Policy paper

Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1691, 5 March 2026 (accessible version)

Published 6 March 2026

Presented to Parliament pursuant to section 3(2) of the Immigration Act 1971

Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 5 March 2026

(This document is accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum)

ISBN 978-1-5286-6264-2

E03553349

03/26

Statement of changes in Immigration Rules^{[footnote 1]}

The Home Secretary has made the changes hereinafter stated in the rules laid down by them as to the practice to be followed in the administration of the Immigration Acts for regulating entry into and the stay of persons in the United Kingdom and contained in the statement laid before Parliament on 23 May 1994 (HC 395) as amended. The amending statements were laid before, or presented to, Parliament on 20 September 1994 (Cm 2663), 26 October 1995 (HC 797), 4 January 1996 (Cm 3073), 7 March 1996 (HC 274), 2 April 1996 (HC 329), 29 August 1996 (Cm 3365), 31 October 1996 (HC 31), 27 February 1997 (HC 338), 29 May 1997 (Cm 3669), 5 June 1997 (HC 26), 30 July 1997 (HC 161), 11 May 1998 (Cm 3953), 7 October 1998 (Cm 4065), 18 November 1999 (HC 22), 28 July 2000 (HC 704), 20 September 2000 (Cm 4851), 28 August 2001 (Cm 5253), 16 April 2002 (HC 735), 27 August 2002 (Cm 5597), 7 November 2002 (HC 1301), 26 November 2002 (HC 104), 8 January 2003 (HC 180), 10 February 2003 (HC 389), 31 March 2003 (HC 538), 30 May 2003 (Cm 5829), 24 August 2003 (Cm 5949), 12 November 2003 (HC 1224), 17 December 2003 (HC 95), 12 January 2004 (HC 176), 26 February 2004 (HC 370), 31 March 2004 (HC 464), 29 April 2004 (HC 523), 3 August 2004 (Cm 6297), 24 September 2004 (Cm 6339), 18 October 2004 (HC 1112), 20 December 2004 (HC 164), 11 January 2005 (HC 194), 7 February 2005 (HC 302), 22 February 2005 (HC 346), 24 March 2005 (HC 486), 15 June 2005 (HC 104), 12 July 2005 (HC 299), 24 October 2005 (HC 582), 9 November 2005 (HC 645), 21 November 2005 (HC 697), 19 December 2005 (HC 769), 23 January 2006 (HC 819), 1 March 2006 (HC 949), 30 March 2006 (HC 1016), 20 April 2006 (HC 1053), 19 July 2006 (HC 1337), 18 September 2006 (Cm 6918), 7 November 2006 (HC 1702), 11 December 2006 (HC 130), 19 March 2007 (HC 398), 3 April 2007 (Cm 7074), 4 April 2007 (Cm 7075), 7 November 2007 (HC 28), 13 November 2007 (HC 40), 19 November 2007 (HC 82), 6 February 2008 (HC 321), 17 March 2008 (HC 420), 9 June 2008 (HC 607), 10 July 2008 (HC 951), 15 July 2008 (HC 971), 4 November 2008 (HC 1113), 9 February 2009 (HC 227), 9 March 2009 (HC 314), 24 April 2009 (HC 413), 9 September 2009 (Cm 7701), 23 September 2009 (Cm 7711), 10 December 2009 (HC 120), 10 February 2010 (HC 367), 18 March 2010 (HC 439), 28 June 2010 (HC 59), 15 July 2010 (HC 96), 22 July 2010 (HC 382), 19 August 2010 (Cm 7929), 1 October 2010 (Cm 7944), 21 December 2010 (HC 698), 16 March 2011 (HC 863), 31 March 2011 (HC 908), 13 June 2011 (HC 1148), 19 July 2011 (HC 1436), 10 October 2011 (HC 1511), 7 November 2011 (HC 1622), 8 December 2011 (HC 1693), 20 December 2011 (HC 1719), 19 January 2012 (HC 1733), 15 March 2012 (HC 1888), 4 April 2012 (Cm 8337), 13 June 2012 (HC 194), 9 July 2012 (HC 514), 19 July 2012 (Cm 8423), 5 September 2012 (HC 565), 22 November 2012 (HC 760), 12 December 2012 (HC 820), 20 December 2012 (HC 847), 30 January 2013 (HC 943), 7 February 2013 (HC 967), 11 March 2013 (HC 1038), 14 March 2013 (HC 1039), 9 April 2013 (Cm 8599), 10 June 2013 (HC 244), 31 July 2013 (Cm 8690), 6 September 2013 (HC 628), 9 October 2013 (HC 686), 8 November 2013 (HC 803), 9 December 2013 (HC 887), 10 December 2013 (HC 901), 18 December 2013 (HC 938), 10 March 2014 (HC 1130), 13 March 2014 (HC 1138), 1 April 2014 (HC 1201), 10 June 2014 (HC 198), 10 July 2014 (HC 532), 16 October 2014 (HC 693), 26 February 2015 (HC 1025), 16 March 2015 (HC1116), 13 July 2015 (HC 297), 17 September 2015 (HC 437), 29 October 2015 (HC535), 11 March 2016 (HC 877), 3 November 2016 (HC 667), 16 March 2017 (HC 1078), 20 July 2017 (HC 290), 7 December 2017 (HC 309), 15 March 2018 (HC 895), 15 June 2018 (HC 1154), 20 July 2018 (Cm 9675), 11 October 2018 (HC 1534), 11 December 2018 (HC 1779), 20 December 2018 (HC 1849), 7 March 2019 (HC 1919), 1 April 2019 (HC 2099), 9 September 2019 (HC 2631), 24 October 2019 (HC 170), 30 January 2020 (HC 56), 12 March 2020 (HC 120), 14 May 2020 (CP 232), 10 September 2020 (HC 707), 22 October 2020 (HC 813), 10 December 2020 (HC 1043), 31 December 2020 (CP 361), 4 March 2021 (HC 1248), 10 September 2021 (HC 617), 11 October 2021 (CP 542), 1 November 2021 (HC 803), 14 December 2021 (HC 913), 24 January 2022 (HC 1019), 17 February 2022 (CP 632), 15 March 2022 (HC 1118), 29 March 2022 (HC 1220), 11 May 2022 (HC 17), 20 July 2022 (HC 511), 18 October 2022 (HC 719), 9 March 2023 (HC 1160), 17 July 2023 (HC 1496), 19 July 2023 (HC 1715), 7 September 2023 (HC 1780), 7 December 2023 (HC 246), 15 February 2024 (HC 556), 14 March 2024 (HC 590), 10 September 2024 (HC 217), 26 November 2024 (HC 344), 12 March 2025 (HC 733), 24 June 2025 (HC 836), 1 July 2025 (HC 997), 5 August 2025 (CP 1373), 14 October 2025 (HC 1333) and 9 December 2025 (HC 1491).

