News & Updates

Student Route: Increase to financial requirements

For Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026, maintenance requirements will increase to £1,203 per month (for up to 9 months)

Students who have paid accommodation fees to their Student sponsor can continue to deduct accommodation costs from the funds they need to show. The maximum deduction will increase to £1,570.

Variation applications will not extend biometrics deadlines

For applications made on or after 8 October 2026, applicants who submit a second immigration application before a decision is made on their first application (known as a "variation" application) must still provide biometrics within the deadline given for the original application.

Making a variation application will not extend the biometrics deadline.

Erasmus+ returns to the UK

Following an agreement between the UK and the EU, the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme.

Key changes include:

• Erasmus+ participants will be able to study in the UK at RQF Level 2 and above without needing to work towards an approved qualification.
• UK state schools and academies will be able to host Erasmus+ students and hold student sponsor licences.
• Where an Erasmus+ programme includes a work placement, sponsor requirements will be more flexible.
• A new immigration route will be introduced under the Government Authorised Exchange scheme for Erasmus+-related work placements and internships.
• Erasmus+ participants visiting the UK will be able to undertake a wider range of activities, including training, traineeships, workshops, debates, skills competitions, and certain sports coaching assignments.

Changes to the Visitor Route

Visitors to the UK will benefit from greater flexibility.

Under the updated Visitor rules:

• Visitors can attend workshops, debates and skills competitions.
• Artists, entertainers and musicians will be able to attend rehearsals.
• Individuals undertaking training will no longer need to show that equivalent training is unavailable in their home country.

Updates to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Several important changes have been made to the EU Settlement Scheme:

• Pre-settled status will no longer automatically be lost in cases where a person ceases to meet the original eligibility requirements but removing their status would be disproportionate.
• The deadline for joining family members to make their first EUSS application will be three months from their most recent lawful entry to the UK.
• The EUSS Travel Permit route will be removed. Individuals should instead use the Update My Details service when obtaining a new passport.
• Following a Court of Appeal judgment, children with pre-settled status may retain their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement until they complete their education in the UK, even if they no longer qualify as a family member. Their primary carers and certain dependants may also benefit from these protections.
• Removal of expired BRP identity verification option for EUSS application: 9 December 2026

Easier settlement for Hong Kong BN(O) children

The Government has also simplified settlement requirements for dependent children on the Hong Kong BN(O) route.

Previously, children had to complete their own five-year qualifying residence period before becoming eligible for settlement. Under the new rules:

• Children under 18 will be able to settle at the same time as their parent, provided the parent meets the settlement requirements.
• This brings the BN(O) route into line with most other UK immigration categories.

Fee Waiver applications

For applications made on or after 8 October 2026, the date of application will only be backdated to the fee waiver request date if:

• The immigration application is submitted within 10 working days of the fee waiver decision; or
• A paid application for the same route is submitted before the fee waiver decision is received.