Symah Pasha

09/03/2026

Latest statement of changes

Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules published on 5 March 2026.

09/03/2026

https://www.ein.org.uk/news/home-secretary-reaffirms-earned-settlement-ilr-reforms-will-be-retrospective-says-changes

Shabana Mahmood says new rules will affect those who arrived between 2022 and 2024 after telling The Times they will take effect this autumn

04/03/2026

Shake up of Student Visas in an attempt to curb asylum claims -
Home Office has announced that it will stop issuing student visas to nationals of Sudan, Myanmar, Cameroon, and Afghanistan and work visas for Afghan citizens. The measures will be set out in new immigration rules on 5 March 2026 and will take effect from 26 March 2026.

03/03/2026

In a written statement, the Home Secretary confirmed that from 2nd March 2026 refugees would be given a 30 month grant period after which their status would be reviewed, instead of the 5 years previously given.

Full details have not been provided but we are expecting the rules later this week.

"Under these changes, adults and accompanied children claiming asylum from today will receive a 30-month period of protection, if granted. At a 30-month review, refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed, while those whose countries are now deemed safe will be expected to return home."

Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.

25/02/2026

⚠️ Travel Update for British Dual Nationals

British citizens (including dual nationals) are not elegible for an ETA. To travel to the United Kingdom, you must present:

✔️ A valid British passport or
✔️ A passport with a Certificate of Entitlement (CoE) to the right of abode.

From 26 February 2026, CoEs will also be available digitally and linked to your passport.

Without these, you may be refused boarding or face delays.

Travel smart. Check your documents before flying 🇬🇧✈️

25/02/2026

New rules introduced today require visa-exempt visitors to the United Kingdom to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel

19/02/2026

Alliance instructs Kingsley Napley LLP and Sonali Naik KC ahead of potential judicial review pending Government’s policy decision

16/02/2026

Self-Sponsorship: Using the Rules Properly

“Self-sponsorship” is not a standalone visa category. Instead, it refers to a lawful approach within the existing Skilled Worker visa framework. The concept is straightforward: you establish a genuine UK business that requires a director or specialist employee, and you sponsor yourself for that legitimate role.

The Home Office recognises the route, provided the company is real, actively trading (or clearly capable of doing so), and the position is necessary rather than created purely to secure immigration permission. Close scrutiny is applied to ensure the role is authentic, the applicant is suitably qualified, and the salary meets the required level.

Recent rule changes have made the process more demanding but have not eliminated it. The general minimum salary has risen to £41,700 (or the relevant going rate), sponsored roles must usually meet RQF Level 6 (graduate level) from July 2025, and English language requirements increase to B2 from January 2026.

Decision-makers now apply a tougher “genuine vacancy” assessment, meaning a credible business plan and evidence of real commercial activity are essential. Success now depends on careful preparation and a thoroughly evidenced application.

Disclaimer: Rules and guidance from the Home Office change frequently, and this information is accurate only as of today’s date.

15/02/2026

130,000 responses received as of last week, Shabana Mahmood told Home Affairs Committee

04/02/2026

Immigration minister states that earned settlement changes are to proceed. Transitional arrangements still to be confirmed

Minister tells MPs the Government is “proceeding with the seriousness and care that the public and Parliament rightly expect” and will listen to consultation views

27/01/2026

From 1 January 2027, the length of stay for Graduate visas will be reduced from 24 months to 18 months for new applications.