4 September 2026

On 3 September 2026, the Home Office published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 584), introducing a range of updates across work, family, student and EU Settlement Scheme routes. Most changes will take effect on 8 October 2026, with some provisions coming into force later in the autumn.

While this is not a significant Statement of Changes, it includes several important developments. These range from new protections for exploited Skilled Workers and preparations for the UK’s return to Erasmus+, to amendments affecting pre-settled status holders, domestic abuse victims and Hong Kong BN(O) families.

UK prepares to rejoin Erasmus+

Following the UK-EU agreement in May 2025 to facilitate the UK’s return to Erasmus+ (the EU’s programme for education, training, youth and sport activities) HC 584 contains several amendments to make participation in the programme possible.

The Visitor route will be expanded to permit a broader range of educational and training activities. Eligible Erasmus+ participants will be able to undertake training, courses, job shadowing opportunities and short traineeships in the UK. Visitors generally will also benefit from wider permitted activities, including attendance at workshops and debates.

There are also changes affecting artists and entertainers, who will now be able to attend rehearsals in the UK in addition to performances.

The Student and Child Student routes are being adapted to accommodate Erasmus+ programmes that do not necessarily lead to UK-recognised qualifications. This includes allowing certain study placements at state schools and academies, as well as greater flexibility around work placements.

A dedicated Erasmus+ Government Authorised Exchange scheme is also being created to facilitate eligible traineeships, teaching placements and training assignments.

Greater protection for Skilled Workers who are victims of exploitation

One of the most notable changes affects Skilled Workers who have been formally recognised as victims of modern slavery.

From 8 October 2026, Skilled Workers who have been referred into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and receive a positive Conclusive Grounds decision during their current period of permission will be able to work for any employer. They will also be permitted to undertake self-employed and voluntary work, although restrictions on working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach remain.

The Home Office says the change is intended to support individuals who have been exploited by their sponsors, encourage victims to come forward and reduce opportunities for abuse within the sponsorship system. Importantly, the concession does not create a special route to settlement and individuals will still need to meet the normal settlement requirements.

EU Settlement Scheme updates

Several amendments are being made to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

A small group of individuals with pre-settled status who no longer strictly meet EUSS requirements may now be able to retain their status where removal from the scheme would be disproportionate. This is intended to provide protection in exceptional cases, such as where family circumstances unexpectedly change.

The Home Office is also implementing changes following the Court of Appeal’s decision in Ayoola v SSHD. Certain children with pre-settled status, and their primary carers, will be able to preserve their status where necessary to enable the child to complete their education in the UK.

For joining family members, the rules are being revised so that applications generally need to be made within three months of the applicant’s most recent lawful entry to the UK, rather than by reference to their first arrival after the Brexit transition period.

In addition, the EUSS travel permit route is being removed, reflecting the increasing use of digital status and the ability to update passport details online.

Tighter suitability rules and measures to prevent abuse of section 3C leave

The Statement of Changes strengthens provisions aimed at those who have previously frustrated immigration control.

Currently, conduct such as absconding from immigration bail can be relied upon as a ground for refusing entry applications. From 8 October 2026, this concept will also be incorporated into applications for permission to stay in the UK, giving Home Office caseworkers wider scope to refuse applications from individuals who have previously breached immigration laws in this way.

The Home Office has also introduced a number of technical changes designed to prevent manipulation of section 3C leave.

In particular:

• applicants granted a fee waiver will generally need to submit an application on the same immigration route if they wish to retain the earlier application date linked to the fee waiver request;
• varying an immigration application will no longer create a new deadline for biometric enrolment; applicants must still comply with the original biometric appointment requirements.

These changes are designed to prevent repeated fee waiver requests or variations being used solely to artificially extend an individual’s lawful status in the UK.

Changes for Hong Kong BN(O) applicants

The Home Office is also making a welcome change for families under the Hong Kong BN(O) route. From October, dependent children under 18 will no longer need to complete five years of continuous residence before becoming eligible for settlement, provided they hold permission on the BN(O) route. This will allow qualifying children to settle alongside their parents rather than waiting to meet a separate residence requirement, bringing the BN(O) route’s requirements for dependants in line with those under other routes.

Religious routes

Further changes will take effect on 29 October 2026 for the Minister of Religion and Religious Worker routes. These include removing the cap on time that can be spent in the Minister of Religion route, similar to the uncapped nature of the Skilled Worker category.

Student maintenance increases

Students will also see a modest increase in maintenance requirements. From 30 November 2026, applicants studying in London will need to show £1,570 per month, up from £1,529, while those studying outside London will need to demonstrate £1,203 per month, up from £1,171.

Looking ahead

Although HC 584 does not fundamentally reshape the UK’s immigration system, it contains several practical changes that employers, educational institutions, sponsors and migrants should be aware of. In particular, organisations employing sponsored workers should note the new modern slavery protections, while those involved in education and international mobility programmes will want to consider the opportunities created by the UK’s return to Erasmus+.

With most changes taking effect from 8 October 2026, those intending to submit applications in the coming months should review the new rules carefully and consider whether any transitional issues may affect their plans.