Upcoming and recent changes to the immigration system

Upcoming changes to the UK Immigration System.

The UK government released a new Immigration White Paper on 12 May 2025. This page has been set up to help provide support with the upcoming changes. 

A white paper is a statement of intended strategy, it is not a legal document. It does not give the detail of the stated changes, or how they will be implemented, it just sets the direction of policy for the future. 

Indefinite Leave to Remain

The Home Secretary launched the statement and consultation on earned settlement on 20th November 2025. The consultation closed at 11:59 pm on 12th February 2026 and we understand from recent new reports that the proposals to introduce earned settlement will be implemented from Autumn and may apply retrospectively to those already in the UK. We will update this page and those impacted as more definite detail emerges from the Government.

If you were intending to apply for ILR in 2026 and a discussion would be helpful please do not hesitate to contact us at staff-immigration-team@bristol.ac.uk

Reforms to work visas

The first phase of reforms to work visas took effect from 22nd July 2025, these included:

  • Raising the skills threshold for skilled worker visas from RQF level 3 (regulated qualification framework) to RQF level 6 (mainly graduate professions). This applies to applicants from overseas and those applying to switch from other visa routes.
  • Salary thresholds for work visas have been raised. The salary threshold for skilled worker visas increased from £38,700 to £41,700. This applies to applicants from overseas, those applying to switch from other routes, and those who were issued a skilled worker visa after 4th April 2024 at the point of visa extension.
  • The changes to both the skills and salary thresholds include transitional arrangements, allowing existing Skilled Worker visa holders to continue to extend their visas, bring dependants, change employment and take supplementary employment in occupations below RQF level 6.
  • The Immigration Salary List (ISL) and a new, interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL) provide time-limited and conditional access to the skilled worker route for occupations below the new RQF level 6 threshold, but with no ability for applicants to bring dependants. The ISL will be phased out in future and the TSL will be reviewed.
  • The increase in the English Language for Skilled Workers, High Potential Individuals and Scale up routes increased from level B1 to B2 with effect from 8th January 2026 for new applications.

Further changes

  • There are changes to the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme effective from 8th April 2026.
  • From 26th March 2026 there will be a visa brake for nationals of Afghanistan on the skilled worker route. This brake is not intended to be permanent and will be reviewed regularly. Those who already have permission to remain in the UK will not be affected by change and will continue to be able to apply for extensions where appropriate.
  • From 27th March 2027, the English Language requirement for settlement will increase from B1 to B2 across a wide range of immigration routes.

eVisas

  • By the end of 2026, all visa routes to the UK will be fully digital. People travelling to the UK will also be required to have prior permission before travelling. Airlines, ferry operators and rail carriers will be required to confirm that passengers have this permission to travel to the UK before boarding.

To prepare for these changes, the UKVI are encouraging all visa holders to ensure their current passports are linked to their UKVI accounts. Holders of immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme will already have a digital immigration record and eVisa, but it is important to confirm all details on your account are up-to-date. This simple step will help avoid inconvenience when travelling to the UK.

Global Talent Visa - Route 1 'Appointments'

Immigration rule changes effective from 8th April 2026 open the 'Appointments' route to individuals who have been appointed to an eligible academic or research position at an eligible employer where they: 

  1. have responsibility for academic, research or innovation leadership and development; or
  2. will be performing research or innovation as a primary function of their role

In both categories of the Appointments route, an eligible role must require as an essential qualification a PhD or equivalent research experience. The job description must clearly state PhD level or equivalent research experience is an essential requirement for the role. If the job description states that a PhD degree or near completion (or similar wording) is an essential requirement, then the role will be considered eligible. 

A role will not be considered eligible if the job description states that a PhD or equivalent research experience to PhD is a desirable requirement of the role or if the role requires either a PhD or another postgraduate degree (e.g. MSc, MA, MRes)

Route 1: Academic and research appointments - Royal Society

We will continue to communicate detail to impacted staff as we have it. Please email the Staff Immigration Team if you would like to have a 1:1 discussion about your personal situation.

We have regular Staff Immigration Team Surgeries where you can meet an Adviser in person at the Global Lounge.

Upcoming surgery:

Thursday 30th April 2026.

Email us at staff-immigration-team@bristol.ac.uk to book a slot.

Last updated: 13/4/2026