version of the white paper added

  2. First published.