Update on Statement of Changes announced today
The Home Office has issued a new Statement of Changes (HC 1333) setting out wide-ranging amendments across student, graduate, and work visa routes. While many were expected from the earlier immigration white paper, several new measures have been added.
New Visa Rules to be aware of:
Botswana: From 14 October 2025, nationals of Botswana must apply for a visit visa before travelling to the UK. Some transitional protections will apply.
Palestine: From 11 November 2025, Palestine joins the UK’s visa national list. Palestinian nationals must apply for a visa before attempting to enter the UK.
Travel for German School Groups
From 11 November, German students under 19 can visit the UK without a visa or ETA if travelling in a school group of five or more. EU, EEA, and Swiss students aged 19 and under can also use a national ID card instead of a passport.
Dependants of Stateless People
From 11 November 2025, partners and children who were part of a stateless person’s family before that person was granted permission to stay can apply under Appendix Statelessness. Dependants who joined later, or who are not stateless, can apply under Appendix FM.
Immigration Skills Charge Increase
The Immigration Skills Charge for sponsored workers will rise from £1,000 to £1,320 per worker per year, an increase of 32%. This forms part of the government’s wider reforms. Employers already face costs including visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, sponsor licence fees, and compliance expenses, so this change will add further pressure.
Higher English Language Requirements
From 8 January 2026, applicants under the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual (HPI), and Scale-up routes will need to meet a higher English language standard. The level rises from B1 to B2 under the Common European Framework (CEFR). Those already holding permission at B1 will keep that level when extending on the same route.
High Potential Individual Route
The HPI route will expand to include more universities while introducing a new annual cap of 8,000 applicants. The number of graduates expected to use this route will double from 2,000 to 4,000. The government says this expansion will help attract top international talent to the UK.
Global Talent Route
The Global Talent route will also broaden its scope. The list of eligible prizes will grow and architects can now provide evidence of achievements as part of a team or group nomination. More reforms are expected in 2026 as the government aims to double the number of highly skilled workers in key industries such as research, design, and the creative sector.
Graduate Route
From 1 January 2027, the Graduate route will shorten from two years to 18 months for most graduates. PhD graduates will still be granted three years.
Students Switching to the Innovator Founder Route
From 25 November 2025, students who finish their studies may be self-employed and start a business when switching to the Innovator Founder route. Financial requirements for student visas will also increase for the 2025–2026 academic year.
New “Suitability” Rules
On 11 November 2025, the long-standing “Part 9: Grounds for Refusal” will be replaced by new “Part Suitability” provisions. This change will merge the general and family route suitability requirements into one framework. It aims to simplify decision-making, although it will take time for practitioners to assess the full impact.
Seasonal Worker Scheme and Ukraine Updates
From 11 November, seasonal workers will be limited to six months of work in any ten-month period with a new four-month cooling-off period before returning.
The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme has also been adjusted so a child’s leave can align with a legal guardian as well as a parent.
Summary
These changes mark another significant shift in the UK’s immigration landscape. Employers face higher costs, students will see stricter requirements, and skilled routes are being refined to attract global talent.
For professional advice on how these dev elopments might affect your plans or your organisation’s sponsorship duties, contact Leena Chouhan at Taylor Hampton Solicitors’ Immigration Team on 00442074275972 Also please see our VISA Services page HERE: