The landscape of UK business immigration continues to transform. Employers and sponsors must now contend with multiple simultaneous changes: the updated Salary List (last amended 4 November 2025), the imminent rise in English-language standards and a significant increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).
First, the salary regime. The Home Office’s revised Appendix: Immigration Salary List shows that, as of 4 November 2025, sponsors must diligently check whether a role is eligible under the discounted Salary List path or must meet the full “going rate” for a Skilled Worker visa. GOV.UK+1 Failure to apply the correct salary level is increasingly cited in refusal decisions. In parallel, the baseline requirement of graduate-level (RQF6) for new Skilled Worker roles remains in force, placing further constraints on job design and recruitment. House of Commons Library
Second, language standards. From 8 January 2026, applicants under the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes will be required to reach CEFR B2 in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Financial Times+1 For recruitment teams this means offer letters and start-date planning must reflect test timelines, and candidates must be appropriately briefed now.
Third, cost pressures. The ISC is set to rise by approximately 32% for applications from 16 December 2025, further raising the cost of international recruitment for sponsors. NHS Employers+1 Businesses must factor this into budgets and perhaps reconsider timing of CoS assignments.
Finally, the data reveals a downward trend: visa applications in work and family categories dropped in September 2025 compared to the previous year. The Economic Times This suggests that compliance risk, rule-complexity and cost are already reducing demand. For sponsors this is a reminder: lower volume doesn’t mean lower scrutiny.
At Fast Track Consultancy, we help you align your job design, salary strategy and HR policies with the most recent rule-set — ensuring your sponsor licence remains compliant, your offers robust, and your employees eligible. Let’s Succeed Together.
