Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules 5 March 2026:

On 5 March 2026, the UK government released its first Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules this includes changes to the skilled worker visa and English requirement for settlement.

These reforms will be introduced in phases between March 2026, and March 2027 form a central part of the government’s broader strategy to further tighten and reshape the UK’s work migration system.

For employers, the key headlines include:

Increased English Language Requirement:

• From 26 March 2027, the minimum English language level for a wide range of work and settlement routes will increase from CEFR level B1 to B2.
• Employers should prepare for a narrower pool of eligible overseas applicants and longer lead times.

Visa Brake Announced: 

• From 26 March 2026 the Home Office will refuse any skilled worker entry clearance applications from Afghanistan. In addition to this the following nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan will not be able to apply for entry clearance under the student visa category. 

Skilled Worker – New Salary Compliance Rules

• Detailed salary requirements are introduced to ensure fair and transparent pay, including:
  • Salary must meet the going rate for every hour worked
  • Earnings assessed across 3 month or 12 week periods depending on pay frequency
  • New provisions for salary deductions
• Sponsors will need to review payroll processes to ensure continuing compliance.

Seasonal Worker – Wage Increase

• Minimum hourly rate increased from £12.21 to £12.71.

Expansion of Visa National List

• From 5 March 2026, nationals of Nicaragua and St Lucia will no longer be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). They will now be required to obtain a visit visa before travelling to the UK
• Employers should ensure business travellers from these countries obtain the correct entry clearance.

Further expansion of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme:

• From 8 April 2026, the scheme will be broadened to enable eligible individuals to apply for an additional 24 month extension of their permission to stay in the UK.

Visitor Route – Permit Free Festival List Significantly Expanded

• A much wider range of festivals now allow performers to receive payment without requiring a work visa this is useful for arts sector clients.

Asylum & Protection Changes Impacting Employers (Right to Work)

• Refugees and individuals with Humanitarian Protection granted on/after 2 March 2026 will receive 30 months’ permission (reduced from 5 years).
• Although indirect, employers may see more frequent document checks due to shorter grant periods.

Reduced qualifying period for Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker:

• From 8 April 2026, the required period of qualifying overseas employment for applicants under the Secondment Worker route will be reduced from 12 months to 6 months, making the route more accessible for businesses transferring staff to deliver high value contracts.

New Global Talent endorsement route for the design industry:

• A new endorsement pathway will be introduced for professionals working in the design sector, with evidential requirements aligned to those for architecture and the arts. An endorsing body for this category will be confirmed ahead of the route going live on 1 July 2026.

The UK’s latest reforms will have a major impact on recruitment, compliance, and workforce planning. Don’t wait for these changes to catch up with you.

👉 Get in touch with our team today to review your workforce strategy, update compliance processes, and ensure your business is fully prepared for the new immigration landscape.