Immigration white paper and care: what's law now

In force: higher skills threshold

The white paper (CP 1326) was published on 12 May 2025. Its first big step came through the Statement of Changes HC 997, effective 22 July 2025. That raised the Skilled Worker skills threshold back to RQF level 6 (degree level), which the Home Office estimated would take around 180 occupations out of eligibility. Occupations below that level can only be sponsored if they appear on the Temporary Shortage List. Entries on that list are time-limited, with removal dates set at the end of 2026, except for adult social care. The same changes closed overseas recruitment of care workers (see our separate story on in-country switching).

In force: Immigration Skills Charge up 32%

The Immigration Skills Charge (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/1324) were made on 15 December 2025 and came into force the next day. They raise the charges by 32%. From 16 December 2025:

Medium and large sponsors pay £1,320 per worker per year, up from £1,000.
Small and charitable sponsors pay £480, up from £364.

The charge is paid up front for the length of the certificate. Over a multi-year sponsorship, for example for a sponsored nurse, the rise adds up.

In force: higher English for new grants

From 8 January 2026, people applying for their first Skilled Worker grant need English at B2, up from B1 (Statement of Changes HC 1333). People already granted at B1 stay at B1 when they extend on the same route. Our story on in-country switching covers what this means for recruitment.

Coming: B2 English for settlement in March 2027

The Statement of Changes HC 1691 (5 March 2026) raises the English requirement for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) to B2 on several routes, including Skilled Worker. It applies to applications made on or after 26 March 2027. That date is now in the Immigration Rules. Staff planning to apply for settlement in 2027 or later may want to prepare early.

Proposed: earned settlement

The Home Office published A Fairer Pathway to Settlement on 20 November 2025. It proposes:

raising the default qualifying period for settlement from 5 years to 10;
a separate, longer baseline of 15 years for Health and Care visa holders and other Skilled Workers in roles below RQF level 6. That would cover most care workers;
applying the new rules to everyone in the UK who does not yet have indefinite leave to remain, with views sought on transitional arrangements.

The consultation closed on 12 February 2026. As of 27 October 2026, the GOV.UK page still says the Home Office is analysing feedback, and no outcome has been published. None of the 10-year or 15-year proposals are in the Immigration Rules today. The current five-year route to settlement for Skilled Workers still applies.

What this means for your service

Budget for the higher Skills Charge on any new certificate of sponsorship, for example for nurses. Small and charitable sponsors pay the lower rate.
Don't tell staff the settlement rules have changed. They haven't. Today's position is five years for Skilled Workers. The 10- and 15-year models are proposals only.
Expect anxiety among sponsored staff. The proposal would hit care workers hardest. Point people to accurate information and to qualified advice, not social media.
Plan for B2 English at settlement from 26 March 2027. Staff hoping to settle may want to start preparing.
Watch for the consultation outcome and any new Statement of Changes. We will report when either is published.

Kiwi isn't an immigration adviser. For your own situation, speak to an OISC-registered adviser or an immigration solicitor.