New UK immigration policy: key changes and their implications

🛂 Skilled Worker Visa Reforms

Higher Skills Threshold: The minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visas will rise from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level), affecting roles in sectors like hospitality, construction, and social care.

Salary Threshold Increase: Salary thresholds for visa eligibility will be raised, with the Immigration Salary List being replaced by a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for specific sectors demonstrating genuine shortages.

Social Care Visa Closure: The route for recruiting overseas social care workers will be phased out by 2028, with no new care worker visas issued.

🎓 Student and Graduate Visa Changes

Graduate Visa Duration Reduction: The post-study work visa duration for international graduates will be reduced from two years to 18 months.

Increased Compliance for Educational Institutions: Stricter compliance measures will be introduced for institutions sponsoring international students, including higher pass marks and mandatory participation in the Agent Quality Framework.

🏠 Settlement and Citizenship

Extended Residency Requirement: The qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and citizenship will increase from five to ten years, with potential fast-track options for individuals making significant contributions to the UK.

Enhanced English Language Requirements: English proficiency standards will be raised for both main applicants and their dependants across various visa routes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Migration Reforms

Stricter Eligibility Criteria: New rules will enforce clear relationship requirements, financial thresholds, and English language skills for family visa applicants to ensure genuine relationships and better integration.

Article 8 Legislation: Legislation will be introduced to limit the application of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 in asylum cases, aiming to reduce misuse of human rights claims.

💼 Employer and Workforce Planning

Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG): A new body will assess labour shortages and ensure that immigration is not used as a substitute for domestic workforce development.

Increased Immigration Skills Charge: The Immigration Skills Charge will rise by 32%, with funds directed towards domestic training initiatives.

📊 Border Control and Compliance

Digital Immigration System: The introduction of eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) will enhance border security and compliance monitoring.

Expanded Deportation Powers: The Home Office will have increased authority to revoke visas for a broader range of offences, including those not resulting in imprisonment.

These proposals are currently under consultation, with some changes expected to be implemented in 2026. Employers and individuals are advised to stay informed and prepare for the forthcoming adjustments to the UK immigration system.

Taxes without stress: in installments!

In the UK, you don’t have to pay your tax all at once.
Yes, you heard right: HMRC doesn’t demand full payment on the day you file. You can spread your tax bill into interest‑free, penalty‑free installments.

Why you shouldn’t wait until January to file?
Many self‑employed people procrastinate until the deadline. But waiting until January means:

• You must pay last year’s tax in one lump sum.

• You also must make your next year’s first payment immediately.

• After the holidays, your budget is often tight.

• Rushing leads to stress, mistakes, and overspending.

All of this is avoidable if you act early.

Solution: File your Self‑Assessment in May!
By filing in spring or early summer, you gain:
✅ Time to double‑check everything
✅ The chance to learn your exact bill and plan your budget
✅ Peace of mind—no January scramble
✅ More time for tax planning with an experienced accountant at Capital Empire

Instead of a single £1,000 bill in January, you could pay just £100 per month. No interest. No penalties.

📩 Want to file your Tax Return stress‑free and with maximum benefit?
Write to us on WhatsApp or Telegram: +44 7555 858 858

Do you work under a UTR? This common mistake is often overlooked.

In the UK, many self-employed individuals using a UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) are unaware of an important detail that directly affects their pension record, tax calculations, and even eligibility for financial support.
We’re talking about the fact that your UTR and NIN (National Insurance Number) might not be linked in the HMRC system.

Why is this important?
If your UTR and NIN are not linked, it can lead to serious consequences:
• HMRC may not record your National Insurance contributions → you lose pension years.
• Risk of penalties.
• Difficulties in claiming benefits, tax refunds, or getting mortgages and loans.
• HMRC may mishandle your tax submissions, leading to extra checks and requests.

Common reasons for unlinked records:
• NIN was not provided or was incorrect when registering for UTR.
• A temporary NIN was used.
• Personal data errors (name, date of birth, address).
• You received your NIN after UTR registration, and the system wasn’t updated.
• Technical error in HMRC’s system (more common than expected).

What should you do?
• Check if your UTR and NIN are linked.
• If not, send a request to link them.

💡 How to check?
We explained it in detail in our video on Instagram, Facebook и TikTok