Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Friday, 17 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Visas: Skilled Workers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her policy paper entitled Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules: HC 1333, published on 14 October 2025, whether she has made an estimate of the number of workers currently employed on a Skilled Worker visa who will no longer have leave to remain.

Answer: The changes to the Immigration Rules in respect of English language requirements set out in HC1333 come into force on 8 January 2026 and do not affect the position of those given leave to remain as a Skilled Worker before that date. The changes to the Rules specify that a Skilled Worder previously given leave to remain on the basis of having met the previous requirement at B1 level will be able to extend their stay without needing to meet the new requirement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 82948
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
House of Commons papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Immigration Visas Skilled workers
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk