The Home Office has confirmed a wide set of reforms to the UK immigration system following the publication of the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1333) on 14 October 2025.
The measures, forming part of the government’s Plan for Change, will tighten eligibility and increase costs for both employers and visa applicants. The updates affect key economic migration routes and are being introduced on a staggered timetable from late 2025 through to early 2027.
Higher English language requirement
From 8 January 2026, applicants under the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes will need to demonstrate English language ability at B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, equivalent to an A-Level standard, in what is a significant increase from the current B1 level (GCSE equivalent).
The change in the English language requirement applies to new applicants only. Those extending on the same visa route will continue to be assessed at B1. The higher standard must be proven by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with a Home Office-approved provider, unless the applicant can rely on an academic qualification taught in English or holds nationality from a recognised English-speaking country.
Employers relying on these routes will need to account for longer recruitment lead times to allow for language testing and may need to provide language support to maintain access to overseas talent.
Increase to the Immigration Skills Charge
The government has also confirmed that the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) will rise by 32%. Although not introduced directly through HC 1333, this increase is part of the same Plan for Change framework and will further raise the cost of hiring sponsored workers. Timing of the increase has yet to be confirmed.
The ISC is a mandatory levy payable by employers when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, designed to fund domestic training and skills investment. With the increase, employers should expect materially higher costs per sponsored worker, adding to existing expenditure under the Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees. HR and finance teams are advised to review workforce budgets and sponsorship models to assess the impact of the new rates.
Graduate route reduction
From 1 January 2027, the standard Graduate route will be shortened from two years to 18 months, while PhD graduates will retain three years of permission. The Home Office cites evidence that too many graduates remain in non-graduate roles, stating the reform will encourage faster progression into skilled employment or sponsorship under work routes such as Skilled Worker or Scale-up.
Other rule changes
HC 1333 also introduces several structural and administrative changes. Part 9: Grounds for Refusal has been replaced with a new Part Suitability, which consolidates refusal and cancellation grounds across routes. Paragraph 39E, dealing with overstayers, has been moved under this new framework. Family and Private Life routes are aligned with the same suitability provisions for consistency.
Other changes include adjustments to the Seasonal Worker visa, which now limits time in the UK to six months in any rolling ten-month period, and new flexibility for students switching to the Innovator Founder route after completing their studies. Partners and children of recognised stateless persons can now apply as dependants under Appendix Statelessness, and travel rules have been updated for several countries, including new visa requirements for nationals of Botswana and recognition of Palestine within the visa national list.
Outlook for employers
The October 2025 Statement of Changes continues a clear trend towards tighter, more selective migration. The combination of higher English standards, increased costs and reduced post-study stay means employers will need to adjust recruitment processes and budgets well in advance.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
