Employers with sponsor licences who are planning to take on new skilled workers are reminded of imminent changes to immigration rules. You need to take steps to secure the Certificates of Sponsorship you require now, as the Home Office anticipates a substantial increase in demand as deadlines approach, and it may not have sufficient capacity to grant all requested certificates before the changes take place.
As a reminder, the changes announced on 14 October 2025 are:
- Increased English language requirement for skilled workers – changes as of early January 2026
- A reduction in the length of graduate visas
- A rise in the Immigration Skills Charge – change as of mid-December 2025
- Increased residence period before Indefinite Leave to Remain is granted
Increased English language requirement for skilled workers
The English language requirement for Skilled Workers will increase for applications submitted on or after 8 January 2026. The level required is moving from B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to B2, or from intermediate to upper-intermediate.
Those who apply for and are granted a Skilled Worker visa prior to that date will be able to apply to renew their visa with a continuing B1 requirement.
A reduction in the length of graduate visas
For students applying for a UK graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027, the length of the visa will reduce from two years to 18 months. PhD or other doctoral graduate visas will remain at the current level of three years.
Those who are able to apply for a graduate visa before the deadline will be eligible for a two-year visa.
The changes are aimed at speeding up the movement of graduates into skilled roles, and employers need to check that they are able to progress graduates promptly by the end of the 18-month visa period.
A rise in the Immigration Skills Charge
The Immigration Skills charge for large sponsors is increasing by 32% to £1,320 per person per year for applications where the Certificate of Sponsorship is signed on or after 16 December 2025. This is the charge payable by employers when sponsoring Skilled Workers and Senior or Specialist Workers (Global Business Mobility).
The fee is payable in full at the start of the sponsorship.
Additional requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain
The qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is set to increase from five years to ten years. It is intended to make it possible to qualify sooner in some instances, with details yet to be announced.
Implementation of the new, longer period is likely to be in 2026.
Guidance for employers
Employers need to check which employees may be affected by the changes and what upcoming roles might fall under the new rules.
Budgets should be checked to ensure the increase in charges can be met, bearing in mind that the full sum for each intended year of sponsorship must be paid at the outset.
Recruitment processes should take into account the increased English language level and shorter graduate visa length.
Taking prompt action now to obtain Skilled Worker visas before the scheduled changes will help, particularly for employees who may not meet the increased English language threshold.
How 3CS can help
Our expert immigration solicitors provide advice, guidance or representation in respect of a wide range of immigration issues. For assistance, please get in touch with your usual 3CS contact.
