The Home Office has announced a series of major changes to the UK immigration system, following the publication of the latest Statement of Changes HC 1333 on 14 October 2025. These updates form part of the government’s Plan for Change and will affect thousands of people applying to live, work or study in the UK.
The reforms raise the English language requirement for key work visa routes, increase sponsorship costs, and shorten the post-study work period under the Graduate route. They are being introduced in stages between late 2025 and early 2027.
Higher English language requirement for work visas
From 8 January 2026, anyone applying for a Skilled Worker visa, High Potential Individual (HPI) visa or Scale-up visa will need to show they can speak, read, write and understand English to B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is roughly equivalent to A-Level standard and is a step up from the current B1 (GCSE equivalent) level.
The higher English language requirement applies to new visa applications made from 8 January 2026. If you already have one of these visas and are applying to extend it on the same route, you can continue to meet the B1 requirement.
You can prove your English by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) through a Home Office-approved provider. Alternatively, you can rely on an academic qualification taught or researched in English, or your nationality if you are from a recognised English-speaking country.
The change is designed to make sure migrants can fully participate in UK life and the workplace. For some applicants, it may mean taking a higher-level English test before applying, so planning ahead is essential.
Immigration Skills Charge increase
The government has also confirmed a 32% rise in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), the levy paid by employers when sponsoring overseas workers. This increase will be introduced separately under the Plan for Change and is expected in early 2026.
While you as the applicant do not pay the ISC directly, it is likely to increase the total cost of sponsorship for UK employers, which may affect how many roles are offered to overseas workers.
Graduate route shortened
From 1 January 2027, the standard Graduate visa will be shortened from two years to 18 months. PhD graduates will still receive three years’ permission.
The government says this change aims to ensure graduates move into skilled work more quickly, ideally progressing to a sponsored visa such as the Skilled Worker route. However, the shorter period means international graduates will have less time to find suitable employment after completing their studies, so job searching and career planning will need to start earlier.
Other visa rule updates
Statement of Changes HC 1333 also brings several other important updates to UK immigration rules:
- Part Suitability: replaces the old Part 9 “grounds for refusal”, creating a single framework for all visa decisions. This mostly affects how applications are assessed and refused.
- Seasonal Worker visa: new limit of six months in the UK in any rolling ten-month period.
- Students: can now start work on their business after completing studies if they are switching to the Innovator Founder visa.
- Stateless dependants: partners and children of recognised stateless persons can now apply under Appendix Statelessness.
- Travel changes: nationals of Botswana now need a visit visa to enter the UK, and Palestine has been added to the visa national list following UK recognition of the state of Palestine.
Advice for Applicants
If you are planning to work, study or remain in the UK under one of the affected visa routes, take the time to check your eligibility early. The UK remains open to overseas talent, but applicants will now face higher language standards, shorter timelines and closer scrutiny of visa eligibility.
Make sure you understand the new B2 English requirement if applying for a Skilled Worker, HPI or Scale-up visa from 8 January 2026. If you are on a Graduate visa, plan to find sponsored employment earlier as the stay period will reduce to 18 months in 2027. Stay aware that sponsorship costs for employers will rise, which could affect job offers.
Keep up to date with rule changes published on GOV.UK before you apply.
