As we enter 2026, the UK immigration landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in over three decades. The government’s proposed immigration reforms, including measures to reduce net migration and strengthen border controls, outlined in the May 2025 white paper, “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System,” will continue to be implemented throughout 2026. For individuals, families, employers, and immigration practitioners alike, understanding these changes is essential for planning and compliance.

1. Immediate UK Immigration Changes: January 2026

Higher English Language Requirements (8 January 2026)

The English language requirement for new Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual (HPI) visa applicants will increase from B1 (GCSE level) to B2 (A-level standard) from 08 January 2026. This represents a significant jump in proficiency, requiring more advanced comprehension, expression, and technical language skills both in written and oral forms.

Critically, this change applies only to first-time applicants. Those already holding permission under these routes can extend without demonstrating the higher proficiency level. However, for Graduate visa holders planning to transition to Skilled Worker status, this new threshold may prove prohibitive if they originally qualified at B1 level.

Practical Implications:

• Applicants should consider submitting applications before 8 January 2026 to avoid the higher requirement;
• Those planning applications in early 2026 should begin preparation for higher-level testing through IELTS, SELT, or equivalent examinations;
• Employers may see their talent pool narrow, particularly for candidates from non-English speaking countries.

2. UK Border Control Modernisation: ETA from February 2026

Electronic Travel Authorisation Enforcement: 25 February 2026

Perhaps the most far-reaching change for short-term visitors, the UK will strictly enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system from 25 February 2026, requiring visitors from 85 visa-free countries to obtain digital pre-travel permission. The government has described this as implementing a “no permission, no travel” policy.

Countries affected include the USA, Canada, Australia, most of Europe, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and several Gulf states. British and Irish citizens remain exempt.

Key Details:

• The ETA costs £16, remains valid for two years or until passport expiry, and allows multiple visits of up to six months;
• Airlines, ferry operators and train companies will check ETA status at boarding and deny travel without valid permission;
• Each traveller, including children and infants, requires their own ETA;
• Since the scheme launched in October 2023, over 13 million travellers have successfully applied.

The Home Office advises applying at least 3 working days before departure, though most decisions are made within minutes. An ETA is electronically linked to a specific passport, so passport renewal requires a new application.

Important Exemptions:

• Currently, airside transit at London Heathrow and Manchester airports without passing passport control does not require an ETA, though this exemption may change ;
• British Overseas Territory Citizens and British National (Overseas) passport holders are also exempt;
• Dual British nationals should travel on their UK passport or carry a Certificate of Entitlement to avoid boarding issues.

For businesses, this means updating travel policies, training administrative staff, and ensuring international visitors obtain ETAs well before meetings or site visits. The ETA does not confer any right to work, even for permitted business activities like attending meetings.

3. Earned Settlement: Major ILR Policy Changes in Spring 2026 

Revolutionary Settlement Rules (“Earned Settlement”)

The most significant policy shift expected in 2026 concerns the pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The government proposes extending the qualifying period for settlement from 5 to 10 years for most sponsored work routes, with implementation planned for April 2026. This follows a consultation period that will close on 12 February 2026.

The proposals introduce a points-based “earned settlement” framework with three categories of factors:

Time Increase Factors (Adding to the Qualifying Period):

• Receiving public funds;
• Previous immigration breaches;
• Arriving as a visitor or illegally;
• Criminal convictions below the threshold for automatic refusal.

Time Reduction Factors (Shortening the Qualifying Period):

• Being the partner of a British citizen;
• High earnings (specific thresholds to be confirmed);
• Employment in shortage occupations;
• Exceptional contribution to UK society.

Mandatory Requirements (Regardless of Pathway):

• Good character and suitability;
• English language proficiency at B2 level;
• Annual earnings over £12,570 for a set period before application.

The consultation will confirm whether these changes will apply retrospectively, affecting those already in the UK on a pathway to settlement, or whether transitional arrangements will be put in place. This represents a seismic shift for thousands of individuals who have built their UK plans around the existing 5-year route.

Protected Categories:

Partners of British citizens on Appendix FM routes will retain their 5-year path, though they may face time increases if subject to certain factors. The government is consulting on whether other groups, such as victims of domestic abuse and children who grew up in the UK, should also maintain existing settlement rules.

The 10-year long residence route, which allowed individuals to aggregate time across different visa categories, will be abolished entirely. This removes a crucial safety net for those with complex immigration histories or who have worked in roles below degree level.

4. Temporary Shortage List (TSL) Expiry: December 2026 

The Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which permits sponsorship for certain below-degree-level roles deemed vital to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, is set to expire on 31 December 2026. Unless the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends their continuation, these occupations will no longer be available for sponsorship. Importantly, workers sponsored under the TSL are not eligible to bring dependants and do not qualify for salary discounts.

5. Further UK Immigration Changes Beyond 2026 

Graduate Visa Duration Reduced (1 January 2027)

Effective from 1 January 2027, the post-study work permission for graduates with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees will be reduced from 24 months to 18 months. However, graduates who complete a PhD will still be entitled to the full three years of permission.

The reduction in visa duration necessitates more urgent career planning for international students. As many UK graduate programmes span two or more years, the shortened visa period could mean international graduates are unable to complete their schemes before their immigration permission expires. Consequently, students must now focus on securing roles that offer a clear path to meeting Skilled Worker visa requirements earlier in their time in the UK.

