On 14 October the Government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (the Statement), impacting the Skilled Worker and other UK visa routes. The Statement implements further elements of the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper published on 12 May 2025.

The changes impacting Skilled Workers will take effect from 8 January 2026.

The Statement implements the following key changes:

Increase in the English language requirement from level B1 to level B2 for Skilled Workers

WHAT: Individuals applying for permission in the Skilled Worker route will need to evidence they meet an English language level of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is a higher standard, more equivalent to A-level English, whilst the current requirement of level B1 is closer to a GCSE standard.

Employers will need to ensure this requirement is understood and considered as part of recruitment processes. This could lead to longer lead times for visas, if applicants need to undertake further language tests.

The Statement does not bring in any requirement for dependants to meet an English language level when applying for entry clearance or further permission as a dependant of a Skilled Worker. We anticipate this requirement to be included in future changes to the Immigration Rules later this year.

WHEN: This will apply to individuals who are new onto the route and submit an application on or after 8 January 2026. This will not impact individuals who are already in the Skilled Worker route as at 8 January 2026, when extending their permission.

Employer Action Points:

• Update recruitment processes to ensure candidates meet B2 English requirement before sponsorship.
• Communicate the change to hiring managers and recruiters to avoid delays.
• Consider lead times for candidates who may need additional language training or testing.
• Review job adverts and eligibility criteria to reflect the new standard.

Reduction in period of leave granted under the Graduate visa route

WHAT: Individuals applying under the Graduate visa route will receive a period of 18 months leave. This is a reduction from the current period of two years. The exception to this is for PhD graduates, who will continue to be eligible for three years of permission.

WHEN: This will apply to all applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027.

Employer Action Points:

• Review talent pipelines for graduates and adjust timelines for permanent recruitment (from 2027).
• Communicate changes to HR teams and graduate recruitment programs.

Expansion of High Potential Individual (HPI) route

WHAT: The High Potential route currently allows graduates from 50 world-leading universities (a Home Office prescribed list) to enter and remain in the UK for up to three years. The government will double this list of eligible universities but place a cap on available places to 8,000 per year.

As other work routes narrow in scope, employers are encouraged to check applicant’s education background and confirm if the revised list may open up this option.

WHEN: Revised list still to be published.

Employer Action Points:

• Check candidates’ educational background against the updated list when published.
• Consider HPI route as an alternative for high-skilled hires where Skilled Worker sponsorship is not viable.
• Prepare for potential competition due to annual cap: act quickly when eligible candidates are identified.

Introduction of visit visa requirement for nationals of Botswana

WHAT: Nationals of Botswana who wish to visit the UK will need to obtain a visitor visa in advance of travel. Botswana nationals were previously included in the list of non-visa nationals, requiring only an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visits to the UK.

WHEN: From 3pm on 14 October 2025. There will, however, be a six week transition period for individuals who already have an ETA for travel to the UK before 3pm on 14 October.

Employer Action Points:

• Advise Botswana nationals planning UK business visits to apply for a visitor visa in advance.
• Review upcoming travel plans and assist affected employees with visa applications.
• Update internal travel guidance and inform relevant teams.

Increase in Immigration Skills Charge

WHAT: The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a mandatory fee payable by UK employers when sponsoring workers under certain visa routes, including the  Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker) routes. The charge cannot be passed on to the sponsored worker and must be paid in full for the Certificate of Sponsorship to be valid.

In their May 2025 White Paper, the Government proposed the ISC to be increased by 32%, representing the first adjustment since its introduction in 2017. This change significantly raises employer costs when hiring overseas talent. Current rates (before increase) are:

• £1,000 per year for large sponsors
• £364 per year for small or charitable sponsors
  Additional charges apply for each six-month extension. With the 32% increase, large sponsors will pay approximately £1,320 per year, and small sponsors around £480 per year.

WHEN: The government has indicated that they will begin the parliamentary process to increase the charge later this week. This means that employers should expect the ISC to increase from November 2025, at the earliest.

Employer Action Points:

• Review budgets for international recruitment to account for higher ISC costs.
• Check if any exemptions apply (e.g., PhD-level roles, student-to-Skilled Worker switches) and maintain evidence for compliance audits.
• Communicate cost implications to finance and HR teams to avoid unexpected expenses.
• Factor ISC increases into workforce planning and consider alternative routes (eg High Potential Individual) where sponsorship costs are prohibitive.

By Hamza Malik and Eilidh Moncrieff

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