Implementation

The following paragraphs shall take effect at 1500 GMT on 5 March 2026:

• APP VN1 to APP VN4

• APP ETANL1

The following paragraphs shall take effect on 26 March 2026:

• INTRO1 to INTRO3

• 8.1 to 8.10

• SUI1 to SUI3

• 11.1 to 11.6

• APP FM1

• APP FM-SE1

• APP KOLL1

• APP STP1

• APP TWOV1

• APP ST2 to APP ST4

• APP HPI1 and APP HPI2

• APP VDA1 to APP VDA6

• APP EL2 and APP EL3

The following paragraphs shall take effect on 26 March 2026. In relation to those changes, if an application for entry clearance, for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, for permission to enter or for permission to stay, a claim, or an application for administrative review has been made before 26 March 2026, such applications will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules in force on 25 March 2026:

• 11B1 and 11B2

• 13.1 and 13.2

• APP KOLL2 to APP KOLL7

• APP ST1

• APP SW1

• APP SW5

• APP SW8

• APP GBM1 to APP GBM5

• APP MOR1

• APP ROB1 and APP ROB2

• APP UKA1 and APP UKA2

• APP GT6 and APP GT7

• APP SCU1 and APP SCU2

• APP INNF1

• APP ISP1 and APP ISP2

• APP CRP1

• APP LR1

• APP BP1

• APP PL1 and APP PL2

• APP SF1 and APP SF2

• APP EL1

The following paragraphs shall take effect on 2 April 2026:

• APP PFFL1

The following paragraphs shall take effect on 8 April 2026:

• 1.1

• 6A.1

• 12.1

• APP EU(FP)1 to APP EU(FP)3

• APP STP2

• APP SGB1 and APP SGB2

• APP YMSEN1 and APP YMSEN2

• APP GAES1

• APP HK1 to APP HK11

• APP UKR1 to APP UKR 20

The following paragraphs shall take effect on 8 April 2026. In relation to those changes, (i) if an application has been made using a certificate of sponsorship issued by a sponsor to an applicant before 8 April 2026; or (ii) if an application which does not require a certificate of sponsorship has been made before 8 April 2026; such applications will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules in force on 7 April 2026:

• APP SW2 to APP SW4

• APP SW6 and APP SW7

The following paragraphs shall take effect on 8 April 2026. In relation to those changes, if an application for entry clearance, for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, for permission to enter or for permission to stay, a claim, or an application for administrative review has been made before 8 April 2026, such applications will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules in force on 7 April 2026:

• APP GBM6 to APP GBM8

• APP GT2 to APP GT5

• APP TWSW1 and APP TWSW2

The following paragraphs shall take effect on 29 April 2026:

• APP EU1 to APP EU5

The following paragraph shall take effect on 1 July 2026:

• APP GT1

Review

Before the end of each review period, the Secretary of State undertakes to review all of the relevant Immigration Rules including any Relevant Rule amended or added by these changes. The Secretary of State will set out the conclusions of the review in a report and publish the report.

The report must in particular:

• (a) consider each of the Relevant Rules and whether or not each Relevant Rule achieves its objectives and is still appropriate; and

• (b) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate and, if so, the extent to which they could be achieved with a system that imposes less regulation.

“Review period” means:

• (a) the period of five years beginning on 6 April 2017; and

• (b) subject to the paragraph below, each successive period of five years.

If a report under this provision is published before the last day of the review period to which it relates, the following review period is to begin with the day on which that report is published.

“Relevant Rule” means an Immigration Rule which:

• imposes requirements, restrictions or conditions, or sets standards, in relation to any activity carried on by a business or voluntary or community body; or

• relates to the securing of compliance with, or the enforcement of, requirements, restrictions, conditions or standards which relate to any activity carried on by a business or voluntary or community body.

Changes to Introduction

INTRO1. In paragraph 6.2(b), delete the entry:

““Ecctis” is a service which provides information, advice and opinion on academic, vocational and professional qualifications and skills from all over the world, set out at: https://ecctis.com/.”.

INTRO2. In paragraph 6.2(b), in “Overseas higher education institution”, for

“Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

INTRO3. In paragraph 6.2(b), after the entry “Public Funds”, insert:

““Qualification and language assessments provider” is a contracted supplier which provides a service to compare overseas qualifications and English language proficiency.”.

Changes to Part 1

1.1. In paragraph 34(5)(a), for “provide”, substitute “have provided”.

Changes to Part 6A

6A.1. For paragraph 245D(a)(ii), substitute:

“Individuals who have entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrant having previously had leave as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Migrant may apply under these rules for indefinite leave to remain.”.

Changes to Part 8

8.1. In each place it occurs, for “Ecctis”, substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

8.2. In paragraph A280(b), in the “Additional requirement” column corresponding to the “Paragraph Number 297-300” column, for “paragraph S-EC.1.9 of Appendix FM” substitute “SUI 6.1. of Part Suitability”.

8.3. In paragraph A280(b), in the “Additional requirement” column corresponding to the “Paragraph Number 297-300” column, for “relative” substitute “close relative”.

8.4. In paragraph A280(b), in the “Additional requirement” column corresponding to the “Paragraph Number 304-309” column, for “paragraph S.EC.1.9 of Appendix FM” substitute “SUI 6.1. of Part Suitability”.

8.5. In the heading for paragraph 297 for “relative” substitute “close relative”.

8.6. In paragraph 297 in each place it occurs, for “relative” substitute “close relative”.

8.7. For paragraph 297(i)(f) substitute:

“(f) one parent or a close relative is present and settled in the United Kingdom or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement, their other parent does not have (and is not being granted) limited leave in the UK and there are serious and compelling reasons to grant the applicant settlement;” .

8.8. In the heading for paragraph 298 for “relative” substitute “close relative”.

8.9. In paragraph 298 in each place it occurs, for “relative” substitute “close relative”.

8.10. For paragraph 298(i)(d) substitute:

“(d) one parent or a close relative is present and settled in the United Kingdom or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement, their other parent does not have (and is not being granted) limited leave in the UK and there are serious and compelling reasons to grant the applicant settlement;”.

