UK immigration rules are evolvin and there’ve been several changes taking effect during 2026 alongside major reforms that were introduced last year. Here are some of the key developments in UK immigration news in 2026 and what they could mean in practice.
ETA requirements are now fully enforced
Since 25 February 2026, eligible non-visa nationals travelling to the UK must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. This includes visitors from countries such as the USA, Canada and many European nations who previously did not need a visa for a short visit.
For families, this means overseas relatives visiting the UK may need to arrange permission before travelling, even for a short stay. Businesses bringing colleagues or clients into the South West should also make sure visitors understand the requirements before making travel arrangements.
A new ‘visa brake’ has been introduced
Another new immigration rule in the UK in 2026 is the introduction of a visa brake. Since 26 March, Student visa applications from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan nationals are refused, along with Skilled Worker applications from Afghan nationals.
The measure currently affects a relatively limited group of applicants, but it demonstrates why employers and individuals should check the latest rules before beginning an application.
Criminal convictions can have wider immigration consequences
Changes introduced this year have meant more of a link between criminal sentencing and immigration status. Since March, a foreign national convicted in the UK and given a suspended sentence of 12 months or more can be subject to mandatory refusal or cancellation of immigration permission and may even risk deportation.
This means that the consequences of any criminal proceedings can extend well beyond the sentence itself. Anyone without British citizenship who’s facing criminal charges should consider the potential immigration implications as early as possible, particularly where their right to remain in the UK or family life here could be affected.
Skilled Worker changes continue to affect employers
Some of the biggest issues that are facing employers in 2026 actually stem from reforms that were introduced in July 2025.
The standard Skilled Worker skills threshold was raised to RQF Level 6, removing 111 occupations from normal eligibility. Medium-skilled roles can still qualify in certain circumstances, including where they appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List.
Affected roles include book-keepers, electricians, vehicle technicians, welders and IT support technicians. Some of these remain temporarily eligible through the Temporary Shortage List, subject to the relevant requirements.
For employers across the South West, particularly those recruiting in sectors where skills shortages already exist, checking the correct occupation code, eligibility and salary requirements before offering sponsorship is increasingly important.
A proposed ‘earned settlement’ system
There has also been lots of discussion around settlement. The Government has proposed an ‘earned settlement’ system under which the standard qualifying period would increase to 10 years for many migrants. However, this wider reform is not yet a blanket rule applying to everyone and shouldn’t be treated as such.
A higher English language requirement for settlement was added to the Immigration Rules in March 2026, but it will not take effect until March 2027.
With immigration rules in the UK continuing to develop through 2026 and beyond, families and businesses should avoid relying on information from previous applications or headline announcements alone.
Specialist immigration law advice can help establish which rules are currently in force, how they apply to your circumstances and what changes you may need to specifically plan for.
For advice from specialist immigration solicitors, contact Amicus Law today.
