Immigration changes and proposals:
Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Ark Law Limited is authorised to provide immigration advice by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), reference F201200581. Updated 13 May 2026.
Recent Immigration Changes
The UK immigration system has seen several important changes in 2024–2025. Below is a summary of developments relevant to applications, including entry clearance, leave to remain, extensions and settlement where the requirements are clearly defined in the Immigration Rules.
● Skilled Worker and Work Routes (Basic Applications Only):
From 22 July 2025, the Skilled Worker route requires most new roles to meet RQF Level 6 (graduate level) and the general salary threshold has increased to £41,700. The Immigration Salary List (ISL) and Temporary Shortage List (TSL) have been revised, affecting which occupations qualify and at what salary. At Level 1, we can assist with straightforward Skilled Worker applications where eligibility is clear and all requirements under the Immigration Rules are met. We do not advise on sponsorship compliance, Certificate of Sponsorship issues, complex refusals, or discretionary matters.
● Family and Partner Visas:
The current minimum income requirement (MIR) for spouses and partners has increased to £29,000. Updated rules clarify how salaried income, non‑salaried income, self‑employment income and cash savings may be combined to meet the requirement. We assist with standard spouse, partner and child applications where the financial and relationship evidence is clear and falls within the Immigration Rules.
● Private Life and Long Residence:
Appendix Long Residence, introduced on 11 April 2024, now governs 10 year settlement applications. Applicants whose current permission was granted on or after 11 April 2024 must hold that permission for at least 12 months at the date of application.
● Students and Dependants:
Dependants are no longer permitted for most students on taught postgraduate courses (e.g., taught master’s), except for those on research programmes. Switching from the Student route into work routes is now subject to the higher salary and skill thresholds introduced in 2025. We assist with standard student and dependant applications and clear switching applications that fall squarely within the Immigration Rules.
● Visit Visas:
Visit visa rules continue to emphasise genuine intention to visit, financial stability, and strong ties to the country of residence. We assist with visit visa applications where the purpose of visit and financial circumstances can be clearly documented. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) schemeis being rolled out to non-visa nationals from specified countries and is expected to apply more widely over time.
● Afghan and Protection‑Related Schemes:
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS Pathways 1–3), and the Afghanistan Response Route were all closed to new principal applicants in July 2025. Some provisions remain for eligible dependants.
Government Proposals and the New Immigration Bill:
The Government has announced further reforms through the May 2025 White Paper “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” the November 2025 programme “Restoring Order and Control,” the Earned Settlement consultation (closed 12 February 2026), and the forthcoming Asylum and Immigration Bill. These proposals include potential changes to work routes, family migration, settlement rules and compliance measures. They remain subject to parliamentary approval and may change before implementation. We monitor all Statements of Changes and official announcements so that we can advise on any confirmed changes that fall within Level 1 scope. Some White Paper measures are already in force.
Contact Us - Info@ArkLawUK.com | 0203 633 6005