In brief
- Most changes in Statement of Changes HC 584 came into force on 8 October 2026.
- A new Erasmus+ activities category lets visitors do programme-related study, training and work experience; all visitors gain some new permitted activities.
- Skilled Workers recognised as modern slavery victims can work for any employer for the rest of their permission.
- Previously acting to frustrate immigration controls can result in refusal under Part Suitability.
- Fee waiver dates only count for applications on the same route, and varied applications must still meet the original biometrics deadline.
- Some changes apply only to applications made from 8 October; others apply to all decisions from that date.
- Student maintenance (30 November 2026) and EUSS (9 December 2026) changes are still to come.
Most of the changes in Statement of Changes HC 584 came into force on 8 October 2026. The Home Office laid the statement before Parliament on 3 September 2026. It amends the Immigration Rules, which are the rules that decide who can enter or stay in the UK. The changes are broad but targeted. They do not introduce the wider overhaul of settlement, and they do not change the Skilled Worker salary threshold.
Visitors and Erasmus+
A new category of permitted activities, "Erasmus+ activities", now applies to people who apply for a visitor visa, or arrive as a visitor, on or after 8 October 2026. It allows specific programme-related training, education and work experience. Reported details include:
- study placements of up to six months at UK state schools and academies;
- coaching and training assignments at UK sports organisations;
- short traineeships and job shadowing.
Other changes apply to all Standard Visitors, who may now take part in workshops and debates and attend Skills Competitions if they meet the eligibility requirements. Artists, entertainers and musicians may attend rehearsals. The core visitor test is unchanged.
A new 12-month Erasmus+ category is also added to Government Authorised Exchange, and Student and Child Student routes get Erasmus+ exceptions. The UK is due to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027.
Skilled Worker: victims of modern slavery
A Skilled Worker who receives a positive Conclusive Grounds decision during their current permission may now have their conditions varied. A Conclusive Grounds decision is the official recognition that a person is a victim of modern slavery. They can then work for any employer, in any occupation, for the rest of that permission. This applies to victims who entered the UK legally. It is a narrow change, and nothing changes for most Skilled Workers.
Refusal for frustrating immigration controls
The Part Suitability rules now treat an applicant as having breached immigration laws if they previously acted to frustrate immigration controls. Examples cited in commentary include absconding from bail or failing to report. The aim is to apply the provisions equally to people in the UK and those applying from overseas. Such conduct can result in refusal, and caseworkers can treat it as a breach.
Fee waivers, variations and biometrics
The Home Office has tightened the rules on fee waiver requests and on varying applications. A fee waiver request date now counts as the application date only if the later application is on the same route.
If an applicant varies an application, they must still enrol biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) within the period set for the original application. The Explanatory Memorandum says the changes target misuse. One example is extending section 3C leave, which is permission continuing while an application is pending, by making a human rights application and then varying it, or by repeatedly varying without enrolling biometrics.
If a Long Residence application is varied to Appendix FM (the family rules) or the Private Life route, no further application fee is due. The applicant must pay the Immigration Health Charge or request a waiver, or the varied application is rejected as invalid.
Other changes from 8 October
- Adult children may be able to apply for settlement on the Victim of Domestic Abuse route if their relationship with a parent or the parent's partner has permanently broken down because of domestic abuse.
- Dependent children under 18 of British National (Overseas) applicants no longer need five years of continuous residence before becoming eligible for settlement.
- Article 8 claims (human rights claims based on private and family life) in the Family Returns Process must be submitted to Home Office staff in that process.
- There are also amendments to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Which applications are affected
For some changes, applications made before 8 October 2026 are decided under the Rules in force on 7 October 2026. This covers the Visitor, Part Suitability, Appendix FM and most Student changes. For others, including EUSS, Long Residence, BN(O), Skilled Worker modern slavery and domestic abuse, commentary indicates no such protection. They apply to every decision made from 8 October. Check which group your situation falls into.
Since then
The changes to Minister of Religion and Religious Worker rules took effect on 29 October 2026. Two HC 584 changes are still to come: an increase in Student maintenance requirements on 30 November 2026, and an EUSS change relating to biometric residence permits on 9 December 2026.
How Garth Coates Solicitors can help
If you are unsure how these changes affect a visit, an application or your sponsored workers, we can explain the position. Please request a consultation with our London team.
This article is general information and was correct on 3 November 2026. It is not legal advice on your circumstances; immigration rules and fees change often. For advice on your case, request a consultation.
