UK announces major immigration rule changes affecting skilled workers and other visa categories

The UK Government has introduced significant amendments to the Immigration Rules, with changes set to affect Skilled Worker visa holders, students, graduates and several other immigration routes.

The Statement of Changes (HC 259) was laid before Parliament on 9 July 2026, amending 42 sections of the Immigration Rules.

Among the most significant changes, suspended prison sentences of 12 months or more will now be treated in the same way as immediate custodial sentences for deportation purposes. The new provision applies to relevant offences committed on or after 22 March 2026.

The Government has also revised salary transition arrangements for Skilled Worker visas. From the 2027/28 salary transition period, the applicable salary threshold will be determined by the date the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued, rather than the date the visa application is submitted.

In addition, compliance and suitability requirements have been standardised across around 30 immigration categories, including the Skilled Worker, Graduate and Student routes, with the aim of creating greater consistency throughout the immigration system.

The changes also introduce special administrative provisions for holders of Indian diplomatic passports travelling under the Visitor route.

The amendments will come into force in phases:

* 30 July 2026: Changes relating to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

* 3 August 2026: All remaining amendments take effect.

Applications submitted before 3 August 2026 will generally be considered under the current Immigration Rules.

Immigration advisers are encouraging anyone planning to submit an application under the affected routes to review the changes carefully and seek professional advice before the new rules take effect.