This tighter timeframe for securing skilled employment places significant pressure on the Graduate visa route, particularly when combined with the elevated B2 English requirement and the RQF 6 (degree-level) skill threshold necessary for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

International Student Levy (August 2028)

Looking further ahead, the government announced an international student levy of £925 per student per year of study, starting in August 2028. A consultation on implementation details is ongoing, but this represents a significant additional cost burden on educational institutions sponsoring international students.

6. Other Notable UK Immigration Changes from 2025

High Potential Individual Route Expansion and Cap

The High Potential Individual route saw two major changes on 04 November 2025. While the number of eligible global universities was doubled to the top 100 (up from 50), the route also introduced a new annual cap of 8,000 applications, which applies to both initial entry and in-country permissions. HPI applicants will be subject to the new B2 English requirement.

Changes for Students to Transition to the Innovator Founder Route

Effective from 11 November 2025, students who have completed their course and are switching to the Innovator Founder route are now permitted to establish a business and be self-employed in the UK.

Comprehensive Suitability Framework

The immigration rules now incorporate “Part Suitability,” a consolidated legal framework covering issues including criminality, deception, overstaying, unpaid NHS debts, and breaches of immigration law, with explicit integration of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. This creates consistent decision-making across all visa categories but may reduce discretionary leniency in borderline cases.

Immigration Skills Charge 

The Immigration Skills Charge increased substantially from 16 December 2025, rising to £1,320 per sponsored worker per year for medium and large sponsors (from £1,000), and to £480 per year for small and charitable sponsors (from £364).

This increase lifts the total 5-year sponsorship cost for a Skilled Worker to approximately £13,900-£14,100 per worker when combined with visa and health surcharge fees for large sponsors.

7. Strategic Considerations for Individuals, Employers, and Educational Institutions

For Individuals

Act now if close to settlement: Those approaching their 5-year qualifying period should consider applying for ILR before April 2026 to avoid transition to the new earned settlement system.

Plan English language preparation: The B2 requirement affects multiple routes. Early preparation through accredited testing is essential.

Monitor consultation outcomes: While the government appears committed to the April 2026 timeline, consultation responses and parliamentary scrutiny could result in transitional arrangements or modifications.

For Employers

Budget for increased costs: The Immigration Skills Charge increases and potential longer sponsorship periods significantly raise the cost of recruiting overseas talent.

Review workforce planning: The shortened Graduate visa and higher skill thresholds mean employers should identify talent earlier and plan sponsorship transitions proactively.

Update compliance systems: ETA checks for short-term business visitors, enhanced suitability frameworks, and evolving digital immigration status all require updated HR and compliance procedures.

Consider accelerated Certificate of Sponsorship assignments: Where recruitment is already in progress, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship before key effective dates may allow candidates to benefit from current, more favourable rules.

For Educational Institutions

Student sponsors face increasingly rigorous compliance standards, with Home Office modelling from the 2023–24 academic year suggesting 22 higher education institutions would not have passed compliance reviews in the past year under proposed metrics. Proactive assessment and improvement of compliance protocols is essential.

The forthcoming international student levy will require financial planning and may affect institutional competitiveness in the international education market.

8. Conclusion: Key UK Immigration Trends and Compliance in 2026

The UK’s immigration policy is undergoing a major overhaul in 2026, fundamentally reshaping its approach to migration. These changes will impact nearly all categories, from short-term visitors to those seeking long-term settlement. The core principles guiding this new policy environment are clear: a focus on higher skills, more stringent English language requirements, extended qualifying periods, and the implementation of comprehensive digital border controls.

9. Contact Our Immigration Barristers

Our immigration barristers regularly advise individuals, families, and employers on navigating UK immigration rules, including work visas, settlement, and short-term travel requirements. For expert guidance on any of the changes coming into effect in 2026, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or via our enquiry form below.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main UK immigration changes coming in 2026?

The key UK immigration changes in 2026 include higher English language requirements for work visas, mandatory ETA enforcement for visitors, proposed earned settlement rules extending the ILR qualifying period, and tighter pathways from study to work. These reforms aim to reduce net migration while strengthening border controls.

Will the English language requirement for the Skilled Worker visa increase in 2026?

Yes. From 8 January 2026, new applicants for the Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visas must meet a B2 (A-level) English language standard, up from B1. This higher requirement applies only to first-time applicants, not to extensions.

How will the new English language rules affect Graduate visa holders?

Graduate visa holders seeking to switch into the Skilled Worker route will need to meet the new B2 English language requirement if applying from January 2026. Those who originally qualified at B1 level may need additional preparation before applying.

When will Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) become mandatory for UK visitors?

The UK will strictly enforce Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026. Visitors from visa-free countries must obtain ETA approval before travel, under a “no permission, no travel” policy.

What is the earned settlement proposal for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain?

The government proposes replacing the standard 5-year settlement route with a points-based earned settlement system, extending the qualifying period to 10 years for most sponsored workers from April 2026. Time may be adjusted based on earnings, immigration history, and personal circumstances.

Will the 10-year long residence route be abolished?

Yes. Under the proposed reforms, the 10-year long residence route to ILR will be abolished, removing the ability to combine time across multiple visa categories. This change would particularly affect individuals with complex immigration histories.

How will Graduate visa rules change after 2026?

From 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa duration for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders will be reduced from 24 months to 18 months. PhD graduates will continue to receive three years of post-study permission.

Should applicants apply before the UK immigration rule changes take effect in 2026?

Where possible, individuals close to meeting current requirements may benefit from applying before key changes take effect, particularly ahead of the higher English language threshold in January 2026 and the proposed earned settlement reforms in April 2026. Early applications may allow applicants to rely on more favourable existing rules, subject to transitional arrangements.