Updates

House of Commons Library briefing summarising headline changes and timelines, including language requirement changes and planned settlement reforms.

• Check whether English language level requirements change for your route and application date.
• If planning settlement, review how future reforms might affect time-to-settlement under your route.
• Keep evidence and dates organised — many changes apply only to applications made on/after a specific date.

A Home Office Statement of Changes published on 9 December 2025. Use this as a starting point for reading the official changes and the explanatory memorandum.

• Read the Explanatory Memorandum first to understand what changes and when they take effect.
• Cross-check changes against the Immigration Rules appendices for your route.
• If you are already in the UK, check whether transitional provisions apply.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rates have increased. The standard rate is now £1,035 per year, with a discounted rate of £776 for students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants.

• Standard IHS rate: £1,035 per year of leave requested.
• Discounted rate for students and YMS: £776 per year.
• IHS is calculated based on the length of visa applied for, rounded up.

Official GOV.UK publication describing roles on the Immigration Salary List and how minimum salary may be calculated (e.g., percentage of the route's usual minimum rate).

• Check the occupation code and whether the role appears on the Immigration Salary List.
• Confirm the salary meets the relevant general threshold AND the going rate where required.
• If working hours differ from 37.5/week, check pro-rating rules.

Summary of a Statement of Changes affecting Student/Graduate routes, including maintenance requirement updates for applications made on/after the effective date.

• Check maintenance funds requirements and the exact evidence window.
• Confirm your CAS details match your personal details before submitting.
• Apply with enough time before course start date and travel plans.

UKVI application fees have increased across most visa categories. The increases apply to applications submitted on or after the effective date.

• Skilled Worker (main applicant): £719 (up to 3 years) or £1,420 (over 3 years).
• Student visa: £490.
• Family visa: £1,846.

UKVI has expanded the biometric reuse scheme, allowing more applicants to use previously enrolled biometrics when making in-country applications.

• Eligible applicants may not need to attend a biometric appointment.
• Check your application confirmation for biometric instructions.
• New photo may still be required via the UKVI app.

Super Priority service (next working day decision) availability has been updated. The service is available for eligible in-country applications at participating service points.

• Super Priority costs £1,000 in addition to the visa fee.
• Decision typically within 24 hours (next working day).
• Not available for all application types.

The Migration Advisory Committee completed its review of the Graduate visa route. The route will continue to operate, with no immediate changes to eligibility or duration.

• Graduate route remains available for eligible students.
• 2-year post-study work permission continues (3 years for PhD).
• No changes to switching rules from Student to Graduate.

The EU Settlement Scheme deadline passed on 30 June 2021, but late applications are still being accepted where applicants have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline.

• Late applications require reasonable grounds explanation.
• Family members of EU citizens may still be eligible.
• Pre-settled status holders should apply for settled status before expiry.

The minimum income requirement for family visas (spouse, partner, parent routes) has been increased. The requirement is being phased in over time.

• First increase to £29,000 from April 2024.
• Further increases planned — check GOV.UK for current threshold.
• Alternative evidence of adequate maintenance may still be considered.

The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased from £26,200 to £38,700. This applies to new applications made on or after 4 April 2024.

• New general threshold: £38,700 per year.
• Going rate requirements still apply — check the occupation code.
• Some transitional arrangements may apply for existing visa holders.