Global Mobility Articles & Briefings

Immigration update: Key changes to UK immigration routes

• English language requirement increased for economic routes: Effective 8 January 2026, the required standard of English for three key economic migration routes, including the Skilled Worker visa is being raised from level B1 to B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The B2 level represents a higher standard, requiring greater proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The new requirement will apply to initial applications from 8 January 2026. Individuals renewing or extending existing permission granted under the old rules will remain subject to the B1 requirement for those extensions.
  
  
• High Potential Individual route: The High Potential Individual route will soon see its list of eligible institutions doubled, with the intention of broadening access to global graduates. However, an annual cap of 8,000 applications will now apply to this route, meaning that the number of successful applications will be strictly limited per annum each year, with allocations running from 1 November to 31 October.
  
  
• Graduate route: For applications submitted from 1 January 2027, the duration of stay under the Graduate Route will be reduced from the current 2 years to 18 months for most graduates. PhD graduates will continue to receive a stay of 3 years for post-study work.
  
  
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) increase: Whilst not included in the Statement of Changes, the UK government have also confirmed that the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will increase by 32%. In practice, this means that it will rise to £480.40 per year for small companies (from £364)and £1,320 per year (from £1,000 for large companies). The parliamentary process to implement this rise will begin later this week so we should expect confirmation of the effective date in due course.

We understand these changes may raise questions, especially for employers or individuals who are planning to apply for new visas or renew existing visas in 2026 and 2027. If you have any questions, please reach out to Moji and Katie.

• English language requirement increased for economic routes: Effective 8 January 2026, the required standard of English for three key economic migration routes, including the Skilled Worker visa is being raised from level B1 to B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The B2 level represents a higher standard, requiring greater proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The new requirement will apply to initial applications from 8 January 2026. Individuals renewing or extending existing permission granted under the old rules will remain subject to the B1 requirement for those extensions.
  
  
• High Potential Individual route: The High Potential Individual route will soon see its list of eligible institutions doubled, with the intention of broadening access to global graduates. However, an annual cap of 8,000 applications will now apply to this route, meaning that the number of successful applications will be strictly limited per annum each year, with allocations running from 1 November to 31 October.
  
  
• Graduate route: For applications submitted from 1 January 2027, the duration of stay under the Graduate Route will be reduced from the current 2 years to 18 months for most graduates. PhD graduates will continue to receive a stay of 3 years for post-study work.
  
  
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) increase: Whilst not included in the Statement of Changes, the UK government have also confirmed that the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will increase by 32%. In practice, this means that it will rise to £480.40 per year for small companies (from £364)and £1,320 per year (from £1,000 for large companies). The parliamentary process to implement this rise will begin later this week so we should expect confirmation of the effective date in due course.

We understand these changes may raise questions, especially for employers or individuals who are planning to apply for new visas or renew existing visas in 2026 and 2027. If you have any questions, please reach out to Moji and Katie.