Rule Change · 4 min read
UK Immigration Rules April 2026: Every Change Taking Effect This Spring
Multiple changes to UK immigration rules are coming between March and July 2026. Here is a complete timeline of what is changing and when.
A Busy Spring for Immigration Changes
The UK government published several Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules in early 2026, with implementation dates spread across March, April, and beyond. If you are an employer with sponsored workers or an applicant with a pending or upcoming application, you need to know exactly what is changing and when.
Timeline of Changes
5 March 2026
- New suitability rules took effect, giving the Home Office wider grounds to refuse or cancel visas based on conduct and character assessments
- Updated guidance on criminality thresholds for visa decisions
26 March 2026
- Afghan nationals barred from the Skilled Worker visa route (specific policy restriction)
- Updates to the Global Business Mobility route administrative requirements
8 April 2026
This is the big date. Most of the significant operational changes take effect here:
Salary compliance per pay period. The Home Office will now check that sponsored workers are paid at or above the required salary in each pay period, not just on an annual average basis. Employers can no longer offer a lower base salary topped up with occasional bonuses to meet the threshold.
Global Business Mobility: Secondment Worker changes. The overseas employment requirement drops from 12 months to 6 months, making it easier for companies to transfer employees to the UK.
Global Talent: Design endorsement. A new endorsement pathway opens for leaders and emerging talent in the design sector.
Biometric reuse expanded. More applicants will be able to reuse previously submitted biometric data instead of attending in-person appointments.
Spouse/partner visa fee increase. In-country applications rise from £1,321 to £2,064. This is a 56% increase.
29 April 2026
- Changes to curtailment periods for certain visa categories
- Updated guidance on reporting duties for sponsors
1 July 2026
- Further adjustments to salary rates for specific occupation codes
- Updates to the Temporary Shortage List (if finalised by then)
What the Pay-Period Rule Means in Practice
This is the most impactful change for employers. Here is how it works:
Under the old rules, if you sponsored someone at £41,700 annual salary, the Home Office mainly checked the headline number. If the worker received lower monthly pay in some months but higher in others (due to bonuses, commission, or overtime), it could still average out.
From 8 April 2026, each pay period is assessed independently. If a sponsored worker is paid monthly and their April payslip shows less than £3,475 (£41,700 divided by 12), that is a compliance failure, even if they received a large bonus in March.
What employers should do:
- Review all sponsored workers' pay structures before April
- Convert bonus-heavy or commission-based packages to guaranteed base salaries where possible
- Update payroll systems to flag if a sponsored worker's pay drops below the threshold in any period
- Brief your finance and HR teams on the new rules
Fee Changes Summary
| Fee | Old Amount | New Amount | Change | |---|---|---|---| | Spouse visa (in-country) | £1,321 | £2,064 | +56% | | Certificate of Sponsorship | £239 | £525 | +120% | | Immigration Skills Charge (large) | £1,000/year | £1,320/year | +32% | | General visa fees | Various | +7% across the board | |
The Bigger Picture
These spring changes are part of a pattern. The government has been systematically tightening immigration rules since late 2024:
- Salary thresholds raised from £26,200 to £38,700 to £41,700
- English requirement raised from B1 to B2
- Skill level raised from RQF 3 to RQF 6
- Care worker route closed
- Graduate visa duration being cut
- Settlement qualifying period increasing from 5 to 10 years
Each change individually is manageable. Together, they represent a significant narrowing of who can come to the UK through work visa routes.
What You Should Do Now
If you are an applicant: Submit your application before fee increases take effect. Make sure your salary meets the threshold and your English test is valid.
If you are an employer: Audit your sponsored workers' pay structures before 8 April. Review your sponsor licence compliance processes. Budget for higher fees.
If you are on a Graduate visa: Consider applying for a Skilled Worker visa before the settlement rules change further. The sooner you get on the 5-year (or 10-year) clock, the better.
If you are planning to bring family: The spouse visa fee increase on 8 April is substantial. If you are ready to apply, doing it before that date saves over £700.