Changes to Part Suitability

SUI.1. Delete SUI 1.1(d).

SUI.2. In SUI 5.1(a), SUI 5.2(a), SUI 5.3(a), SUI 5.4(a) and SUI 5.5(a), after

“custodial” insert “or suspended”.

SUI.3. In SUI 11.3, after “An application for”, insert “entry clearance or”.

Changes to Part 11

11.1. At the end of paragraph 339IA, insert:

“Notwithstanding any procedure in this Rule, the Secretary of State may disclose the fact that an asylum application has been made if there is a public interest in doing so.”.

11.2. For paragraph 339QA, substitute:

“339QA. Where the Secretary of State has granted an asylum applicant refugee status under paragraph 334 following an asylum claim or further submissions made on or before 1 March 2026, the asylum applicant will be granted permission to stay on a protection route at the same time as or as soon as possible after the grant of refugee status. Permission to stay on a protection route will be valid for a minimum period of 5 years. Applications for further permission to stay under Appendix Settlement Protection or any other Part of these Rules should be made within the last 28 days of the applicant’s permission to stay.”.

11.3. After paragraph 339QA, insert:

“339QAA. Where the Secretary of State has granted an asylum applicant refugee status under paragraph 334 following an asylum claim or further submissions made on or after 2 March 2026, the asylum applicant will be granted permission to stay on a protection route at the same time as or as soon as possible after the grant of refugee status.

Permission to stay on a protection route will be valid for a minimum period of:

(a) 30 months, or

(b) 5 years, where the asylum applicant is:

(i) an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child within the meaning of paragraph 352ZD when granted refugee status under paragraph 334; or

(ii) an individual who would have met the unaccompanied asylum-seeking child definition within the meaning of paragraph 352ZD when granted refugee status under paragraph 334, had they not turned age 18 by the time they were granted refugee status under paragraph 334.

Applications for further permission to stay should be made within the last 28 days of the applicant’s permission to stay.”.

11.4. For paragraph 339QB, substitute:

“339QB. Where the Secretary of State has granted an asylum applicant humanitarian protection under paragraph 339C following an asylum claim or further submissions made on or before 1 March 2026, the asylum applicant will be granted permission to stay on a protection route at the same time as or as soon as possible after the grant of humanitarian protection. Permission to stay on a protection route will be valid for a minimum period of 5 years. Applications for further permission to stay under Appendix Settlement Protection or any other Part of these Rules should be made within the last 28 days of the applicant’s permission to stay.”.

11.5. After paragraph 339QB, insert:

“339QBA. Where the Secretary of State has granted an asylum applicant humanitarian protection under paragraph 339C following an asylum claim or further submissions made on or after 2 March 2026, the asylum applicant will be granted permission to stay on a protection route at the same time as or as soon as possible after the grant of humanitarian protection. Permission to stay on a protection route will be valid for a minimum period of:

(a) 30 months, or

(b) 5 years, where the asylum applicant is:

(i) an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child within the meaning of paragraph 352ZD when granted humanitarian protection under paragraph 339C; or

(ii) an individual who would have met the unaccompanied asylum-seeking child definition within the meaning of paragraph 352ZD when granted humanitarian protection under paragraph 339C, had they not turned age 18 by the time they were granted humanitarian protection under paragraph 339C.

Applications for further permission to stay should be made within the last 28 days of the applicant’s permission to stay.”.

11.6. In paragraph 339QD, for “339QA or 339QB” substitute “339QA, 339QAA, 339QB or 339QBA”.

Changes to 11B

11B1. For paragraph 360A(i), substitute:

“(i) employment may only be taken up in a post which is, at the time an offer of employment is accepted, included in Appendix Skilled Occupations and considered to be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 or above on the Skilled Worker route;”.

11B2. For paragraph 360D(i), substitute:

“(i) employment may only be taken up in a post which is, at the time an offer of employment is accepted, included in Appendix Skilled Occupations and considered to be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 or above on the Skilled Worker route;”.

Changes to Part 12

12.1. After paragraph 353A, insert:

“Validity Further Submissions

353AA. A person making further submissions must attend an in-person appointment at a Service and Support Centre (SSC). 353AB. At the date of making further submissions, the person must meet all of the following requirements:

(a) the person must be in the UK;

(b) the person must be a failed asylum seeker meaning that their initial asylum claim has been refused or withdrawn, including where it has been treated as withdrawn under paragraph 33C of the Rules; and

(c) the person must have no outstanding asylum or protection claim or, appeal before the Secretary of State, First tier Tribunal, Upper tier Tribunal or before any court on protection or human rights grounds

353AC. Where a person fails to meet the validity requirements the further submissions may be rejected as invalid and not considered.

Explicit withdrawal of Further Submissions

353AD. Further submissions will be treated as explicitly withdrawn where the person:

(a) signs the relevant withdrawal form provided by, or on behalf of the Secretary of State; or

(b) otherwise explicitly declares a desire to withdraw their further submissions.

Implicit Withdrawal of Further Submissions

353AE. Further submissions may be treated as implicitly withdrawn if the person:

(a) fails to maintain contact with the Home Office or provide up to date contact details or;

(b) leaves the United Kingdom at any time before the conclusion of their further submissions decision; or

(c) fails to attend any reporting events, unless the applicant demonstrates within reasonable time that the failure was due to circumstances beyond their control; or

(d) fails to attend a personal interview for the purpose of assessing their submissions, unless the person demonstrates within reasonable time that the failure was due to circumstances beyond their control; or

(e) fails to respond to requests for information in the relevant time period as requested unless the person demonstrates within reasonable time that the failure was due to circumstances beyond their control.

353AF.1 For the purposes of paragraph 353AE (a), a person will be considered to have failed to provide up to date contact details if they have not notified the Secretary of State of their current address and of any change to their address or residential status. If not notified beforehand, any change must be notified to the Secretary of State without delay after it occurs.

Changes to Part 13

13.1. In 13.1.1(a), after “months” insert “or a suspended sentence of at least 12 months given on or after 22 March 2026”.

13.2. In 13.2.1., after “months” insert “or a suspended sentence of at least 12 months given on or after 22 March 2026”.

Changes to Appendix EU

APP EU1. In EU16(e), for “.” substitute “; or”.

APP EU2. After EU16(e), insert:

“(f) It is proportionate to refuse the application where it is more likely than not that, after the specified date, the applicant has assisted another person fraudulently to obtain, or to attempt to obtain, entry clearance to, or leave to enter or remain in, the UK.”.

