Important UK immigration changes 2026

Earned settlement: important policy changes from spring 2026

The Government is proposing to extend the qualifying period for settlement ( Indefinite Leave to Remain) from five to 10 years for most sponsored work routes. A consultation period on the proposals will close on 12 February 2026 and implementation is planned for April 2026.

The proposals introduce a points-based “ earned settlement” system with three categories of factors that can reduce or increase the time taken to complete the qualifying period.

Factors that increase time taken to reach the qualifying period include receiving public funds, previous immigration breaches, criminal convictions below the threshold for automatic refusal and arriving as a visitor illegally.

Factors that can reduce the time taken to complete the qualifying period include being the partner of a British citizen, high earnings (thresholds to be confirmed) employment in shortage occupations and exceptional contribution to society in the UK.

Mandatory requirements (irrespective of the pathway) include being of good character and suitability, annual earnings over £12750 for a set period before application and English language proficiency at B2 level.

It is not clear as yet whether the above changes will apply retrospectively, affecting those in the UK on a settlement pathway or whether transitional arrangements will be put in place for those persons.

Partners of British citizens on Appendix FM routes will retain their five year path although they may face time increases in certain circumstances.

The 10 year long residence route, which allowed individuals to aggregate time across different visa categories will be abolished. This will affect those with complex immigration histories.

UK border: important changes from February 2026

From 25 February 2026, the UK will strictly enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system which requires visitors from 85 visa-free countries to obtain an ETA which is a digital pre-travel permission. This will be a “no permission, no travel policy”, as the Government describes it. Airlines, ferry operators and train companies will check ETA status at boarding and deny travel without valid permission.

Countries affected include USA, Canada, Australia, most of Europe, Japan, South Korea and some Gulf States. British and Irish citizens remain exempt. Dual British citizens are advised to have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, to avoid problems like being denied boarding when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026.

The ETA currently costs £16 and remains valid for two years or until passport expiry. An ETA is electronically linked to a specific passport and therefore passport renewal will require a new application.

Each traveller, including children and infants require their own ETA. The Home Office advises applying at least three working days before departure although most decisions will be made more quickly.

Considerations

Individuals who are approaching their five year qualifying period should consider applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain before April 2026 to avoid transition to the new earned settlement system. Advance preparation for the higher English language requirements will also be required.

Employers will need to review their plans for recruitment and consider the possibility of needing to sponsor skilled workers for longer before they become eligible for settlement. This will raise the costs of recruiting from overseas. They may also want to consider acceleration in relation to some roles where assigning certificates of sponsorship to candidates may allow them to benefit from the current rules. They should also consider the ETA checks for short-term business visitors.