Policy updates and timeline
The main changes to the UK Immigration Rules and the key dates coming up, in order. Each item shows its status: in force, announced but not yet in force, or expected.
Information checked: 6 November 2026 · UK rules change often; check GOV.UK before you apply
Coming up
Dates that may affect the plans you make now.
Earned settlement begins to enter the Rules
The Home Secretary said earned settlement rules will begin to be laid in the December Statement of Changes and phased in during 2027. No exact date has been published.
Read more →Temporary Shortage List and Immigration Salary List expire
Shortage roles below degree level can currently be sponsored only with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026. The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended keeping 28 occupations; the government has not yet decided.
Read more →Graduate visa cut to 18 months
Graduate visa applications made from 1 January 2027 get 18 months; PhD graduates still get 3 years. Applications made by 31 December 2026 still get 2 years.
Read more →UK rejoins Erasmus+
The September 2026 rule changes prepare for the UK's return to the EU Erasmus+ exchange programme.
Recent changes
The main changes since July 2025.
Final earned settlement model published
Default wait of 10 years; 3 or 5 years for higher earners; 20 years+ after a breach; five mandatory conditions for everyone. Policy confirmed, law not yet changed.
Read more →Autumn 2026 rule changes in force
Most of the changes published on 3 September took effect on 8 October, including letting Skilled Workers identified as victims of modern slavery work for any employer, and measures against abuse of fee waivers and biometrics.
Visa and citizenship fees rise
The ETA rose to £20; the official adult citizenship cost is now £1,839 (£1,709 application plus £130 ceremony).
Read more →ETA fully enforced; visit visas go digital
Visit visa applications made from 25 February no longer get a passport vignette; from 26 February the ETA transition ended and visa-free travellers need an ETA to travel.
Read more →Earned settlement consultation closes
The consultation drew more than 200,000 responses; the government replied on 2 November.
B2 English for work routes
New applicants on routes such as Skilled Worker and High Potential Individual need English at CEFR B2.
Read more →HPI list expanded; settlement consultation launched
The High Potential Individual list grew to about 80 universities and is updated each November; the same month the government published “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement”.
Read more →Skilled Worker threshold raised
Roles generally need to be at degree level (RQF 6), the general salary threshold rose to £41,700, and a Temporary Shortage List was created.
Read more →
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