APP EU3. In Annex 1, for the first sub-paragraph (b) of the definition of ‘required date’, substitute:

“(b) where, at the date of application, the applicant has limited leave to enter or remain granted under this Appendix, the date of application is any date”.

APP EU4. In Annex 1, in sub-paragraph (a)(ii) of the definition of ‘specified relevant document’, for “18 months” substitute “60 months”.

APP EU5. In Annex 1, in sub-paragraph (b) of the definition of ‘specified relevant document’, for “18 months” substitute “60 months”.

Changes to Appendix EU (Family Permit)

APP EU(FP)1. In FP4, for sub-paragraphs (c) and (d), substitute:

“(c) The required biometrics have been provided;

(d) The date of application is before 9 August 2023, where the applicant relies on meeting the eligibility requirements in paragraph FP6(2); and

(e) The specified sponsor evidence has been provided, where the date of application is on or after 8 April 2026 and the applicant relies on meeting the eligibility requirements in paragraph FP6(1).”.

APP EU(FP)2. In FP5, for “paragraph FP4(a), (b) and (d)” substitute “paragraph FP4(a), (b), (d) and (e)”.

APP EU(FP)3. In Annex 1, after the entry for ‘specified relevant person of Northern Ireland’ in the table, insert:

“

specified sponsor evidence

(a)(i) (where the applicant relies on the relevant EEA citizen meeting sub-paragraph (a)(i) of the definition of ‘relevant EEA citizen (where the date of application under this Appendix is on or after 1 July 2021)’ in this table) the Home Office reference number (or the equivalent evidence in the Islands) for indefinite leave to enter or remain or limited leave to enter or remain granted to the relevant EEA citizen under (as the case may be) paragraph EU2 or EU3 of Appendix EU to these Rules (or under its equivalent in the Islands) and held by them at the date of application; or (ii) (where sub-paragraph (a)(i) above does not apply) information or evidence which appears to the entry clearance officer to indicate that the relevant EEA citizen meets the definition of ‘relevant EEA citizen (where the date of application under this Appendix is on or after 1 July 2021)’ in this table; and (b)(i) where the applicant relies on being: (aa) the spouse of the relevant EEA citizen: a relevant document issued on that basis or a valid document of record of a marriage recognised under the law of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland or of the Islands; or (bb) the civil partner of the relevant EEA citizen: a relevant document issued on that basis; a valid civil partnership certificate recognised under the law of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland or under any equivalent legislation in the Islands; or the valid overseas registration document for a relationship which is entitled to be treated as a civil partnership under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 or under any equivalent legislation in the Islands; or (cc) the child of the relevant EEA citizen or of their spouse or civil partner: a relevant document issued on that basis or their evidence of birth; or (dd) the dependent parent of the relevant EEA citizen or of their spouse or civil partner: a relevant document issued on that basis or their evidence of birth; or (ii) (where sub-paragraph (b)(i) above does not apply) information or evidence which appears to the entry clearance officer to indicate that the family relationship on which the applicant relies is within the scope of the definition of ‘family member of a relevant EEA citizen’ in this table in addition: (a) ‘valid’ here means, in respect of a document, that it is genuine and has not expired or been cancelled or invalidated; and (b) where the applicant submits a copy (and not the original) of a document, the entry clearance officer can require the applicant to submit the original document where the entry clearance officer has reasonable doubt as to the authenticity of the copy submitted; and (c) the requirements in the first sub-paragraph (a) in this entry do not apply where the applicant relies on being a family member who has retained the right of residence by virtue of a relationship with a relevant EEA citizen (as defined in Annex 1 to Appendix EU to these Rules) or on condition 6 of paragraph EU11 of Appendix EU being met

”.

Changes to Appendix FM

APP FM1. In each place it occurs, for “Ecctis”, substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

Changes to Appendix FM-SE

APP FM-SE1. In paragraph 31(c), for “Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

Changes to Appendix KOLL

APP KOLL1. In each place it occurs, for “Ecctis”, substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

APP KOLL2. For paragraph 2.2(b), substitute:

“2.2.(b) the applicant applied before 26 March 2027 and the applicant:

(i) has limited leave to enter or remain in the UK, and

(ii) that leave (or a grant of leave which preceded it provided any periods of leave since have been unbroken) was given on the basis that the applicant had an English language qualification at a minimum level of B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; and

(iii) at the date of application, the provider of that qualification continues to be approved by the Secretary of State; or

(ba) the applicant applied on or after 26 March 2027 and:

(i) has limited leave to enter or remain in the UK, and

(ii) that leave (or a grant of leave which preceded it provided any periods of leave since have been unbroken) was given on the basis that the applicant had an English language qualification at a minimum level of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; and

(iii) at the date of application, the provider of that qualification continues to be approved by the Secretary of State.”.

APP KOLL3. For paragraph 2.2(c), substitute:

“2.2(c) the online verification system operated by an approved English language test provider, as published on the UK Visas and Immigration pages of Gov.uk confirms:

(i) where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, that the applicant has passed an English language test in speaking and listening, at a minimum level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which is approved by the Secretary of State, and taken at a test centre approved by the Secretary of State as a Secure English Language Test Centre no more than two years before the date of application; or

(ii) where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, that the applicant has passed an English language test in speaking and listening, at a minimum level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which is approved by the Secretary of State, and taken at a test centre approved by the Secretary of State as a Secure English Language Test Centre no more than two years before the date of application.”.

APP KOLL4. For paragraph 3.2(c), substitute:

“3.2(c) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant has provided specified documentary evidence from a qualified English language teacher that the applicant has made efforts to learn English but does not yet have sufficient knowledge of the English language to pass a qualification at B1 CEFR; or

(ca) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant has provided specified documentary evidence from a qualified English language teacher that the applicant has made efforts to learn English but does not yet have sufficient knowledge of the English language to pass a qualification at B2 CEFR.”.

APP KOLL5. For paragraph 3.3(i), substitute:

“(i) in cases where the applicant failed to satisfy paragraph 2.2 of this Appendix, the on-line verification system operated by an approved English language test provider, as published on the UK Visas and Immigration pages of Gov.uk, confirms that the applicant has passed an English language test in speaking and listening, at the required level, which is approved by the Secretary of State, and taken at a test centre approved by the Secretary of State as a Secure English Language Test Centre no more than two years before the date of application. For the purposes of this sub-paragraph, the required level is B1 CEFR in the case of an application made before 26 March 2027 and B2 CEFR in the case of an application on or after 26 March 2027.”.

