Navigating the ‘New Normal’: Latest UK Immigration Changes

It feels like the goalposts are shifting again – and they are.

The UK government has introduced another round of immigration reforms on 14 October 2025 under what it calls the Plan for Change. On paper, it’s about creating a system that is “controlled, selective and fair.” In reality, for businesses and individuals, it means higher costs, tougher requirements and an urgent need to rethink existing recruitment strategies.

Immigration Skills Charge

One of the most immediate changes businesses will notice is a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). It’s meant to help fund training for the UK’s domestic workforce, but for your business, it’s now a much bigger line item. If you’re planning to sponsor workers in the next 12 to 18 months, it’s time to revisit your hiring budget. This is the first increase since 2017 and it’s not insignificant. Every Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) you issue will now come with a higher cost, which must be factored into your financial planning.

English Language Requirements

From 8 January 2026, Skilled Worker visa applicants must now demonstrate an A-Level equivalent standard in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, certified through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the Home Office. Moving from the traditional B1 (Intermediate) standard to a new A-Level equivalent, generally understood as B2 (Upper Intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is a shift with profound implications.

From the government’s perspective, raising the English language requirement to the B2 level is a necessary step towards deeper integration and community cohesion. The argument is multifaceted as it is argued by the Home Secretary to be a measure that elevates the quality of migration, ensuring that those who come to the UK are better equipped for immediate and long-term success. However the leap creates significant friction for industries that rely heavily on hands-on expertise over academic fluency, such as Hospitality and Manufacturing sectors.

This dichotomy raises critical questions for employers: Are they being asked to invest heavily in recruitment and sponsorship processes without a clear sense of whether their candidates can pass a disproportionately high language bar for the actual duties of the job?

A System in Flux: Students, Graduates, and Global Talent on Shifting Ground

Beyond the skilled worker route, the government’s messaging is clear: the UK wants to attract the “best and brightest,” but it’s also tightening access across the board.

From 1 January 2027, the Graduate route will be reduced from two years to just 18 months. From the 2025–2026 academic year, student visa applicants will need to show they have more funds available to support themselves. Amid tightening restrictions, there is at least one small but significant development for international students with entrepreneurial ambitions.

From 25 November 2025, students who have completed their course of study and are switching to the Innovator Founder route will once again be permitted to be self-employed – for instance, to establish a business in the UK.

This change restores a flexibility that previously existed under the now-defunct Start-up visa but had been removed in the initial design of the Innovator Founder route. For student entrepreneurs ready to launch a venture, it offers a clearer and more viable pathway to remain in the UK under a business-led visa route. But this is a narrow door, not a wide-open gate.

The Innovator Founder route remains highly selective as applicants must still meet strict eligibility criteria, including a credible business plan and endorsement from an approved body. For most students, this will not be a fallback option, but a route that requires substantial preparation and strategic planning well before graduation.

How KTS Legal can help you

Immigration law is no longer predictable. Sudden changes – sometimes announced and enacted the same month are becoming the norm. Our team stays on top of every update, alerting you to risks and opportunities as they arise. From policy announcements to legislation that takes effect “at 3pm today,” we make sure you’re never caught off guard.

For Businesses, whether you’re hiring now or preparing for future sponsorships, we’ll guide you through the most viable visa routes and ensure your HR processes are ready.

For individuals, we begin with a thorough immigration health check – reviewing qualifications, financial evidence, and language test results. Under the new rules, precision matters more than ever. We ensure your application meets every requirement, no matter how stringent.

We kindly ask that you send your enquiries to info@ktslegal.com, and we will aim to respond within 2-3 working days.