World Immigration News

UK raises English-language bar and Immigration Skills Charge for sponsored workers

Release Date: 2026-01-17
Media: VisaHQ
Summary: The UK has tightened key work-visa rules. From 8 January 2026, first-time applicants under the Skilled Worker, Scale-Up, and High-Potential Individual routes must prove English at CEFR B2 (up from B1). In parallel, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) paid by sponsors rose 32% in late December to £1,320 per year for medium and large employers, pushing the five-year sponsorship cost to over £6,500 before other fees.

The government says the higher language bar will improve workplace integration and reduce exploitation, while critics warn it could shrink the talent pipeline—especially in shortage sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and logistics—because B2 tests are harder, costlier, and available in fewer locations. Employers must quickly update recruitment materials and timelines to account for test booking delays; failing to meet the B2 requirement can mean automatic visa refusal and potential sponsor-compliance issues. Advisers also expect the B2 standard to be extended to settlement (ILR) from April 2026, so companies are urged to plan across the full mobility lifecycle now.
Tags: United Kingdom

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