UK Immigration Compass
Update Archive
Search every UK immigration update from the past year: Home Office rule changes, visa news and parliamentary activity, organised by category.
About this archive
This page brings together UK immigration changes from official sources. It is designed to help you find the latest Home Office rule changes, visa news and parliamentary activity in plain English, with dates and categories to make the archive easier to search.
The live archive includes search, category filters and more records. The snapshot below is refreshed when this site is built. If the archive service is temporarily unavailable, this page still gives you a clear route back to the homepage.
Latest updates
Prison Officer Concessions on Skilled Worker Route
Prison officers switching from other routes can use a RQF 3 skills threshold until 31st December 2026, and a lower transitional salary threshold of £31,300 (25th percentile) until 31st December 2027. Dependants already in the UK can extend, but no new dependants are permitted.
English Language Requirement for Settlement as a Skilled Worker
Skilled Worker visa applicants seeking settlement whose application date is on or after 26 March 2027 will typically need to demonstrate English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This requirement applies to both speaking and listening skills.
Increased English language requirement for Settlement
A year from March 2026, those seeking settlement in the UK who arrived on a visa will need to demonstrate English language proficiency at an A-Level standard. The qualifying period for settlement is also intended to move from 5 years to 10 years as a norm.
Graduate visas reduced to 18 months for new applicants
From January 1, 2027, Graduate visas will only last 18 months for new applicants, a reduction from the current duration. However, those with a PhD will still be eligible for a 36-month visa.
Most Immigration Salary List Occupations to Expire by End of 2026
Most occupations currently on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which allows for a reduced Skilled Worker visa salary threshold of £33,400, are set to expire on 31 December 2026. These roles will transition to an interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL), generally requiring the full £41,700 salary threshold.
Student visa maintenance requirement increased for 2026/2027 academic year
The maintenance requirement for student visa applicants has been increased to match the maintenance loans available to home students for the 2026/2027 academic year. Students must demonstrate sufficient funds for each month of their course, up to 9 months.
Amendments to Religious Worker Routes
Changes to Appendix T2 Minister of Religion and Appendix Temporary Work – Religious Worker will exempt religious order members from non-pastoral duty restrictions and modify financial requirements. The upper limit on stay within the route will also be removed.
Skilled Worker Conclusive Grounds Decision on Permitted Work
Skilled Workers who have received a positive Conclusive Grounds decision from the National Referral Mechanism during their most recent permission may have their work conditions amended. This will permit any work, including self-employment and voluntary work, except for professional sportspersons.
Skilled Worker visa holders who are victims of modern slavery can now work in any role
Skilled Worker visa holders identified as victims of modern slavery can now work in any job, including self-employment or voluntary work (excluding professional sportsperson), for the duration of their existing visa. This removes the previous restriction of working only in their sponsored role.
EUSS application deadline amended for joining family members
The application deadline for first-time joining family members under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is now three months from their latest legal entry to the UK since 31 December 2020. This amendment better reflects Withdrawal Agreement requirements.
Human rights claims in Family Returns Process no longer require fee or formal application
Individuals in the Family Returns Process can now raise Article 8/private life or family life claims without needing to make a formal valid application, pay a fee, or use a specified form. Claims can be given directly to Home Office staff.
Continuous residence requirement removed for dependent children on Hong Kong BN(O) route
The requirement for dependent children on the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) route to complete a five-year continuous residence period for settlement has been removed. Eligible children can now settle alongside their parents if parents meet settlement requirements.
Extension of Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA) Eligibility
Eligibility for Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (VDA) has been extended to include adult dependent children. This broadens the scope of protection available to family members experiencing domestic abuse.
Facilitating UK Rejoining the Erasmus+ Programme
Changes have been made to facilitate the UK's rejoining of the Erasmus+ programme. These adjustments likely involve specific visa or entry requirements for participants to ensure smooth program operation.
EU Settlement Scheme Application Deadline for Family Members Amended
The application deadline for first-time joining family members under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is amended to three months from their latest legal entry to the UK since 31 December 2020. This change better reflects Withdrawal Agreement requirements and aims to prevent abuse.
Clarification on Proportionality for Pre-Settled Status Removal
Pre-settled status (PSS) under the EUSS may be removed if eligibility requirements are no longer met, but changes allow for proportionality considerations. This enables a small number of PSS holders to remain within the EUSS despite changes in circumstances, ultimately qualifying for settled status.
Family Returns Process allows fee-free human rights claims
Appendix FM and Appendix Private Life have been amended to allow families in the Family Returns Process to raise Article 8 (private or family life) claims without a formal application, fee, or specified form. Claims can now be given directly to Home Office staff.
Changes to EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for Pre-Settled Status Holders
Amendments to the EU Settlement Scheme will allow some pre-settled status holders who no longer meet eligibility requirements due to unforeseen family circumstances to remain in scope of the EUSS. This enables them to still qualify for settled status, reflecting proportionality principles.
Removal of Fee for Human Rights Claims in Family Returns Process
Families within the Family Returns Process can now raise Article 8/private or family life claims without needing to make a formal valid application, pay a fee, or use a specified form. Claims can be made directly to Home Office staff.
New Immigration Rules (HC 584) Published, Including Skilled Worker Modern Slavery Protections
The Home Office published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 584) on 3 September 2026, introducing amendments across various immigration routes. Key changes include enhanced protections for Skilled Worker visa holders identified as victims of modern slavery, allowing them to work in any occupation for the remainder of their visa.