APP KOLL6. In paragraph 4.14(a)(iii), delete “B1 level or above” and insert “the level specified in 3.2(c) or 3.2 (ca) as appropriate”.

APP KOLL7. In paragraph 4.14(a)(iv), delete “B1 level” and insert “the level specified in 3.2(c) or 3.2(ca) as appropriate”.

Changes to Appendix Settlement Protection

APP STP1. In the introduction section, delete:

“Only those granted refugee status or humanitarian protection as a result of asylum applications made before 28 June 2022 or granted refugee status and refugee permission to stay on asylum applications made on or after 28 June 2022, are eligible to apply on the settlement protection route. Individuals who were granted refugee status and temporary refugee permission to stay or humanitarian protection and temporary humanitarian permission to stay following asylum applications made on or after 28 June 2022 are ineligible to apply on the settlement protection route”.

APP STP2. After STP 4.1., insert:

“STP 4.2. When considering the Settlement protection application, a safe return review will be undertaken unless the SSHD directs otherwise to consider whether there have been any changes in personal circumstances or country conditions that could lead to a grant of refugee status or humanitarian protection being revoked or not renewed as per paragraph 339A to 339AC and 339G to 339GD of the immigration rules.”.

Changes to Appendix Visitor: Visa national list

APP VN1. In VN 1.1(a), after “Nepal”, insert “Nicaragua”.

APP VN2. In VN 1.1(a), after “Sri Lanka”, insert “St Lucia”

APP VN3. Delete VN 2.2(s).

APP VN4. After the deleted VN 2.2(s), insert:

“(t) nationals or citizens of Nicaragua and nationals or citizens of St Lucia, who hold a confirmed booking to the UK, and who have been granted an Electronic Travel Authorisation, on or before 15:00 GMT on 5 March 2026 where arrival in the UK is no later than 15:00 BST on 16 April 2026.”.

Changes to Appendix Visitor: Permit Free Festival List

APP PFFL1. For PFF 1, substitute:

“PFF1. An artist, entertainer or musician visiting the UK to perform at one or more of the following permit free festivals may receive payment to do so:

(a) Africa Oye

(b) Aldeburgh Festival

(c) All Points East

(d) American Express presents BST Hyde Park

(e) Barbican Festivals – Live from the Barbican

(f) Belfast International Arts Festival

(g) Belsonic

(h) Big Church Festival

(i) Birmingham Hippodrome Festivals & Sites

(j) Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival

(k) Boomtown Festival

(l) Bradford Literature Festival

(m) Breakin’ Convention

(n) Brighton Festival

(o) Brighton Fringe

(p) Cambridge Folk Festival

(q) Camden Fringe

(r) Camp Bestival Dorset

(s) Celtic Connections

(t) Cheltenham Festivals (Jazz, Science, Music & Literature Festivals)

(u) Cornwall International Male Choral Festival

(v) Creamfields

(w) C2C: Country to Country Festival

(x) Dance Umbrella

(y) Download

(z) Durham BRASS Festival

(aa) Edinburgh Festival Fringe

(bb) Edinburgh International Book Festival

(cc) Edinburgh International Children’s Festival

(dd) Edinburgh International Festival

(ee) Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival

(ff) Emerge Belfast

(gg) End of the Road Festival

(hh) Fierce Festival Ltd

(ii) Flamenco Festival at Sadler’s Wells Theatre

(jj) Freedom Festival Arts Trust

(kk) Garsington Opera

(ll) Glasgow International Jazz Festival

(mm) Global Streets

(nn) Glyndebourne

(oo) Greenbelt

(pp) Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

(qq) Green Man

(rr) Harrogate International Festivals

(ss) Hay Festival Foundation Ltd

(tt) Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival

(uu) Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

(vv) Isle of Wight Festival

(ww) Latitude

(xx) Leeds Festival

(yy) Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

(zz) Love Supreme

(aaa) Meltdown (Southbank Centre)

(bbb) Norfolk & Norwich Festival

(ccc) Out There Festival

(ddd) Parklife

(eee) Reading Festival

(fff) Shubbak

(ggg) Sonica

(hhh) Southbank Centre Festivals & Series

(iii) Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF)

(jjj) Summer at Snape

(kkk) Terminal V

(lll) The EFG London Jazz Festival

(mmm) The Great Escape Festival

(nnn) The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

(ooo) The Warehouse Project

(ppp) We Out Here

(qqq) Wilderness

(rrr) Wireless Festival

(sss) WOMAD

(ttt) WWE Live

”.

Changes to Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme

APP TWOV1. Delete Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme.

Changes to Appendix ETA National List

APP ETANL1. In ETANAL 1.1(c), delete “Nicaragua” and “St Lucia”.

Changes to Appendix Student

APP ST1. After ST 3.2, insert:

“ST 3.3. A person must not be applying for entry clearance as a Student as a national or citizen of the following countries:

(a) Afghanistan; or

(b) Cameroon; or

(c) Myanmar; or

(d) Sudan

APP ST2. In ST 8.2(e), for “Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

APP ST3. In ST 9.1(f), for “Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

APP ST4. In ST 10.2(c), for “Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

Changes to Appendix Skilled Worker

APP SW1. After SW 3.2, insert:

“SW 3.3. A person must not be applying for entry clearance as a Skilled Worker as a national or citizen of Afghanistan.”.

APP SW2. After SW 4.2(c), insert:

“(d) An applicant can be awarded points from option F if:

(i) they are being sponsored for a job in the SOC 2020 occupation code “3314 Prison service officers (below principal officer)”; and

(ii) the date of application is before 1 January 2028; and

(iii) the end date of the certificate of sponsorship is not more than three years after the start date.”.

APP SW3. At the end of SW 6.1(f), for “.”, substitute: “; or

(g) the SOC 2020 occupation code “3314 Prison service officers (below principal officer)”, if the application is for permission to stay and:

(i) the date of application is before 1 January 2027 and the end date of the certificate of sponsorship is not more than three years after the start date; or

(ii) the applicant was last granted permission as a Skilled Worker, sponsored in the SOC 2020 occupation code “3314 Prison service officers (below principal officer)” based on a certificate of sponsorship assigned to them before 1 January 2027.”.

APP SW4. After SW 14.3A, insert:

“SW 14.3B. A worker must be paid the required salary in pay periods of at least monthly frequency, or as otherwise specified in their contract, and:

(a) The salary paid to the worker in each pay period must equal or exceed the going rate for every hour worked in that pay period.

