UK Immigration News & 2026 Policy Updates
The UK has made some of its biggest changes to work and study migration in years. Here's what's confirmed for 2026, sourced to the Home Office's Statement of Changes and Immigration White Paper implementation.
2026 Policy Snapshot
Confirmed
The general Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold rose to £41,700/year for most new applications (effective 22 July 2025), continuing to apply through 2026.
Reduced thresholds remain for specific cases: around £37,500 for roles requiring a relevant PhD, and around £33,400 for eligible new entrants and Immigration Salary List roles.
Minimum skill level for Skilled Worker sponsorship rose to bachelor's degree level (RQF Level 6) for most roles, and English language requirements moved from B1 to B2 (from 8 January 2026).
The Health and Care Worker visa route for care workers closed in July 2025.
A new Temporary Shortage List covering a limited number of critical roles was introduced, without dependants or the usual fee discounts, and on a time-limited basis.
Proposed / Under Review — Not Yet in Force
A proposed reduction of the Graduate visa from 2 years to 18 months for applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027 (PhD graduates would keep a longer post-study work period).
Discussion of extending the standard path to settlement from 5 to 10 years under the Immigration White Paper direction — implementation details still developing through 2026.
Verify current figures: gov.uk/government/publications — check official government sources for the latest updates.
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