The United
Kingdom

The UK in 2025 is tightening migration pathways for skilled workers while expanding trade and sectoral cooperation without creating broad new work-mobility channels under the India–UK arrangements. This means existing visa routes remain the main pathways for Indian professionals, but eligibility, thresholds, and settlement prospects are becoming more restrictive.

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Major policy changes and proposals affecting Indian professionals

- India–UK trade arrangements do not create new general skilled-worker visas; sector‑specific temporary access may be offered in limited areas (e.g., selected cultural or specialist roles) while broader mobility routes were excluded from the FTA discussions.

- The government has signaled an overhaul that lengthens the route to long‑term settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), raises English-language requirements for Skilled Worker entry, shortens post‑study work time, and increases employer sponsorship costs.