What universities need to know about the October 2025 Immigration Rules update
The Home Office has announced a number of immigration changes that will affect international students, graduates and staff recruitment.
Key changes affecting universities
The most significant change for higher education is the reduction of the Graduate route to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027, with PhD graduates remaining eligible for three years. This shortens the post study window for graduates to gain experience before moving into sponsorship. If your marketing materials for overseas students refer to a "two year postgraduate visa", those references should be reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy for future intakes.
From 25 November 2025, Student visa holders who have completed their course can switch to Innovator Founder and establish a business. There has been a relatively low take-up of the Innovator Founder route, and this change isn't expected to change that a great deal, but international student advisers should brush up on their knowledge of this category as it now offers another options for some students looking to remain in the UK after graduation.
From 8 January 2026, initial grants under Skilled Worker, Scale up and High Potential Individual (HPI) will require English at CEFR level B2. Extensions on the same route will remain at the level originally required. Universities may want to plan now by flagging the change in recruitment guidance, helping candidates prepare Secure English Language Tests or alternative evidence where permitted, and considering whether some pipeline hires should apply before the new threshold takes effect.
In addition, and via a separate Statutory Instrument, the Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32% from 16 December. Most sponsored roles in universities do not incur the charge because academic researchers and higher education lecturers are in exempt occupation codes. However, universities do occasionally sponsor staff in roles that are chargeable, so it is sensible to check occupation coding and budget implications for upcoming sponsorships.
The HPI route will widen its eligible institutions from 4 November 2025, while introducing an annual cap of 8,000, which may open opportunities for more international graduates.
There are practical adjustments to the Student route, with maintenance levels uplifted to align with 2025/26 home student loans and the accommodation deposit offset updated. Admissions and compliance teams should refresh offer letters, CAS guidance and web content to reflect the new figures.
For campus visitors and events, Botswana nationals were placed on the list of countries whose nationals require a visit visa from 15:00 BST on 14 October 2025, with a six week transition for travel booked before the announcement. Having been officially recognised by the UK government, Palestine has also been added to the visa national list. Departments hosting overseas guests should factor in visa lead times and advise visitors early.
Global Talent sees modest improvements, including broader evidence for architects and additional "Prestigious Prizes", which may help in attracting leading talent.
Steps to take now
- Review and update international student marketing materials, especially any references to a "two year postgraduate visa"
- HR teams need to be aware of the changes affecting the Skilled Worker and HPI routes and consider whether any recruitment activity needs to be brought forward in light of the changes to the English language threshold and increase in the Skills Charge
- Admissions and compliance teams should ensure they are familiar with the changes to the Student visa maintenance requirements
- Update visitor guidance for departments hosting Botswana and Palestinian nationals