What has changed on the 3rd Sep 2026

The introduction of some keys changes, which would benefit both entrepreneurs, investors and businesses – have been set out by the UK Government. Those changes will apply from the 8^th Oct 2026.

Our summary is setting out the impact of the planned changes:

Suitability of leave to enter or remain

In most instances, those who are in the UK and have applied for leave to remain other than the point-based system, are usually being served with immigration bail or reporting directions. Those would now form a person’s immigration history and application to enter or remain, can be refused on those grounds. It’s a harsh approach by the Home Office but one to prevent those who do not follow conditions of their reporting including bail conditions, and abscond, would be penalised.

Skilled worker changes

The immigration program has undergone number of changes, and those who are identified by the Competent Authority of being subject to modern slavery, will not have any conditions attached to taking further employment.

Fee waiver application removals

This is now being removed, so all leave to remain application, will ask relevant questions in respect to a person’s ability to pay for the Home Office costs or not. Any applications in line with Appendix FM and Appendix Private Life including LOTR will not have to file a separate application for the fee waiver.

Furthermore, those in detention, would not have to file a paid application. A person detained and wishes to raise family and private life grounds, would do this in line with the legal submissions.

Domestic violence application

Adult children who are dependants can apply for a domestic violence application, if their relationship with sponsor have broken down.  

Failing to complete biometric data

To make an application valid, a person is required to submit their biometric data.

Erasmus+ programme

This is the EU funding program for education. The UK have agreed to re-join the program.  

Student visa programs

International students including those from the EU are being provided flexibility of the student program they intend to apply.

1. Minimum of Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 or 4, or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 6 or 7, depending on their sponsor’s licence status.
2. Work placements being offered as part of a undergraduate course is permissible.

EUSS changes

Home Office will now consider removing those holding pre-settled status whereby they don’t meet the requirements, which includes those not meeting the continuous residency requirements.

To challenge against the decision – the Administrative Review application has been closed.

Tier 2 Minister of Religion & temporary work programs

Immigration program routes will allow non-pastoral roles to apply under the visa program. Furthermore, changes to how the main applicant and their dependants to meet the financial requirements.

It will also remove the time limit which is set, permitting religious organisations to employ migrants for longer terms.

In respect to the Temporary Work Visa – changes are being applied to the resident labour market test. It will permit those faith-based organisation through affiliation to permit a migrant to come and work in the UK.

About the author

ICS Legal are a regulated law firm in the UK. Shajjad Miah is a regulated Immigration Lawyer, accredited at Level 3—the highest level—by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) – https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/immigration-advice-authority.

With 20 years of experience in UK immigration and nationality law, he brings extensive expertise to every case. You can connect with him on Quora, where his insights have attracted over 2.5million views: https://www.quora.com/profile/Shajjad-Miah.

Resources:

Home Office Statement of Changes – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-584-3-september-2026/explanatory-memorandum-to-the-statement-of-changes-in-immigration-rules-hc-584-3-september-2026-accessible