Statement of Changes HC 584 was laid before Parliament on 3 September 2026. It makes one of the broadest sets of amendments to the Immigration Rules this year, and it comes into force in stages.
Most of the changes took effect on 8 October 2026. Skilled Workers confirmed as victims of modern slavery can now have their conditions amended so they can work for any employer. Under a new suitability rule, failing to report while on immigration bail, or absconding from bail or custody, counts as a breach of immigration laws. Part 1 tightens the rules on biometrics and fee waivers. In preparation for the UK’s return to Erasmus+ in 2027, the Visitor rules now allow more permitted activities, and a new Erasmus+ scheme has been added to the Government Authorised Exchange route. Other changes affect the EU Settlement Scheme, the Victim of Domestic Abuse route and the Hong Kong BN(O) route.
Some changes apply only to applications made on or after 8 October. Others apply to every decision made from that date, including applications submitted earlier. Three further stages are still to come:
click here to read the full breakdown of HC 584
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