The UK government has confirmed major changes to immigration rules that will impact employers, skilled workers, students, and graduates. At EA Law Solicitors in London, we break down the key updates and explain how you can prepare.
1. Immigration Skills Charge Increase – From 16 December 2025
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), which employers must pay to sponsor overseas workers, will increase by 32%.
| Sponsor Type | Current Fee (per year) | New Fee (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Large Company | £1,000 | £1,320 |
| Small or Charitable Sponsor | £364 | £480 |
What you should do:
- Review sponsorship needs for new hires and existing staff.
- Submit applications before 16 December 2025 where possible to avoid higher costs.
- Update immigration budgets and recruitment plans.
2. Higher English Language Requirements – From 8 January 2026
Applicants under the Skilled Worker, Scale-Up and High Potential Individual routes will need to prove English language proficiency at a higher level.
| Current Requirement | New Requirement |
|---|---|
| Level B1 | Level B2 (CEFR) |
This applies only to first-time applicants. Those already on these visas can extend without meeting this new requirement. Planned changes for dependants have been delayed.
3. Graduate Visa Changes – From 1 January 2026
The duration of the Graduate Visa will be shortened for non-PhD applicants.
| Applicant Type | Current Visa Length | New Visa Length |
|---|---|---|
| Non-PhD Graduate | 2 years | 18 months |
| PhD Graduate | 3 years | No change |
Impact on employers and graduates:
- Graduates will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route sooner.
- They will still qualify as "new entrants", allowing lower salary thresholds.
4. Expansion of the High Potential Individual Route – From 4 November 2025
The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa offers two years' permission to live and work in the UK for graduates from top global universities.
- The number of eligible universities will double.
- An annual cap of 8,000 applications will be introduced.
5. Transition to Digital eVisas
The UK continues its move to a digital-only immigration system.
- Physical passport visa stickers (vignettes) will be removed for most applicants.
- Applicants will instead receive a digital eVisa.
- This applies to non-work/study routes and dependants of workers and students already on eVisas.
6. Temporary Shortage List (TSL) – Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) Update
The TSL allows sponsorship of certain "medium-skilled" roles that would not normally meet Skilled Worker visa criteria.
Key findings from the MAC's Stage 1 review:
- 82 occupations identified as essential for key sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Tech, Finance, Creative Industries, Defence and Life Sciences.
- Occupations should be listed on the TSL for three years before review.
- TSL visas should last between 3 to 5 years.
- Discounted salary rates for "new entrants" should not apply to TSL roles.
- Stage 2 will invite employers to submit evidence to support roles for inclusion on the TSL.
How EA Law Solicitors Can Help
At EA Law Solicitors, London, our immigration experts can assist with:
- Sponsorship licence applications and compliance
- Skilled Worker and Graduate visa applications
- Planning for budget changes and recruitment strategy
- Advice on Graduate and High Potential Individual visa routes
- Support with Temporary Shortage List consultation responses
Contact Us
For expert advice on UK immigration law, contact EA Law Solicitors today.
📍 Based in London | 🌐 Supporting clients across the UK and internationally