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UK Announces Significant Increase to Immigration Skills Charge and Reforms to Work Routes

Release Date
2025-10-16
Media
Morgan Lewis
Summary
The UK government has announced major changes to immigration policies, including a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge from December 16, 2025, raising fees to £1,320 for large sponsors and £480 for small or charitable sponsors. Employers are advised to review hiring plans and consider submitting applications early to mitigate the impact.

English language requirements for Skilled Worker, Scale-Up, and High Potential Individual applicants will rise from B1 to B2 from January 8, 2026, though existing visa holders can renew without meeting the higher level. Graduate visa duration for non-PhD graduates will be shortened from two years to 18 months, while PhD graduates remain at three years. The High Potential Individual route will double the number of eligible universities, with an annual cap of 8,000 applications.

The UK is transitioning to digital eVisas, removing physical passport endorsements for most main applicants on non-work or study routes and their dependents. The Temporary Shortage List review identified 82 crucial occupations across key sectors, recommending three-year initial listings, visa periods of three to five years, and exclusion of discounted salary provisions for new entrants. Employers will have the opportunity to submit evidence for the Stage 2 review.

Overall, these reforms increase employer costs and administrative requirements while expanding access for high-potential foreign talent and advancing the shift to a fully digital visa system.
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United Kingdom

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