Immigration White Paper - Q&A and Immigration Rule Changes

Following the immigration rules changes to end overseas recruitment of care workers and senior care workers, the Home Office and DHSC hosted a series of webinars for providers. Following these sessions, the Home Office has produced a Q&A document which responds to some of the questions asked by participants at those sessions.

On 14 October 2025, the Home Office laid rule changes to implement measures outlined in the Immigration White Paper. A summary of the full changes is attached above. The changes include:

1. English language requirements: from 8 January 2026, new applicants to the Skilled Worker route will need to meet the increased English language requirement of level B2. This change will only apply to individuals making their first applications. Those who have already obtained a permission where they were required to show a B1 level, will continue to be subject to a B1 level requirement where they are seeking an extension on the same route.
2. Immigration Skills Charge: as set out in The Immigration White Paper, the ISC will increase by 32% from 16 December 2025.

The Home Office is hosting a series of Town Hall events between 22 October and 4 November to provide an overview of changes.

White Paper - Immigration changes

Immigration changes Q&A