UK immigration update: Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules

15 October 2025 4 min read

At a glance

On 14 October, the government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (Statement), impacting the Skilled Worker and other UK visa routes.
From 8 January 2026, Skilled Worker applicants must meet a higher English language level (B2 instead of B1).
Graduate visa duration will reduce from two years to 18 months for most applicants from 1 January 2027.
The High Potential Individual (HPI) route will expand to include more universities but will be capped at 8,000 places annually.
Botswana nationals now require a visitor visa for UK travel from 14 October 2025, with a six-week transition period.
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) will increase by 32%, raising sponsorship costs for UK employers.

On 14 October, the government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (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 key changes implemented by the Statement are outlined below

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

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.

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 of 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

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.

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 programmes.

Expansion of HPI route

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.

The 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

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.

From 3pm on 14 October 2025, a visor visa must be obtained. There will, however, be a six-week transition period for individuals who already had an ETA for travel to the UK before 3pm on 15 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 ISC

The 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.