Further Changes to the Points-Based Immigration System

The Government has announced the next series of changes to the Points-Based Immigration System, following commitments made in its Immigration White Paper.

From 16 December 2025, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), paid by employers when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, will increase by 32%. This rise forms part of the Government’s strategy to encourage greater investment in the domestic workforce while maintaining access to overseas labour where essential skills shortages remain. 

Higher Skills and Language Requirements 

Further changes to the Skilled Worker route will be introduced in 2026: 

• After raising the qualification threshold to degree-level equivalent earlier this year, 
• The English language requirement for new Skilled Worker visa applicants will increase from Level B1 (GCSE standard) to Level B2 (A Level standard) from 8 January 2026. 

These changes are likely to reduce the number of roles eligible for sponsorship and may impact recruitment pipelines across the construction sector. 

As a member of Build UK, NFRC is able to share updates to the key resources Build UK has published, including: 

• The Build UK Skilled Worker Visa flowchart, providing a clear overview of the recruitment process for overseas workers 
• How to Get a Sponsor Licence 
• How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa 

All guidance is being refreshed regularly as the immigration rules evolve. 

Right to Work Scheme Consultation Now Open 

The Home Office has launched a consultation on proposals to extend the Right to Work Scheme to cover self-employed workers—a significant change for construction, where self-employment and labour-only subcontracting are common. 

Under the proposals, organisations engaging individuals as: 

• Casual or temporary workers 
• Sub-contractors 
• Self-employed operatives via online labour-matching platforms 

would all be required to carry out Right to Work checks to confirm eligibility to work in the UK. This extension forms part of the forthcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. 

The consultation seeks feedback on how the extended checks should operate, who will be responsible for enforcement, and what guidance employers will need. Responses can be submitted via the online form until Wednesday 10 December. 

Temporary Shortage List Review 

As part of its ongoing review of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has identified 82 occupations that may be recommended for inclusion. Build UK has announced it is working closely with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to coordinate the industry’s response to the forthcoming call for evidence, which will inform the final list submitted to the Home Secretary. 

A number of key construction occupations are under consideration for the TSL, including bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, construction supervisors, floorers and wall tilers, painters and decorators, plasterers, plumbers, roofers, stonemasons, steel erectors, and welders.  

Alongside the TSL review, the Government has reiterated its commitment to ‘restore control to our borders’ and has published a new asylum and returns policy, under which refugee status will become temporary. Build UK’s flowchart outlining the process of employing a worker from outside the UK continues to be updated in line with the evolving immigration rules, alongside our detailed guidance on How to Get a Sponsor Licence and How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.