Updates to Sponsor Licence Rules for 2026
Last year, the UK government published a white paper proposing changes to the immigration system. Some of the changes came in last year, including a return to the graduate-level skill level, the closure of the social care worker visa route, an increase in the salary threshold, and more.
In this article, we will discuss some of the changes that are coming into effect in 2026 and how this affects your recruitment.
English Language Requirements for Skilled Visas
As of the 8th of January 2026, new applicants for Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up visas must meet a B2 language level. This is a higher standard than the previous B1 level.
Increased Immigration Skills Charge
As of the 16th of December 2025, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) has increased to £1,320 per worker, a 32% rise from the previous charge. This new rate applies to new Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after that date.
This makes the new ISC annual fees as follows:
- Medium and large sponsors: £1320 (up from £1,000)
- Small and charitable sponsors: £480 (up from £364)
As well as the charge, the government has added more ISC-exempt occupations, including research and development managers, higher education teaching professionals, clergy, and sports players and coaches.
Changes to Indefinite Leave To Remain
While not a change that will affect you as an employer, the changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) may affect your employees as people, so it is important to have this issue on your radar.
In April 2026, the UK government will begin implementing changes to ILR, increasing the standard qualifying period from five years to ten years and basing it on merit rather than just time spent in the UK.
Longer pathways to ILR may make UK roles less attractive to international workers, and you may need to offer more competitive packages.
What This Means for UK Business Immigration
While subtle, these changes are designed to make immigration to the UK harder. The shift from low-skill sponsorship to higher-paying roles with more advanced skills, along with higher sponsorship charges, means sponsorship has to become more strategic.
If you are a smaller business that relies on sponsorship for low-skill migrant labour, then you may struggle with these new rules, and you may have to rethink workforce planning.
For businesses investing in senior specialists, niche skills, and leadership, sponsorship will remain viable, but it will come at higher costs and with tighter controls.
Keep Up To Date With Immigration Changes With Holmes & Partners
As a business, it is important to keep on top of changes to the rules and regulations that come with being a sponsor. Remaining compliant can be a minefield, but with an expert business immigration consultant on your side, you will have peace of mind. Get in touch with Holmes & Partners today.
