TL;DR
- His Majesty's Speech 2026 re-announced the Immigration Bill, signalling further legislation following the 2025 white paper
- The earned settlement consultation received over 200,000 responses and may extend the standard ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years
- From 8 January 2026 the English requirement on Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual visas is B2 (was B1)
- Existing Skilled Worker holders before 8 January 2026 can extend on the prior B1 qualification
- Final settlement rules depend on the response to the consultation that closed in February 2026
Last reviewed: 15 May 2026
Key facts
- Source of change: King's Speech 2026 + Statement of Changes HC 1691 + the 2025 white paper 'Restoring control over the immigration system'
- English requirement: B2 on the CEFR for new Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual applicants from 8 January 2026
- Skilled Worker salary floor: £41,700 general threshold (introduced 2025, unchanged for 2026)
- Immigration Skills Charge: Increased 32 per cent on 16 December 2025
- Care worker route: Closed to overseas recruitment from 22 July 2025
- Settlement (ILR): Government consulting on extending qualifying period from 5 to 10 years under an earned settlement model
What the King's Speech 2026 said about immigration
His Majesty's Speech to both Houses of Parliament re-announced immigration legislation. The speech sets out the government's intended legislative programme. The detail follows in the bills themselves and in further Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules. The 2025 white paper 'Restoring control over the immigration system' remains the policy backdrop. Some of its proposals are already in force through changes to the Immigration Rules. Others, including any levy on international student fees and any changes to naturalisation law, require an Act of Parliament.
Skilled Worker visa: the rules that already changed
Several Skilled Worker changes took effect across late 2025 and early 2026. The minimum salary threshold rose to £41,700 from 2025. The Immigration Skills Charge increased by 32 per cent on 16 December 2025. The skill level was raised to RQF Level 6, equivalent to a bachelor's degree, which removed a number of occupations from the eligible list. The English language requirement for new Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual applicants moved from B1 to B2 on 8 January 2026. Existing Skilled Worker holders before that date can extend on the prior B1 qualification.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): the earned settlement consultation
The government consulted on an earned settlement model. The consultation closed in February 2026 and received over 200,000 responses. The proposal could extend the standard qualifying period for settlement from 5 years to 10 years for most routes. Proposed criteria include annual earnings above £12,570 for a minimum of 3 to 5 years, no criminal conviction, and English at B2 level. Final rules will follow the government's response to the consultation. Exact dates, exemptions and transitional arrangements have not been confirmed.
Graduate visa and student routes
The Graduate visa is set to be reduced from 24 months to 18 months from 1 January 2027 under the published timetable. The change is intended to encourage graduates to move into skilled employment routes sooner. Student visa applicants should review the published rules at the point of application, since further changes may follow from the King's Speech legislative programme.
What applicants and sponsors should do now
Applicants on existing visas should keep continuous evidence of permission, including prior Certificates of Sponsorship, BRP history and visa grant letters, since transitional rules turn on continuous permission from a specific date. Sponsors should review SOC coding against the current eligible occupation list and budget for the higher Immigration Skills Charge. Anyone planning a settlement application should follow the consultation response when published, since the qualifying period and the income test are the items most likely to change.
Disclaimer. This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, immigration or legal advice. Figures, thresholds and rules can change. Always check the current position with the relevant authority (GOV.UK, HMRC, FCA, Ofgem or the appropriate regulator) before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Has the Immigration Bill become law?
Not yet. The King's Speech sets out the government's intended legislation. The bill must pass through Parliament before any of its provisions become law. Changes that can be made through the Immigration Rules can take effect through Statements of Changes without an Act of Parliament.
Will the ILR qualifying period definitely change to 10 years?
Not confirmed. The earned settlement consultation closed in February 2026 with over 200,000 responses. The government has indicated an intention to extend the qualifying period but the final rules, transitional arrangements and exemptions will be set out in the response and subsequent Statements of Changes.
Do I have to retake my English test at B2?
Not if you were already on a Skilled Worker visa before 8 January 2026. Extensions can be made on the prior B1 qualification. New applicants from that date must demonstrate B2 across reading, writing, speaking and listening.
What happened to the care worker route?
Overseas recruitment of care workers ended on 22 July 2025. Care workers already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa can extend, switch employers, or vary conditions under the legacy rules where permission has been continuous.
Where do I check the live Immigration Rules?
GOV.UK publishes the Immigration Rules and every Statement of Changes. The House of Commons Library briefing CBP-10267 tracks how the 2025 white paper proposals are being implemented.
