Here are the immigration changes planned for the UK later this year
Further proposals set out in the Immigration White Paper are expected to be implemented by the end of 2025 at the latest.
As a result, businesses should consider how the upcoming changes to the immigration system could impact them and take action now to mitigate, says legal firm Lewis Silkin.
In a research note published this week, the firm noted that the Government’s Immigration White Paper proposals relating to work routes were rolled out from 22 July 2025.
These have already produced a significant impact on businesses by making sponsorship more costly and by removing the eligibility of most occupations below the bachelor’s degree skill level.
The government has promised a raft of further changes before the end of the year; however, some could come earlier, especially as there is usually an Autumn update to the Immigration Rules, Lewis Silkin said.
Below are some of the planned changes in more detail.
Immigration Skills Charge rise
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for Skilled Worker and Senior or Specialist Worker sponsors is due to rise by 32%.
This will mean an uplift:
- From £364 to £480 per year for small and charitable sponsors;
- From £1,000 to £1,320 per year for medium and large sponsors.
This will effectively add up to £1,600 to the cost of sponsoring a five-year visa under the affected routes, Lewis Silkin said. Especially at this time of year, workers with Student route permission may be asking you to consider sponsorship.
Individuals switching from the Student route to Skilled Worker are ISC exempt, but those who are switching from the Graduate route are not.
Higher English language requirements
For main applicants on work routes with an English language requirement, the proficiency threshold will increase from level B1 (intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to level B2 (upper intermediate).
Adult work route dependants will be required to meet stepped English language proficiency criteria. This will be CEFR level A1 (beginner) for their initial application, rising to level A2 (elementary) at the extension stage and level B2 (upper intermediate) at settlement.
Lewis Silkin noted that this could lead to delayed or halted applications where applicants are unable to meet the English language requirement in the first instance, for example, if they fail an English language test.
It may also introduce concerns that dependants may not meet the new English language requirements, which may affect the worker’s decision to relocate to the UK.
New requirements for work route dependants
The White Paper confirms that a new family route policy will be unveiled before the end of the year. This will cover (among other groups) the family members of individuals on work routes.
Lewis Silkin noted that the full impact will only be known once the specifics of the new family policy have been published. However, some potential impacts include:
- Changes to the relationship requirements, with more scrutiny of whether the relationship is genuine and subsisting;
- Higher English language requirements (see section above for more details);
- Increased financial requirements, with a view to aligning these across family routes; and
- Tightening the suitability requirements for dependants (these broadly cover issues of criminality and past conduct).
“Consider making any upcoming applications involving dependants as soon as possible under the existing rules – doing so will also ensure that any affected individuals can benefit from any transitional arrangements that are implemented,” Lewis Silkin said.
Earned settlement and earned citizenship
The default qualifying period for settlement in most routes is due to rise (with some exceptions) from five years to ten years.
Individuals who can meet points-based criteria relating to their contributions to society and the economy may be eligible to settle earlier than ten years.
The criteria for citizenship eligibility will be amended to align with the implementation of earned settlement.
The consultation process is due to begin sometime during the Autumn, and any changes are likely to be implemented next year.
