Thinking in English 378. Moving to the UK?: UK’s New Immigration Policies Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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Mar 9, 2026 A clear breakdown of the UK’s new immigration plans and why nations are tightening borders. Key terms like earned settlement, ILR, points-based systems, and B2 English are explained. Discussion of longer residence requirements, changes to work and health visas, and tougher student-to-work routes. Practical tips on planning ahead and meeting higher standards are highlighted.
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Global Shift From Attraction To Conditional Immigration
- Many developed countries are shifting immigration from open attraction to conditional control.
- Tom Wilkinson explains ageing populations and political pressure are driving simultaneous tightening in the UK, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe.
UK White Paper Prioritizes Skills Income And Language
- The UK white paper makes reducing net migration and raising visa standards its central aim.
- It proposes higher skills, incomes and English levels as the new baseline for selecting immigrants starting from policies published May 2025.
Indefinite Leave To Remain Becomes Earned Settlement
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is being reframed as 'earned settlement' rather than automatic after fixed years.
- Tom notes baseline residency moves from five to ten years, with much longer waits for medium-skilled workers and some refugees.