Changes to the UK visa sponsored work routes
Increase in the UK Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
The ISC is a fee paid by UK employers when sponsoring overseas skilled workers under specific visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker and the Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker) (GBM) routes. The charge is payable upfront depending on the length of the visa being applied for.
From 16 December 2026, the ISC will increase by 32%, which the government hopes would encourage UK employers to invest in domestic talent and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.
| Sponsor | First 12 months (new rate) | Each additional six months thereafter (new rate) |
| Small organisations or charities | £480 | £240 |
| Medium or large organisations | £1320 | £660 |
However, certain exemptions to the ISC remain in place, for example:
- Workers assigned a CoS for six months or less and applying from overseas;
- Eligible EU nationals assigned a CoS under the GBM route for up to three years; or
- Individuals switching from a student visa to a Skilled Worker or GBM visa from within the UK.
English language requirement
From 8 January 2026, individuals sponsored under the Skilled Worker route must meet a higher level of English language proficiency:
- The required English language level will be raised from level B1 (intermediate) to level B2 (independent user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- However, applicants who have previously been granted UK immigration permission under level B1 will be exempt from this change.
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