UK Immigration Policy Tightens Again: Higher Work Visa Requirements, Increased Employer Sponsorship Fees, and Graduate Visa Shortened to 18 Months
- TBA
- Nov 21
- 4 min read
Earlier in May this year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer formally announced a comprehensive reform of the UK’s immigration system through the publication of the New Immigration White Paper, introducing a series of restrictive measures.
Subsequently, on 1 July, the Home Office released a 138-page update to the Immigration Rules, marking the official implementation of the new policy.
On 14 October, the Home Office issued a further Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1333), clarifying the implementation dates and details of several measures outlined in the White Paper.
The reforms are widely regarded as the most significant overhaul of the system since Brexit, with major implications for visa-sponsoring employers, international students and foreign professionals seeking long-term residence in the UK.
1. Higher English language requirements for migrants
Previously, most immigration routes required only a B1 level of English proficiency – basic conversational ability.
Under the new rules, from 8 January 2026, the required English level for the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual (HPI) and Scale-up visas will rise to B2. Applicants must now demonstrate the ability to live, work and study independently in an English-speaking country.
The Home Office will require applicants to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) conducted by an approved provider, and the results will be verified during the visa process.
Those renewing existing visas will still need to meet the B1 requirement.
2. Graduate Visa shortened to 18 months
From 1 January 2027, the validity of the Graduate Visa for international students who complete an undergraduate, master’s degree or equivalent qualification in the UK will be reduced from two years to 18 months. PhD graduates will continue to receive a three-year visa.
Analysts suggest that this change will encourage graduates to enter the workforce more quickly, although it may reduce student visa applications in the short term and affect labour supply in certain sectors.
Initial estimates indicate that annual student visa applications could fall by around 12,000. The financial impact through reduced visa and Immigration Health Surcharge income is expected to include a £27 million decrease in student visa revenue and a £23 million reduction from the graduate route.
3. More universities to be made eligible for the High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, a two-year route for recent graduates of top global universities, has now been expanded to include graduates from the world’s top 100 institutions.
The annual quota will also increase to 8,000, with the number of applicants expected to double from 2,000 to 4,000.
Between June 2024 and June 2025, there were 1,850 applications for this visa.
The new rules will also allow student entrepreneurs to switch directly from a Student Visa to the Innovator Founder route to establish innovative businesses in the UK.
4. Broader eligibility for the Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa has also been refined, with expanded recognition of international awards and adjusted evidence requirements for architects and related professionals.
For example, applicants in architecture may now submit evidence of achievements either as designated team members or contributors, or demonstrate individual accomplishments completed independently..
5. Immigration skills charge increased by 32%
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) paid by employers who sponsor foreign skilled workers and used to fund domestic workforce training will increase by 32%.
The fee will rise to £480 per sponsored worker for small businesses and charities, and £1,320 for medium and large employers. This marks the first increase since 2017.
According to the government, the additional funds will be invested in developing the UK’s domestic skills base and reducing reliance on overseas labour.
6. Removal of Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa rules
From 6 July 2025, applicants will no longer be able to apply for entry clearance or leave to remain under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa route. As this date has now passed, the relevant provisions for such applications are no longer valid.
Existing Tier 1 visa holders may still apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the original terms until 6 July 2027.
7. Adjustments to the Seasonal Worker Visa
The rule governing the length of time seasonal workers must remain outside the UK before applying for a new Seasonal Worker Visa has also been revised.
Under the new regulation, workers may spend no more than six months working in the UK within any ten-month period—previously, this limit applied over a twelve-month period.
This change offers employers greater flexibility when hiring seasonal labour.
In addition, the updated Immigration Rules provide further clarification on the status of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
They also introduce a new requirement for nationals of Botswana, including short-term visitors, to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK.
The View from TB Accountants
In summary, this new round of immigration reform reflects a clear policy direction: higher thresholds for low-skilled migration, improved pathways for highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, and an emphasis on migrants contributing productively to the economy and integrating into society.
For businesses, students and professionals alike, the reforms present both opportunities and challenges. We expect that the UK’s immigration framework is likely to become even stricter in the coming years.
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