A sweeping reform of the UK’s immigration system has sparked a sharp rise in the number of individuals and businesses seeking legal advice on settlement options, a leading law firm has revealed.

Cartwright King, a Legal 500-ranked firm with offices across the country, reports a “significant” jump in demand for its immigration services, with caseloads projected to climb by 40% this summer.

The spike follows the government’s introduction of new immigration policies on 22 July 2025, designed to “restore control” over inward migration. Among the most notable changes are:

• An increase in the time required to achieve permanent settled status, from five years to ten years

• Stricter compliance rules for companies sponsoring migrant workers, along with narrower eligibility criteria

• Tougher requirements for skilled worker visas, with many roles now demanding degree-level qualifications or higher

• A reduction in graduate visa durations, from two years to 18 months

• Higher English language proficiency standards for several visa categories, including family visas.

Nisha Leel, Head of Immigration at Cartwright King, said: “This major shift in immigration policy is causing concern for employers as well as individuals and families.

“In particular, business owners are worried about filling gaps in their workforces, at a time when many are struggling with more broad economic challenges.

“Simply speaking, this will make it more difficult for some sectors to find the right people.”

Law firms are preparing for an influx of client work resulting from the new policies, including eligibility assessments, appealing denied visas, and advising workers and businesses on complex visa and sponsorship applications.

The changes are expected to have a disproportionate impact on sectors such as social care, which have historically relied on overseas workers.

The government has said it plans to invest more in domestic skilled workers to fill the shortfall.

“The risk is that these new policies make Britain a less attractive home for highly skilled workers who would actively contribute to the economy,” Nisha continued.

“Although the government wants to nurture homegrown talent, these plans will take some time to come to fruition, meaning industries which rely on migrant work now have no time to adjust.

“Cartwright King is committed to assisting valuable and skilled overseas workers find the right routes to working and settling in the UK.”

Ahead of the planned changes in policy, Cartwright King has invested in its immigration department this year.

Nisha was appointed as the firm’s Head of Immigration in May.

Cartwright King specialises in complex and high-volume legal matters, and has offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester and six other cities.