October 2026 Immigration Rules Changes: How will they impact families, students and employers?

The latest Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules released by the Home Office introduce a series of targeted reforms.

While there is no standout reform, the Home Office has offered new routes for Erasmus+ participants, stricter rules for religious workers and higher financial requirements for students.

Most of the changes outlined are due to take effect on 8 October, with the exception of the changes to religious worker routes and new student maintenance figures arriving later.

For individuals submitting applications, it is important to understand the new rules and their timings, as even minor changes can impact eligibility.

The return of Erasmus+

The UK has eased immigration requirements for people arriving in the country on Erasmus+ mobility schemes, in preparation for its return to the programme in 2027.

Under the new rules, eligible students will be able to undertake study, training, job shadowing and some other activities through the Visitor route starting on 8 October.

These changes will also cover youth workers and sports coaches on Erasmus+, with under-18s able to participate in traineeships for up to 30 days.

Erasmus+ has also been added as a Government Authorised Exchange scheme, which can allow longer traineeships and placements of up to 12 months.

Students on these programmes will also be exempt from the normal work placement duration restrictions.

Higher student maintenance requirements

From 30 November, students must now be able to demonstrate they have more money to support themselves in the UK.

The monthly maintenance figures have risen from £1,529 to £1,570 for study in London, while it has risen from £1,171 to £1,203 for the rest of the UK.

Tighter rules for religious workers

From 29 October, the Religious Worker entry route into the UK will be limited to supporting, non-pastoral roles.

The sponsored role must be supernumerary or within a religious order, or the applicant must have performed religious duties with the same organisation overseas for at least six months.

For anyone planning on leading a congregation in the UK, they must instead use the T2 Minister of Religion immigration route, with permission capped at three years per grant.

If a worker is not entitled to the statutory minimum wage, the sponsor must confirm on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will handle the needs and accommodate the worker.

Changes for families and long-term residents

For individuals applying for Long Residence, any failed applications will be switched to a Family or Private Life application, where it is believed the applicant meets the requirements.

The applicant will not pay any administrative costs for switching, but the Immigration Health Charge must still be paid.

In addition, the Victim of Domestic Abuse route has been extended.

This route allows settlement where a person aged 18 or over has, or previously held, granted immigration permission as a partner or child, but the relevant relationship has broken down due to abuse.

Dependent children, including those over 18, can apply alongside their parents.

More permitted business activities for visitors

Changes to the UK Visitor Rules have expanded the permitted business event activities to include workshops and debates.

A visitor may also be able to participate in skills competitions, like engineering, technical, culinary or construction competitive events.

For artists and creatives, technical and production crew can support an event, as long as they attend the same event and are employed by the artist outside the UK.

Speak to a solicitor

While these changes are not major overhauls, they can still impact immigration eligibility.

If you are a sponsor, visitor, religious worker, student, or you are planning an application, our solicitors can review how the changes can apply to you.

We can help assess your immigration position and help you maintain compliance, advising you on which rules are set to apply to your situation.