(b) Subject to (c) and (d):

(i) where the worker is paid at a frequency of monthly or less, the salary paid to the worker over any three-month period must be at least equal to a quarter of the required annual salary; or

(ii) where the worker is paid more frequently, the salary paid to the worker over any 12-week period must be at least equal to 12/52 of the required annual salary.

(c) If the worker is being sponsored to work a pattern where the regular hours are not the same each week, resulting in uneven pay, the sponsor must confirm the working pattern and the salary over any 17-week period must be at least equal to 17/52 of the required annual salary.

(d) If the pay is below the requirements in (c) in any given period, due to salary subtractions in SW 14.2(a) being subtracted over a shorter period than the length of time the applicant is being sponsored for, the sponsor must confirm this.”.

APP SW5. After paragraph SW22.1, insert:

“English language requirement for settlement as a Skilled Worker

SW22A.1. Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.

SW22A.2. The applicant must show they meet the English language requirement as specified in Appendix English Language.”.

APP SW6. At the end of SW 29.1A(a)(ii), before “and”, insert: “or

(iii) the SOC 2020 occupation code “3314 Prison service officers (below principal officer)” and the application is for permission to stay;”.

APP SW7. In SW 32A.2(a)(ii), after “22 July 2025;”, insert: “or

(iii) the SOC 2020 occupation code “3314 Prison service officers (below principal officer)” and the application is for permission to stay;”.

APP SW8. For SW44.1, substitute:

“SW44.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Global Business Mobility

APP GBM1. After SSU 3.2., insert: “SSU 3.3. The number of granted applications (for both entry clearance and permission to stay) to Indian nationals for the job roles traditional chef, classical musicians or a yoga instructor, must not have exceeded 1,800 in total, the annual total allocation of places for the route (where the annual period begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December of each year).”.

APP GBM2. In the table in SSU 7.1, after ‘Chef de cuisine’ insert: “(providing services under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement)”.

APP GBM3. After SSU 8.1(g), insert:

“(ga) where the service that the applicant will provide is covered by a commitment in the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a national of India; or”.

APP GBM4. After SSU 13.2(c)(iib), insert:

“(iic) if the applicant is an Indian national covered by a relevant commitment in the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), 12 months; or”.

APP GBM5. After SSU 13.3(c)(iib), insert:

“(iic) if the applicant is an Indian national covered by a relevant commitment in the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the difference between the period the applicant has already spent in the UK since their last grant of permission as a Service Supplier and 12 months; or”.

APP GBM6. In SEC 7.2(b), for “12 months” substitute “6 months”.

APP GBM7. In SEC 7.3, for “12 months” substitute “6 months”.

APP GBM8. In SEC 7.3(a), for “12 months” substitute “6 months”.

Changes to Appendix T2 Minister of Religion

APP MOR1. For MOR35.1, substitute:

“MOR35.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Representative of an Overseas Business

APP ROB1. For ROB17.1, substitute:

“ROB17.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

APP ROB2. For ROB36.1, substitute:

“ROB36.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix UK Ancestry

APP UKA1. For UKA15.1, substitute:

“UKA15.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

APP UKA2. For UKA34.1, substitute:

“UKA34.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Global Talent

APP GT1. After GTE 4.4, insert:

“Design Industry Endorsement

Design Industry field track record requirement

GTE 4A.1. An applicant for endorsement in the field of design must satisfy the endorsing body that they have either been recognised as an exceptional talent, or someone with exceptional promise, in the field of design and:

(a) are professionally engaged in producing outstanding applied, published, distributed, or internationally exhibited work; and

(b) show regular professional engagement in their field in the last 5 years; and

(c) if evidencing exceptional talent, show a substantial track record in at least 2 countries; and

(d) if evidencing exceptional promise:

i) be at an early stage in their career; and

ii) show a developing track record in one or more countries.

Design Industry field track record evidential requirements

GTE 4A.2. An applicant must provide all of the following:

(a) a CV which sets out their professional design career to date; and

(b) 3 dated letters of recommendation written in support of the Global Talent application of which:

i) 2 must be from well-established design organisations that the applicant has worked with in a design capacity, who are acknowledged as experts in the applicant’s field, and at least one of the organisations must be based in the UK; and

ii) the third must be from another well-established design organisation, or an individual, that the applicant has worked with in a design capacity, with recognised experience in the applicant’s field of design.

GTE 4A.3. An applicant who is evidencing exceptional talent in their field must provide at least 2 of the following:

(a) evidence from at least 2 countries (which can include their country of residence) of 2 or more examples of significant media recognition for their work as an individual or as a named member of a group or as a contributor; or

(b) evidence of winning, or significantly contributing to winning, at least one international design award for excellence; or

(c) evidence from at least 2 countries (which can include their country of residence) of proof of professional appearances, publications or exhibitions considered internationally significant in their field, or evidence of extensive international distribution and sales for their work as an individual or as a named member of a group or as a contributor.

GTE 4A.4. An applicant who is evidencing exceptional promise in their field must provide at least 2 of the following:

(a) evidence from at least 1 country (which can include their country of residence) of at least 2 examples of recent media recognition for their work as an individual, as a named member of a group or as a contributor; or

(b) evidence of winning, or significantly contributing to winning, or significantly contributing to being nominated or shortlisted for, or being nominated or shortlisted for, at least 1 international award for excellence; or

(c) evidence from at least 1 country (which can include their country of residence) of proof of professional appearances, publications or exhibitions recognised in their field, or evidence of international distribution and sales for their work as an individual, as a named member of a group or as a contributor.”.

APP GT2. In GTE 8.6., in the first instance it appears, after “must” insert “demonstrate that they”.

APP GT3. In GTE 8.6.(a), after “position” insert “which demonstrates that the role requires either a PhD or equivalent research experience (academic, industrial or clinical)”.

APP GT4. After GTE 8.6.(b)(ii), insert:

“(Aiii) the job requires either a PhD or equivalent research experience (academic, industrial or clinical); and”.

APP GT5. For GTE 8.6.(b)(iv), substitute:

“(iv) the applicant:

(1) has responsibility for academic, research or innovation leadership and development; or

(2) will be performing research or innovation as a primary function of their role; and”.

APP GT6. For GT13.1, substitute:

“GT13.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

APP GT7. For GT32.1, substitute:

“GT32.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix High Potential Individual (HPI)

APP HPI1. In HPI 5.1, for “Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

APP HPI2. In HPI 5.3, for “Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

Changes to Appendix Scale-Up

APP SCU1. After SCU16.1, insert:

“English language requirement for settlement as a Scale-up Worker

SCU16A.1. Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.

