Overview
- From 8 January 2026, Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual applicants must meet CEFR B2 and pass an in-person Secure English Language Test at Home Office–approved centres.
- The Graduate Route will be shortened to 18 months for most non‑PhD graduates from 1 January 2027, alongside higher maintenance funds for student visas from the 2025–26 academic year.
- Sponsoring employers face a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge to £480 per worker per year for small sponsors and £1,320 for medium and large sponsors, pending parliamentary approval.
- The High Potential Individual route will expand to more universities with expected entrants doubling to about 4,000, under a new annual cap of 8,000.
- Nationals of Botswana now require a visa to travel to the UK from 3pm on 14 October, with the Home Office estimating the package could cut inflows by up to 100,000 a year as campaigners and lawyers question the move’s fairness and utility.