New UK Immigration Rules 2026: Full Breakdown of Changes

The UK immigration system has undergone some of the most significant changes in decades. Between 2024 and 2026, the government introduced stricter rules aimed at reducing net migration, tightening eligibility, and increasing financial requirements for migrants and sponsors.
These changes affect work visas, student visas, family visas, dependants, settlement routes, and visa costs. This guide provides a clear, up-to-date breakdown of the new UK immigration rules in 2026, who they affect, and what applicants need to know.

Why the UK Changed Its Immigration Rules

The government introduced these changes to:

Reduce net migration figures
Address pressure on housing, healthcare and public services
Increase wages for UK workers
Limit low-paid migration routes
Tighten family migration rules

Migration levels reached record highs after Brexit, prompting policy reform.

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-rules

Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold Changes

One of the biggest changes is the increase in the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold.

Old rule:

£26,200 minimum salary

New rule (2026):

£38,700 minimum salary

This applies to most new Skilled Worker visa applicants.

Key impacts:

Many lower-paid roles no longer qualify
Employers must increase salaries or stop sponsoring
Fewer jobs meet eligibility requirements

Some roles remain exempt or transitional for existing visa holders.

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Shortage Occupation List Changes

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was replaced by a smaller Immigration Salary List.

Key changes:

Fewer roles qualify
Lower salary discounts removed
Care roles largely excluded
Engineering and healthcare roles reviewed

This means fewer applicants can rely on shortage discounts to meet salary rules.

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-salary-list

Care Worker Visa Rule Changes

The care sector was heavily affected.

Major change:

Care workers can no longer bring dependants.

This applies to:

Care workers
Senior care workers

Impact:

Reduced applications
Higher staff shortages in social care
Existing dependants allowed under transitional rules

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

Dependant Visa Restrictions Across Work Routes

Dependants are now restricted across multiple visa types.

Who can no longer bring dependants:

Care workers
Most students (except postgraduate research)

Who can still bring dependants:

Skilled Workers meeting salary threshold
Global Talent visa holders
Innovator Founder visa holders

This change significantly affects families planning to migrate together.

Student Visa Rule Changes

International students face tighter rules.

Key updates:

Most students cannot bring dependants
Only postgraduate research students qualify
Stricter checks on course legitimacy
Increased compliance for sponsors

The government aims to reduce student-related migration while keeping top talent.

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

Graduate Visa Route Under Review

The Graduate Visa, which allows 2 years of post-study work, remains active in 2026 but is under review.

Possible future changes:

Shortened duration
Tighter eligibility
Higher skill requirements

As of 2026, it has not been scrapped, but uncertainty remains.

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

Spouse and Family Visa Income Requirement Increase

One of the most controversial changes affects UK families.

Old minimum income:

£18,600

New minimum income (2026):

£38,700 (phased increase)

This applies to:

UK spouse visas
Partner visas
Family reunion routes

Many families are now unable to meet the new requirement.

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa

Impact on Children and Dependants

The increased income threshold affects:

British citizens with non-UK spouses
Families with children
Single-income households

Critics argue the rules separate families and disproportionately affect women and lower-income earners.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Rule Changes

Settlement routes remain mostly unchanged but stricter in practice.

Key points:

Salary threshold must still be met at ILR stage
Continuous residence rules enforced more strictly
Absences closely scrutinised
Criminality and compliance checks tougher

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain

UK Citizenship Rules (2026 Update)

Citizenship rules remain broadly the same, but:

Good character checks expanded
Immigration history scrutinised
Illegal entry or overstaying weighed more heavily

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain

Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge Increases

Costs have increased significantly.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

£1,035 per year per adult
£776 per year per child

Visa fees increased across all routes

This makes UK migration one of the most expensive globally.

Outbound source:
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application

Who Is Most Affected by the New Rules

The groups most impacted include:

Care workers
International students with families
UK citizens with foreign spouses
Lower-paid skilled workers
Small employers

High-income professionals are less affected.

Do the New Rules Affect Existing Visa Holders?

Mostly no, but:

Extensions must meet new salary rules
Switching routes may be harder
Dependants rules apply to new applications

Transitional protections apply in limited cases.

Criticism and Legal Challenges

The new rules have faced criticism from:

Human rights groups
Employers
NHS and care providers
Immigration lawyers

Some legal challenges are ongoing, particularly around family income thresholds.

Outbound source:
https://www.parliament.uk

What Migrants Should Do Next

If you are affected:

Check transitional protections
Seek regulated immigration advice
Plan financially early
Avoid overstaying or breaches
Monitor Home Office updates

Rules are subject to further change.

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