UK Immigration Rule Changes October 2025: Key Updates for Employers and Applicants
On 14 October 2025, the Home Office released a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, building on several policy commitments first outlined in the government’s White Paper of 12 May 2025.
Key Updates
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
The government has indicated that the Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32% later this year, expected to take effect from 16 December 2025.
- For large sponsors, the charge is set to increase to £1,320 per sponsored worker, per year.
- For small and charitable sponsors, the annual rate will rise to £480 per year.
Employers with pending or planned Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) requests may wish to consider timing applications accordingly to avoid higher costs. Remember, a CoS can be assigned with a work start date of up to 3 months in the future.
Right to Work
The Home Office has launched a six-week consultation exploring whether right-to-work checks should extend to a wider range of working arrangements, such as casual, gig, and contingent workers.
English Language Requirement
From 8 January 2026, the English language threshold for the Skilled Worker route will increase from B1 to B2 level under the Common European Framework. This will apply only to new Skilled Worker visa applications. Existing holders with leave granted before this date may continue to rely on the current B1 standard when extending.
Graduate Visa Duration
The Graduate visa will reduce from two years to 18 months for applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, this is a welcome delay from the original suggestion that the change would take effect by the end of 2025. PhD graduates will continue to receive three years of permission.
High Potential Individual (HPI) Route
From 4 November 2025, the list of eligible global universities will expand from 50 to 100 institutions, with an annual cap of 8,000 applications introduced for the first time (running 1 November to 31 October each year).
Global Talent Route
From 11 November 2025, a further 27 new qualifying prizes will be added to the Global Talent list, and holders of a qualifying award will no longer require an endorsement from an endorsing body.
Students Transitioning to Innovator Founder
From 25 November 2025, students will be able to begin establishing their business while applying to switch into the Innovator Founder visa category.
Next Steps for Employers
- Review planned assignments and visa renewals to determine whether any can be submitted before the expected Immigration Skills Charge increase and English language change dates.
- Update internal processes to align with the upcoming compliance and eligibility adjustments.
- Reassess graduate programmes in light of the reduced Graduate visa length from 2027.
- Engage with the Home Office’s events to stay informed about implementation timelines.
If you need guidance on how these changes could impact your business or workforce planning, please contact us for tailored advice.