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For many months now, the UK’s immigration system has been at the center of public and political debates. Rising migration numbers, language gaps in the workforce, and extended post-study stays have sparked concern. This has rushed policy makers to act.
After several consultations, data reviews, and parliamentary hearings, the government has now finalised new immigration rules that reflect those debates.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing and how to plan ahead:
Skilled Worker Visa
- The minimum English proficiency level has increased from B1 to B2 on the CEFR scale.
- If you currently hold a Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll remain eligible under “grandfathered” rights, meaning your existing visa terms will not be affected by the new English level requirement.
Employer Compliance Requirements Tightened
Sponsors must now maintain stricter oversight of job changes, salary adjustments, and employee absences.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- Job Role & Duty Changes: Sponsors must report any change in an employee’s job title, core duties, or skill level within 10 working days via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- Salary Adjustments: Any increase or decrease in salary, whether due to promotions, role changes, or company-wide reviews, must be updated promptly to ensure the role still meets the minimum salary threshold under the visa route.
- Unreported Absences: Employers are now required to report if a sponsored worker has been absent from work for more than 10 consecutive working days without permission.
- Hybrid or Remote Work Updates: If an employee shifts to remote or hybrid working, sponsors must record and report this, confirming that the change doesn’t affect the employee’s ability to perform the sponsored role.
- Record-Keeping: Sponsors must maintain clear records of attendance, pay, and contact details for all sponsored workers. Those should be ready for inspection during Home Office compliance visits.
Failure to comply with updated sponsorship duties could lead to visa suspension or revocation.
In short: It’s now harder to qualify as a Skilled Worker, and sponsors will face greater accountability to ensure compliance.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Route, which allows international students to remain in the UK after completing their studies, will undergo significant changes starting 1 January 2027.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates will now receive 18 months of post-study permission (previously 2 years).
- PhD graduates will retain their 3-year stay period, which remains unchanged.
What This Means for Students
This change shortens the window for graduates to find employment, secure sponsorship, or transition into another visa route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
Tip: Students planning to stay in the UK long-term should prepare early by networking with licensed sponsors, exploring skill-shortage roles, and improving their English proficiency to meet Skilled Worker standards.
How Legend Consults Can Help
At Legend Consults, our licensed consultants can help you:
- Assess your eligibility under the new Skilled Worker requirements.
- Prepare for the higher English proficiency level.
- Strategise your post-study transition before the Graduate Route changes take effect.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
📞 Get personalised guidance to secure your UK future today.
