The UK government has confirmed a series of major changes to its visa system under the new Plan for Change reforms. Announced in the latest Statement of Changes HC 1333 on 14 October 2025, the new rules raise the English language standard for key work visas, shorten the Graduate route, and make a range of other immigration updates that will affect people applying to live, work or study in the UK from 2026 onwards.
Higher English requirement for UK work visas
From 8 January 2026, the English language requirement for the Skilled Worker visa, High Potential Individual (HPI) visa and Scale-up visa will increase from B1 to B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
B2 is equivalent to A-Level English and is higher than the current GCSE-level B1 standard. The new rule will apply to anyone making a new visa application from that date. People extending an existing visa on the same route will still be assessed at B1.
To meet the requirement, applicants must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) through a Home Office-approved provider or show a degree taught or researched in English. Nationals of recognised English-speaking countries remain exempt.
Applicants should prepare early by arranging any required testing in advance of their visa application.
Graduate visa reduced to 18 months
From 1 January 2027, the standard Graduate visa stay will be shortened from two years to 18 months, while PhD graduates will continue to receive three years’ permission.
The Graduate visa allows international students who complete a UK degree to remain and work after their studies. The Home Office says the change aims to encourage graduates to move more quickly into skilled employment or switch into longer-term work visas such as the Skilled Worker route.
If you plan to apply for the Graduate visa, or you already hold one, it will be important to begin job searching and sponsorship planning earlier, as the shorter timeframe will reduce the window to secure a longer-term work visa.
Other changes announced
Statement of Changes HC 1333 also introduced other important updates, including:
- Part Suitability: replaces the old “grounds for refusal” framework to simplify decision-making and align rules across all visa categories.
- Seasonal Worker visa: now limited to a maximum of six months in the UK during any rolling ten-month period.
- Students: can now begin working on their business after completing studies if switching into the Innovator Founder visa.
- Stateless applicants: partners and children can now apply under Appendix Statelessness if they formed part of the family before the main applicant’s permission was granted.
- Travel rules: nationals of Botswana now need a visa to visit the UK, and Palestine has been added to the visa national list following UK recognition of the state of Palestine.
Preparing for the new rules
The UK remains open to international students and skilled professionals, but these new rules mean applicants will need to meet higher standards and prepare more carefully.
If you plan to apply for a UK visa in 2026 or 2027, check the new requirements carefully and allow extra time to prepare. If you are applying for a Skilled Worker, HPI or Scale-up visa, make sure you meet the higher B2 English requirement before 8 January 2026.If you are graduating from a UK university, plan ahead for the shorter Graduate visa stay and start job applications early.
Be aware that sponsorship costs for employers will rise under the Plan for Change, which could affect recruitment opportunities.
