UK Immigration Rule Changes 2026 – What Employers and Applicants Need to Know

Immigration Last Year

2025 brought some of the most wide-reaching changes to UK immigration rules in recent years.
From salary increases under the Skilled Worker route to new digital eVisas and revised family thresholds, both employers and applicants must adapt to stay compliant.

At AHJ Immigration, we’ve summarised the key updates affecting sponsors, students, workers, and families, and what actions you should take now in 2026 and beyond.

Skilled Worker Salary Threshold Increased

From April last year, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas rose from £26,200 to £38,700.
This change affects all new applicants and renewals under the Skilled Worker route.

Impact: Employers must update offer letters and CoS allocations to match new rates or risk refusal.

Immigration Salary List Replaces Shortage Occupation List

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was officially replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) last year in April. The new list still allows for discounted salaries in certain roles but now covers fewer occupations.

Key Sectors Still Eligible for Reduced Rates:

• Health and social care
• Engineering and construction
• Digital and IT specialists
• Certain hospitality roles (chefs, restaurant managers)

Employers must check the Home Office ISL before assigning Certificates of Sponsorship.

Family and Spouse Visa Income Requirement Raised

The minimum income threshold for sponsoring a spouse or partner increased in stages during 2025. These still apply in 2026:

Couples applying in 2026 can still apply under the rates from April 2025.

Dependants Restricted for Students

From January 2025, only postgraduate research students and government-sponsored scholars can bring dependants to the UK. Taught master’s students are no longer eligible to include dependants in their applications.

This policy continues to reshape the student visa landscape, especially for international families.

Digital eVisa Rollout Begins

Last year marked the UK’s transition from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to digital eVisas.

• Existing BRPs have expired on 31 December 2025.
• All visa holders should have received an online eVisa linked to their passport.
• Applicants must create a UKVI account to manage their immigration status.

This digital system will be fully operational by later this year so every applicant should verify their account details before renewal.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Expansion

The UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system now includes nationals from:

• Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
• Expanding to Jordan and selected Caribbean countries in 2025

Visitors must obtain an ETA before travel, even for short stays.

Sponsor Licence Compliance Tightened

The Home Office continues to increase spot-checks and on-site audits in 2026.
Sponsor Licence holders must maintain:

• Up-to-date HR records
• Regular right-to-work audits
• Accurate SMS reporting

Failure to comply risks licence suspension or revocation.

“Many sponsors don’t lose their licence because of fraud, they lose it because of neglect. A six-monthly HR audit should be standard practice.”
— Baz Jabbar, Senior Sponsor Licence Consultant, AHJ Immigration

Fee Increases Across Multiple Routes

In October last year, the Home Office introduced modest fee adjustments:

Faster Priority and Super Priority Services

Last year we saw expanded Super Priority services for Skilled Worker and Family routes in more countries.
Average turnaround:

• Priority: 5 working days
• Super Priority: 24 hours

These upgrades are especially valuable for employers facing urgent start dates.

Increased Enforcement and Home Visits

UKVI has invested heavily in post-decision enforcement and employer visits, particularly in sectors such as:

• Construction
• Retail and hospitality
• Social care

Employers must ensure that all sponsored workers are paid at or above their stated rate and working in approved roles.

Retail Chain Compliance Check

A mid-sized UK retail chain was audited by UKVI in mid-2025. Despite minor record-keeping issues, their proactive engagement with AHJ Immigration ensured a clean outcome.

We helped implement:

• Automated right-to-work tracking
• Staff attendance logs
• Annual compliance policy updates

Result: Audit passed; A-rating retained.

How AHJ Immigration Helps Employers and Applicants

We support both individuals and businesses through every immigration rule update, ensuring full compliance with evolving Home Office policies.

Our services include:

• Sponsor Licence audits and renewals
• Visa and family application reviews
• eVisa registration and BRP transition
• Fee-timing and eligibility planning

Free 30-Minute Case Assessment, Find Out How the 2026 Immigration Rule Changes Affect You.

We’ll analyse your current status or sponsorship position and provide tailored advice on the new thresholds and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main immigration changes from 2025?
Salary increases, dependant restrictions for students, new digital eVisas, and updated income thresholds.

2. Do these changes affect current visa holders?
Yes , new salary and income thresholds apply to extensions from April last year.

3. Will BRPs still be valid in 2026?
No, all BRP cards will expire on 31 December 2025, replaced by digital eVisas. But you should still keep hold of yours for future renewals.

4. Can employers still use the old Shortage Occupation List?
No, it’s replaced by the new Immigration Salary List (ISL).

5. Can I still bring my family as a student?
Only if you’re studying at PhD level or on a government-funded scholarship.

Last year was a turning point for UK immigration, from salary jumps to digital transitions.
Don’t wait for confusion to cause delays or refusals.

Free 15-Minute Case Assessment — Find Out How the 2026 Immigration Rule Changes Affect You.

Our advisers will explain every update in plain language and help you stay one step ahead of the Home Office.