October 2025, UK Immigration update: Key changes to Skilled Worker and other visa routes

On 14 October 2025, the UK Government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, implementing further proposals set out in the May 2025 Immigration White Paper – see our article here.

These changes most notably impact the Skilled Worker, Graduate, High Potential Individual, and Visitor visa routes.

Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Increase

From 16 December 2025 the ISC, which employers are required to pay when sponsoring international workers, is set to increase by 32%.

Key Points and Practical Considerations:

• For large businesses, the ISC will increase from £1,000 to £1,320 per year.
• For small businesses, the ISC will increase from £364 to £480 per year.
• Applies to Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes.
• Communicate cost changes to finance and HR departments, and reassess international hiring budgets to reflect increased costs.
• Identify any exemptions (e.g., for PhD-level roles or student-to-worker transitions).
• Consider alternative visa routes (e.g. Graduate, HPI, Global Talent) for cost efficiency.
• Bring forward applications to avoid the increase.

English Language Level Increase

From 8 January 2026, the English language requirement for Skilled Worker, High-Potential Individual, and Scale-up visa applicants will increase from CEFR Level B1 (Intermediate/GCSE) to Level B2 (Upper Intermediate/A-Level).

Key Points and Practical Considerations:

• Applies only to new applications submitted on or after 8 January 2026.
• No change for existing visa holders renewing their visa.
• Ensure recruitment processes assess for B2 English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing tests taken at a Secure English Language Test centre.
• Update internal communications, job adverts, and candidate expectations.
• Build in time for candidates to complete language testing or training if needed.

High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

From 4 November 2025, graduates from universities ranked in the global top 100 will be eligible for the HPI visa. This expands the talent pool beyond the current 2024/25 list of 42 universities. However, a cap of 8,000 visas per year will be introduced to manage intake levels. This cap will run from 1 November to 31 October each year.

Key Points and Practical Considerations:

• Currently the HPI visa allows graduates of 50 top universities to work in the UK for up to three years without sponsorship.
• There is no minimum salary or skill level requirement for the HPI visa.
• Check candidate eligibility against the updated university list when released.
• Consider the HPI route where Skilled Worker sponsorship may be less viable, i.e. due to budget constraints, sponsorship salary requirements, etc…
• Apply early to avoid the 8,000 visa cap.

Student visa to Innovator Founder visa

From 25 November 2025, international students who have completed their UK studies can be self-employed and work for their own business while their Innovator Founder visa application is being processed.

Key Points and Practical Considerations:

• This only applies if (1) the student has applied for an Innovator Founder visa, (2) that application is supported by an endorsement from an authorised endorsing body, and (3) the Student visa was valid when applying.
• If the Innovator Founder visa application is refused and an Administrative Review is pending, the student may continue to be self-employed.
• Students must not be self-employed before the Innovator Founder visa application has been submitted. Doing so is likely to be viewed as a breach of the Student visa restrictions.

Graduate visa

From 1 January 2027, Graduate visas will only be issued for 18 months for most graduates. This down from the current 24 month visa length for most graduates.

Key Points and Practical Considerations:

• PhD students applying for a Graduate visa will continue to receive a 36 month visa.
• Students must apply for their Graduate visa before 1 January 2027 to receive a 24 month Graduate visa.
• Students should plan job searches within the reduced 18 month time frame.
• Employers should adjust workforce planning to consider shorter Graduate visa durations and international workers switching into another visa category.

Global Talent visa

From 11 November 2025, the Global Talent visa, which is designed for individuals with exceptional achievements, will be broadened. Architects applying under this route will benefit from more favourable evidential requirements. The prestigious prizes list will be updated to recognise a wider range of global accolades.

The revised prize list can be viewed by expanding the following section:

Visit visa

From 14 October 2025, nationals of Botswana must obtain a Visit visa before travelling to the UK. Previously, Botswana citizens were non-visa nationals and only required an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Key Points and Practical Considerations:

• A six-week transition period applies for individuals who had already secured an ETA AND who held a confirmed travel booking made before 3pm on 14 October 2025. This travel must take place before 25 November 2025.
• Impacted individuals and businesses should review travel plans involving Botswana nationals and ensure timely visa applications.

Comment

Taken together these changes continue the trend toward higher employer costs, tighter skills thresholds, and ultimately means that employers will need to undertake more active workforce planning. The widened HPI route from 4 November 2025 can relieve some pressure, but the 8,000 annual cap means early applications may be critical.

Sponsors should assume the 32% ISC increase will arrive before 2026 and act now. We recommend prioritising CoS assignments to avoid the increase in costs. At the same time, budgets should be reviewed and HR should consider if any potential international workers can benefit from ISC exceptions or if they qualify for alternative visa categories. A little strategic planning now can save significant costs in the future.

From 8 January 2026, the B2 English language requirement will be in force. Accordingly, recruitment and onboarding timelines should allow sufficient time for English language tests to be taken.

From 1 January 2027, employers should plan graduate hiring around the shorter 18-month visa duration. This workforce planning should consider the costs and timelines for switching international workers into other categories such as Skilled Worker, Scale-up, or Global Talent.

Please contact us if you would like to understand how these changes affect you, your business, and long-term immigration planning.

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Madni Chaudhary

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