In brief
- The Home Office monthly entry clearance release counts applications, not refusals.
- Refusal rates are published in the quarterly immigration system statistics; check them for each route.
- The October 2026 monthly release is listed as provisional for November 2026, with the exact date not yet confirmed.
- In the firm's view, some refusal reasons appear unrealistic; this is opinion, not an official finding.
- Other factors, including rule changes and the visa brake from 26 March 2026, may affect outcomes.
- Speak to a solicitor about your own refusal; deadlines can be short.
What the published figures show
The Home Office publishes a monthly release called "Monthly entry clearance visa applications". Entry clearance means permission to travel to the UK, granted before you travel. The September 2026 release came out on 8 October 2026. The October 2026 release is listed as provisional for November 2026, and the exact date has not yet been confirmed. We will update this page when it is out. The November 2026 release is due on 10 December 2026.
This monthly release counts applications. It does not report refusals. Refusal data are in the Home Office's quarterly immigration system statistics. A refusal rate is the share of decided applications that were refused.
The monthly release shows these changes for the year ending June 2026, compared with the year before. The Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker and sponsored study figures are for main applicants.
| Route | Applications | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 30,400 | down 39% |
| Health and Care Worker | 8,500 | down 65% |
| Sponsored study | 396,000 | down 8% |
| Family | 69,300 | down 9% |
The Home Office links the fall in skilled-route applications to policy changes that took effect towards the end of July 2025. When applications fall, refusal percentages can move for reasons that have nothing to do with decision-making. Refusal rates for each route should be checked in the latest quarterly tables, using the time period and the definition given in those tables.
The firm's view
This section is opinion, not fact.
In the firm's view, some of the reasons given for refusing Skilled Worker, Student and other applications appear unrealistic. This is the firm's opinion. It is not an official finding, and the published figures do not show why individual decisions are made.
Other explanations
There are other reasons refusals may change. Rules have changed. The Home Office introduced a "visa brake" from 26 March 2026. It limits some entry clearance applications depending on the main applicant's nationality. Changes to the rules and to how sponsors behave can also affect outcomes.
If you have been refused
A refusal does not always mean the end of the road. Some decisions can be challenged. Read more about appeals and judicial review. Deadlines can be short, so speak to a solicitor about your own case. This article is general information only and cannot say what will happen in any individual application.
How Garth Coates Solicitors can help
Garth Coates Solicitors is an immigration law firm based in Bloomsbury, London. We advise individuals, families and sponsoring employers on applications, refusals and challenges. Please request a consultation to discuss your situation.
This article is general information and was correct on 12 November 2026. It is not legal advice on your circumstances; immigration rules and fees change often. For advice on your case, request a consultation.
