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Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules
14 October 2025
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses changes to UK immigration rules, including introducing a visa requirement for visitors from Botswana and altering provisions for high potential individuals and students.
Action Requested
The Home Office is implementing several policy changes effective on specified dates, such as doubling the number of universities eligible for the High Potential Individual route with an annual cap of 8,000 places; reducing the Graduate route duration to 18 months; changing English language requirements; and introducing a visa requirement for nationals of Botswana.
Key Facts
- Visa requirement introduced for nationals of Botswana effective from 15:00 BST on October 14, 2025.
- Transition period for those with existing ETAs until November 25, 2025.
- Doubling the number of universities eligible for High Potential Individual route and capped at 8,000 per year starting from various dates in November 2025.
- English language requirement increased to B2 level for Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, and Scale Up routes effective January 8, 2026.
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