LAW & BORDER | Immigration Alert: Your Christmas 2025/2026 UK Immigration Update
The Christmas period is typically a busy time for travel and migration paperwork. As we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026, it's crucial to be aware of imminent UK immigration deadlines and operational changes that could impact your plans.
Several key regulatory changes are either happening now or just around the corner in the New Year. Here is everything you need to know about the festive season immigration landscape.
1. The December 2025 Cost Hike for Employers
For HR departments and sponsored migrants, a critical financial deadline is fast approaching this month.
The Home Office is significantly increasing the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), which is the mandatory fee employers pay to the government for sponsoring a skilled worker.
Deadline Alert: The new rates apply to all Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned on or after December 16, 2025.
The Increase:
Medium/Large Sponsors: The annual charge increases from £1,000 to £1,320 per worker per year.
Small Sponsors/Charities: The charge increases from £364 to £480 per worker per year.
Action Point for Employers: If you planned to sponsor a worker soon, assigning their CoS before December 16 could save you hundreds of pounds per year of sponsorship.
2. Christmas Operational Delays and Deadlines
Government services slow down during the festive period. UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), visa application centers (VACs), the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) resolution centre, and passport offices will operate with limited staffing and closures between Christmas Eve and the New Year.
Expect Processing Delays: Applications submitted now will likely take longer to process due to statutory holidays.
Check Your Visa Expiry Date: If your current visa or BRP expires in late December 2025 or early January 2026, do not wait. Submit your renewal application immediately to ensure you maintain legal status. Remember, even if the office is closed, you must still apply before midnight on your expiry date.
3. The New Year Brings Stricter Rules for Work and Travel
The start of 2026 marks the beginning of several highly anticipated, more restrictive immigration policies the government previously announced.
Higher English Language Requirement (Jan 8, 2026)
If you are applying for a new Skilled Worker, Scale-up, or High Potential Individual visa in the New Year, you'll need better English skills:
New Requirement: The minimum English language level increases from B1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This is a significant jump in required proficiency.
Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (Feb 25, 2026)
Planning a quick weekend trip to the UK next year? Be warned:
The ETA scheme becomes mandatory for all visa-free nationals. You must apply online for digital permission to travel before you even board a plane or ferry to the UK.
The motto from carriers will be "No permission, no travel." Ensure you apply for your ETA well in advance of February 25, 2026.
4. The Shift to eVisas Continues
The UK is committed to phasing out physical proof of status (BRPs and vignette stickers). This transition will continue throughout 2026.
Migrants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the digital system. You can view your current immigration status and generate share codes for employers or landlords via the officialGOV.UKwebsite.
Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
The festive season is a time for relaxation, but don't ignore these crucial administrative deadlines. A small check now can prevent major headaches later.
For all official information and application portals, always rely on the official government source: UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK).
Have a safe and happy holiday period!
Crystal Dias, Solicitor (Lawyery.co )
(For comments and suggestions, e-mail TFCN at [email protected].)
Crystal Dias is a UK-qualified solicitor with a distinguished career in law. Since qualifying in 2003, she has owned Dias Solicitors in London and co-founded Lawyery. Her expertise and dedication have helped thousands of clients navigate complex legal landscapes, and she is highly regarded within the Filipino community for her advocacy on women’s and migrants’ rights.