SCU16.A.2. The applicant must show they meet the English language requirement as specified in Appendix English Language.”.

APP SCU2. For SCU37.1, substitute:

“SCU37.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Innovator Founder

APP INNF1. For INNF39.1, substitute:

“INNF39.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix International Sportsperson

APP ISP1. For ISP16.1, substitute:

“ISP16.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

APP ISP2. For ISP37.1, substitute:

“ISP37.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Sports Governing Bodies

APP SGB1. In the list of governing bodies, after “Handball”, insert new entry: “

Horseracing

British Horseracing Authority

”.

APP SGB2. In the list of governing bodies, delete the entry for “Jockeys and Trainers”.

Changes to Appendix Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker

APP TWSW1. In paragraph SAW3.2. for “date of application”, substitute “start date stated by the sponsor on the Certificate of Sponsorship”.

APP TWSW2. In paragraph SAW4.1.(g)(i) for “£12.21”, substitute “£12.71”.

Changes to Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme: eligible nationals

APP YMSEN1. In the heading, for “2025”, substitute “2026”.

APP YMSEN2. For paragraph 1, substitute:

“The maximum total allocation of places available for use by nationals or citizens of countries and rightful holders of a passport issued by territories participating in the Youth Mobility Scheme in 2026, are as follows:

• Andorra – 100 places

• Australia – 38,500 places

• Canada – 10,000 places

• Hong Kong – 1,000 places

• Iceland – 1,000 places

• India – 3,000 places

• Japan – 6,000 places

• Monaco – 1,000 places

• New Zealand – 8,000 places

• Republic of Korea - 5,000 places

• San Marino – 1,000 places

• Taiwan – 1,000 places

• Uruguay – 500 places”.

Changes to Appendix Government Authorised Exchange schemes

APP GAES1. In the list of schemes, under the entry for “Future technology research and innovation scheme”, in the Scheme summary column, for “future telecommunications”, substitute “advanced connectivity technologies”.

Changes to Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas)

APP HK1. In Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) route, in each place it occurs, for “Household Member”, substitute “Adult Child”.

APP HK2. In the introduction, for the third paragraph substitute:

“The BN(O) Adult Child route is for the adult child of a BN(O) status holder or of the partner of a BN(O) status holder who is aged 18 or over and born on or after 1 July 1979. The dependent partner, dependent child and, in exceptional circumstances, other family members with a high degree of dependency of the adult child of the BN(O) status holder may apply under this route. The dependent partner and dependent child of the adult child of a partner of the BN(O) status holder may also apply, but they must all apply at the same time as the BN(O) status holder and form part of the same household as them.”.

APP HK3. For HK 13.2, substitute:

“HK 13.2. If the applicant is applying for entry clearance or permission to stay and they have not previously had permission as a partner on the BN(O) Status Holder route they must meet the relationship requirement in HK 13.3. to HK 13.4.”.

APP HK4. For HK23.3, substitute:

“HK 23.3. The applicant must have been born on or after 1 July 1979.”.

APP HK5. After HK 31.3, for the title “Dependants of BN(O) Household Members”, substitute: “Dependants of a BN(O) Adult Child”.

APP HK6. For HK 32.2(e), substitute:

“(e) when applying on the BN(O) Adult Child route as a partner or child of a person who is the child of a partner of a BN(O) Status Holder and where the applicant does not currently hold, or did not last hold, permission on the BN(O) Adult Child route, the applicant must apply at the same time as the BN(O) Status Holder.”.

APP HK7. For HK 34.2, substitute:

“HK 34.2. A person applying for entry clearance as the partner or child of a BN(O) Adult Child must, if Appendix Tuberculosis applies, provide a valid medical certificate confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that this tuberculosis is not present in them.”.

APP HK8. For HK 48.3, substitute:

“HK 48.3. Where the applicant is the parent or grandparent of a BN(O) Status Holder or of the partner of a BN(O) Status Holder or of the child of a BN(O) status holder under the BN(O) Adult Child route or of the partner of a child of a BN(O) status holder under the BN(O) Adult Child route, the applicant must not be in a subsisting relationship with a partner unless:

(a) that partner is also the parent or grandparent of the BN(O) Status Holder or of the partner of a BN(O) Status Holder or of the child of a BN(O) status holder under the BN(O) Adult Child route or of the partner of a child of a BN(O) status holder under the BN(O) Adult Child route; and

(b) that partner is applying for entry clearance or permission to stay at the same time as the applicant.”.

APP HK9. For HK 49.2(c), substitute:

“(c) be unable, even with the practical and financial help of the BN(O) Status Holder or the partner of the BN(O) Status Holder or the BN(O) Adult Child or the partner of the BN(O) Adult Child, to obtain the required level of help in Hong Kong, either because the help:

(i) is not available, and there is no person in Hong Kong who can reasonably provide it; or

(ii) is not affordable.”.

APP HK10. For HK 49.4(b), substitute:

“(b) be unable, even with the practical and financial help of the BN(O) Status Holder or the partner of the BN(O) Status Holder or the BN(O) Adult Child or the partner of the BN(O) Adult Child, to obtain the required level of help in Hong Kong, either because the help:

(i) is not available and there is no person in Hong Kong who can reasonably provide it; or

(ii) is not affordable.”.

APP HK11. For HK 55.1, substitute:

“HK 55.1. A person applying for settlement on the Hong Kong BN(O) route must apply online on the gov.uk website on the specified forms as follows:

Applicant	Specified form
Applicants with a chipped passport who: - hold a passport which shows they are registered as a British National (Overseas); or - hold a passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Note: Passports that have expired and are within five years of their expiration date at the date of application will be accepted when using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.	Either: - Settlement Hong Kong British National (Overseas) using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (when available); or - Apply to settle in the UK - certain categories only, selecting the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) category.
Other applicants	Apply to settle in the UK - certain categories only, selecting the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) category.

”.

Changes to Appendix Ukraine Scheme

APP UKR1. In the introduction section titled “Immigration Rules Appendix Ukraine”, delete: “for those applying in the UK for further permission to stay for up to 18 months”.

APP UKR2. In the introduction section titled “Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme”, for the second paragraph:

“A child who is not applying with, or intending to join, their parent or legal guardian in the UK must have an Approved sponsor who was approved for the child by a Local Authority before the application is made, and must have agreed to accommodate the child for at least 18 months or until the child is 18 years old (whichever is soonest), so long as the child is sponsored for at least 6 months.”

