Posted Tuesday 18th November 2025
The Home Office has announced several important changes to the UK Immigration Rules, that will impact employers, sponsored workers, students, and graduates. Below is a summary of the key changes and the dates they will take effect.
English language requirement increasing to B2
From 8 January 2026, the English language requirement will increase from level B1 to B2 in accordance with the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is equivalent to A level standard. This change will apply to those under the Skilled Worker, Scale up and High Potential Individual routes.
The requirement will also increase for settlement applications across the majority of immigration routes from level B1 to B2.
Immigration Skills Charge increase
From 16 December 2025, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) will rise by 32%.
Employers are encouraged to monitor their sponsored workers’ visa renewal dates and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the increase comes into effect.
Remember: a CoS can be assigned up to 3 months before the visa expiry date.
Graduate route changes
For applications submitted on or after 1st of January 2027, the maximum period of leave under the Graduate route will reduce from two years to a period of 18 months. There will be no reduction for PhD graduates, they can remain on this route for three years.
For applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, the maximum period of leave under the Graduate Route will reduce from two years to 18 months.
There will be no reduction for PhD graduates, who will continue to be eligible for a three-year period of leave under this route.
High potential individual route expansion
Good news for applicants! The list of qualifying international universities has increased from 50 to 100 institutions. A new annual cap of 8,000 applications will apply from 4 November 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead and submit early once the application window opens.
Students transitioning to the Innovator Founder route
The Immigration Rules will be amended to allow students to begin working on their business ventures while transitioning to the Innovative Founder category.
Visa Requirement for Botswana nationals
Nationals of Botswana will require a visa to travel to the UK. There is a six-week transitional arrangement for those with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or have a flight booked prior to the changes.
If you have any questions relating to these recent changes, UK visa applications or any other immigration law matters, please get in touch with Neelam Rani, Senior Associate in the Employment and Immigration team.
This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.
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