United Kingdom – Immigration Rules Update – Key Changes for Employers
The UK government has recently announced several updates to its immigration system that will affect businesses sponsoring migrant workers. The main changes are summarized below:
English Language Requirements:
Starting January 8, 2026, first-time Skilled Worker Visa (SWV), High Potential Individual (HPI), and Scale-up applicants must meet the CEFR B2 (A-level) English requirement. Current visa holders extending their stay will remain at B1.
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC):
The ISC is set to increase by 32%, from £1,000 to £1,320 per year. Employers should factor this into overall sponsorship costs. Final amounts and implementation timing will be confirmed in the upcoming Home Office guidance.
High Potential Individual (HPI):
Eligible universities will increase to 100, with an annual cap of 8,000 applications starting November 4, 2025. The intake is expected to double from around 2,000 to 4,000.
Graduate (Post-Study):
The Graduate route will be valid for 18 months (instead of two years). This change will take effect on applications submitted from January 1, 2027, onward. The duration of a PhD Graduate Visa will remain at three years.
Other updates:
Citizens of Botswana will now require a visa to enter the UK, which may impact business travel.
These changes are important for workforce planning and budget forecasting for UK sponsors.
The complete list of amendments to the Immigration Rules is available on the GOV.UK website.
