What major immigration changes are happening in 2026?

Key changes in 2026 include continued increases to the Skilled Worker salary threshold, potential reforms to the ILR qualifying period, the ongoing transition from BRP cards to eVisas, and possible changes to the graduate route following the Migration Advisory Committee review.

Will the Skilled Worker salary threshold keep rising?

The government has announced a phased increase to the Skilled Worker general salary threshold. The threshold has been rising in stages since April 2024. Check GOV.UK for the current threshold and any further planned increases.

Is the graduate route being scrapped?

The graduate route remains open in 2026. The Migration Advisory Committee reviewed the route in 2024 and recommended keeping it, though possible reforms such as restricting it to certain institutions or courses have been discussed. No confirmed changes have been announced.

What is the Immigration White Paper 2025?

The 2025 Immigration White Paper set out the government's plans for reforming the UK immigration system. Key proposals included raising salary thresholds, reforming the ILR qualifying period, and introducing stricter sponsor compliance requirements. Some proposals are being implemented while others remain under consultation.

The Future of UK Immigration: Policy Changes and Trends in 2026

UK immigration is undergoing its most significant period of reform since Brexit. Salary thresholds are rising, the ILR qualifying period may be extended, and the entire system is moving to digital-first eVisas. This guide covers every major change and what it means for applicants, sponsors, and employers.

The 2025 Immigration White Paper

The 2025 Immigration White Paper set out the government's vision for a reformed immigration system. Key proposals included:

Higher salary thresholds: Continuing the upward trajectory of minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visas.
ILR reform: A proposal to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from 5 years to 10 years on certain routes. See our ILR 10-year proposal guide.
Stricter sponsorship: Enhanced compliance requirements for employers who sponsor workers.
Graduate route review: Potential changes following the MAC review. See our graduate route review guide.

The full White Paper is available on the GOV.UK website.

Salary Threshold Changes

The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas has been increasing in stages since April 2024. This is the most impactful change for work-based immigration.

For a timeline of increases, see our threshold increase timeline. The going rate for specific occupations has also been updated. See our going rate guide.

The health and care worker salary route has maintained different (lower) thresholds to address workforce shortages in the NHS and social care sectors.

The ILR 10-Year Proposal

One of the most significant proposals in the White Paper is extending the ILR qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years for some visa routes. This would mean workers would need to be in the UK for a decade before qualifying for permanent settlement.

For a detailed analysis of this proposal and its implications, see our ILR 10-year proposal guide and ILR changes 2026 guide.

The Graduate Route

The graduate route has been under review since the Migration Advisory Committee was asked to assess its impact in 2024. The MAC recommended keeping the route but suggested potential reforms.

For employers, see our graduate visa employer guide. For a full analysis of the review, see our graduate route review guide.

The eVisa Transition

The UK is moving to a fully digital immigration system. Physical BRP cards are being phased out and replaced by eVisas. By the end of 2025, all immigration status holders should have created a UKVI account to access their digital status.

This affects how you prove your right to work, right to rent, and immigration status to services. For ILR holders, see our ILR eVisa and BRP guide.

Good Character Changes

The Home Office has been updating its good character guidance, affecting citizenship and ILR applications. For the latest changes, see our good character changes 2026 guide.

What This Means for You

The direction of travel is clear: the UK is making immigration more restrictive through higher salary requirements and potentially longer qualifying periods for settlement. However, healthcare and other shortage sectors continue to receive preferential treatment.

If you are currently on a visa pathway, the key action is to stay informed and plan ahead. Monitor the UKVI page on GOV.UK for announcements and implementation dates.

For personalised guidance on how changes affect your specific situation, consider consulting an immigration solicitor.