The UK is considering revising the Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds from spring 2027. Under the proposed framework, these thresholds are expected to move from a median wage to the 25th percentile of earnings for the relevant occupation, based on 2026 salary data and adjustments for wage inflation.

The overhaul also includes plans to introduce a new entrant discount that may consolidate existing concessions for students, recent graduates, and those undergoing professional training. However, the removal of the special discount for PhD holders is also expected, though not yet confirmed.

An HPI visa may expand to include graduates from the world's top 150 universities, allowing them to apply without employer sponsorship at the application stage. The government also plans to increase the overall visa cap proportionally.

The Graduate visa's validity could decrease to 18 months for applications submitted from January 1, 2027, while candidates from high-compliance institutions might still be eligible for a two-year stay. The precise eligibility criteria will be announced later.

Workers on employer-sponsored visas who lose their job may receive up to six months to find a new sponsor before they must leave the country.