Substitute

“A child who is not applying with, or intending to join, their parent or legal guardian in the UK must have an Approved sponsor who has been approved for the child by a Local Authority before the application is made. The sponsor must have agreed to accommodate the child for at least 18 months or until the child is 18 (whichever is soonest), so long as the child is sponsored for at least 6 months.”.

APP UKR3. In the introduction section titled “Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme”, for the first paragraph:

“A person in the UK may qualify under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme if they hold, or have previously held, permission under Appendix Ukraine Scheme (which, for the purposes of this Appendix, includes the now closed Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme).”

Substitute:

“A person in the UK who holds, or has previously held, permission under the Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme or leave outside the rules as specified in UKR 29.3(b) or (c) may qualify for permission to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme. This will usually comprise an initial grant of up to 18 months permission to stay, followed by a further grant of up to 24 months permission.”.

APP UKR4. In the introduction section titled “Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme”, in the third paragraph, in the first place it occurs, delete “eligible”.

APP UKR5. In UKR 11.3A. delete “under paragraph UKR 14.1”.

APP UKR6. In UKR 19B.1. for “(who was approved under UKR 11.3(b))” substitute “(who was approved for the applicant under UKR 11.3(b))”.

APP UKR7. For UKR 20.2., substitute:

“UKR 20.2. The permission will be granted subject to the following conditions:

(a) access to public funds permitted; and

(b) work (including self-employment and voluntary work) permitted; and

(c) study permitted, subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) condition in Appendix ATAS.” .

APP UKR8. In UKR 29.2(a), for “28” substitute “90”.

APP UKR9. In UKR 29.3(c)(x), after “parent” insert “or legal guardian”.

APP UKR10. In UKR 31.1(a), for:

“(a) a Ukrainian national who has previously been granted permission in accordance with UKR 29.3; or”

Substitute:

“(a) a Ukrainian national who was previously granted permission in accordance with UKR 29.3; or”.

APP UKR11. In UKR 31.1(b), after “was” insert “previously”.

APP UKR12. In UKR 31.1(b)(iii), for:

“(iii) the parent of a Ukrainian national who was granted Ukraine Scheme permission before they turned 18 years old; or”

Substitute:

“(iii) the parent of a Ukrainian national who was granted permission under Appendix Ukraine Scheme before they turned 18; or”.

APP UKR13. In UKR 31.1.(b)(v), after “granted” insert “permission”.

APP UKR14. In UKR 32.1., for:

“If the applicant previously qualified for Ukraine Scheme permission, or permission outside the rules in accordance with UKR 29.3(b) or 29.3(c), based on their relationship as the non-Ukrainian partner of a Ukrainian national, they must either:”

Substitute:

“If the applicant previously qualified for permission under UKR 29.3 based on their relationship as the non-Ukrainian partner of a Ukrainian national, they must either:”.

APP UKR15. In UKR 33.1(c), after “UKR 29.3” delete “(a)”.

APP UKR16. In UKR 34.1., after “18” delete “years”.

APP UKR17. In UKR 35.1., after “18” delete “years”.

APP UKR18. For UKR 37.1., substitute:

“UKR 37.1. Subject to 37.2. and 37.3., the applicant will be granted permission to stay for a period of up to:

(a) 18 months, if the applicant has not previously been granted permission under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme; or

(b) 24 months, if the applicant has previously been granted permission under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.”.

APP UKR19. After UKR 37.1., insert:

“UKR 37.2. If the applicant is a child, they will be granted permission to stay for a period either:

(a) in line with the applicant’s parent or legal guardian, if the applicant is granted permission at the same time as their parent or legal guardian or if their parent or legal guardian has permission under Appendix Ukraine Scheme and is in the UK; or

(b) in line with the applicant’s parent or legal guardian whose permission expires last, if the applicant is granted permission at the same time as both of their parents or legal guardians or if both of their parents or legal guardians hold permission under Appendix Ukraine Scheme and are in the UK.

UKR 37.3. If the applicant was previously granted permission under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme for a period which was aligned to their parent or legal guardian’s permission and is 18 or over at the date of application, the applicant will be granted permission for a period in accordance with paragraph UKR 37.1.(b).

UKR 37.4. Any remaining period of the applicant’s current permission at the date of grant will be added to their permission, up to a maximum of 90 days.”.

APP UKR20. For UKR 38.1., substitute:

“UKR 38.1. The permission will be granted subject to the following conditions:

(a) access to public funds permitted; and

(b) work (including self-employment and voluntary work) permitted; and

(c) study permitted, subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) condition in Appendix ATAS.”.

Changes to Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection)

APP CRP1. For CRP13.1, substitute:

“CRP13.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Long Residence

APP LR1. For LR13.1, substitute:

“LR13.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse

APP VDA1. For VDA 1.2(b), substitute:

“(b) for a child of a Victim of Domestic Abuse who is not applying at the same time as their parent, form SET (DV).”.

APP VDA2. Delete VDA 6.1.

APP VDA3. Delete VDA 6.2.

APP VDA4. Delete VDA 7.1.

APP VDA5. Delete VDA 8.1.

APP VDA6. Delete VDA 8.2.

Changes to Appendix Bereaved Partner

APP BP1. For BP8.1, substitute:

“BP8.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Private Life

APP PL1. For PL16.1, substitute:

“PL16.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

APP PL2. For PL31.1, substitute:

“PL31.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix Settlement Family Life

APP SF1. For SETF5.1, substitute:

“SETF5.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

APP SF2. For SETF15.1, substitute:

“SETF15.1. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant must:

(a) Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1; or

(b) Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.”.

Changes to Appendix English Language

APP EL1. For EL1.1(d)(iii), substitute:

“EL1.1(d)(iii). Where the date of application is before 26 March 2027, provide confirmation from a qualified English teacher that the applicant has attended an English language class for at least 75 guided learning hours (not unsupervised study or preparation time) in the 12 months before the date of application and the teacher’s view is the applicant is unlikely to attain B1 level through further study; or

(iv). Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, provide confirmation from a qualified English teacher that the applicant has attended an English language class for at least 75 guided learning hours (not unsupervised study or preparation time) in the 12 months before the date of application and the teacher’s view is the applicant is unlikely to attain B2 level through further study”.

APP EL2. In EL 5.4, for “Ecctis” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider”.

APP EL3. In EL 8.4(b), for “Ecctis confirm” substitute “the qualification and language assessments provider confirms”.

E03553349

ISBN 978-1-5286-6264-2

1. This Statement of Changes can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-rules-statement-of-changes. ↩