United Kingdom Immigration Rules Fall 2025

Key Point

• The UK is introducing phased updates to its Immigration Rules from October 2025, reshaping visa criteria and suitability assessments 

Phased Implementation 

On 14 October 2025, the United Kingdom (U.K.) released a comprehensive update to the Immigration Rules under HC 1333. The changes take effect in multiple phases between 14 October 2025 and 8 January 2026, impacting a wide range of visa categories and introducing structural reforms to how suitability and refusal grounds are assessed. 

Part Suitability Replaces Part 9 

A major reform is the repeal of Part 9 (Grounds for Refusal) and its replacement with Part Suitability, which now governs most immigration routes. Key features include: 

• Mandatory refusal grounds: include exclusion or deportation orders, travel bans, serious criminal convictions and conduct not conducive to the public good.
• Discretionary refusal grounds: character, associations and other public interest concerns.
• Expanded cancellation powers for entry clearance and permission to stay 

This change simplifies and standardizes refusal criteria across routes. 

Global Business Mobility (GBM) Routes 

Applicable to: Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker 

Key updates include:

• Alignment with Part Suitability for refusal and cancellation decisions
• Clarification of overstaying exceptions
• Updated SOC 2020 occupation codes
• Visa cancellation may occur due to:
  • Sponsor licence revocation
  • Business transfer without relicensing

Skilled Worker Route 

• Suitability checks are now governed by Part Suitability
• Salary threshold flexibility introduced for Health & Care roles
• Visa cancellation may result from:
  • Job changes leading to a lower salary or a different SOC code
  • Absence from work exceeding four weeks without a valid justification

Scale-Up Route 

• English language requirement raised from B1 to B2 (transitional exceptions apply)
• Suitability and overstaying rules aligned with Part Suitability
• Sponsor-related cancellation provisions apply only during the initial six-month sponsorship period

Innovator Founder & Start-Up Routes 

• Introduction of a “fit and proper person” test for Innovator Founders, covering: 
  • Financial misconduct 
  • Disbarment 
  • Regulatory sanctions 
• Visa cancellation may occur if: 
  • Endorsing body is withdrawn 
  • Applicant fails to attend required contact point meetings 

High Potential Individual (HPI) Route 

• Annual cap introduced: 8,000 applications per year (1 November – 31 October) 
• English language requirement raised to B2 
• Suitability and overstaying rules now governed by Part Suitability 

Graduate Route 

• From January 2027, permission duration will be reduced to 18 months for most applicants
• PhD holders will continue to receive three years
• Suitability and overstaying provisions updated

Common Cancellation Triggers Across Sponsored Routes 

These apply to Skilled Worker, GBM, Scale-Up, Innovator, Start-Up and other sponsored categories: 

• Failure to commence employment 
• Job start delayed by more than 28 days 
• Sponsor licence revocation or business transfer without relicensing 
• Unauthorized job changes or salary reductions 
• Extended unpaid leave without a valid reason 

Don’t Miss an Update 

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first. 

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.

OISC registration number F202000157