Complete Archive

News Archive

Page 3 of 13

For a concise introduction to the main sponsored skilled route, see the Skilled Worker visa (UK) guide.

Policy & Law8 Apr 2026·2 min read

Global Talent route: design pathway and staged appendix commencement dates in HC 1691

HC 1691 expands the Global Talent route with a design pathway. The statement of changes implementation section sets different commencement dates for APP GT1…

Read Full Story

Abstract lightbulb and geometric shapes suggesting design and innovation.

Sponsorship8 Apr 2026·4 min read

Skilled Worker route: salary must meet thresholds in each pay period from 8 April 2026

The Home Office statement of changes HC 1691 amends Skilled Worker salary rules so required pay is met in each pay period, with commencement on 8 April 2026…

Read Full Story

Abstract illustration of a payslip grid and a gentle upward curve, suggesting payroll and salary compliance.

Policy & Law8 Apr 2026·2 min read

Ukraine Permission Extension scheme: further extension and 90-day application window in HC 1691

HC 1691 introduces Immigration Rules changes for the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, including a further 24-month extension pathway and an earlier…

Read Full Story

Abstract roofline and sunrise arc in blue and soft yellow, suggesting extended permission to stay.

Compliance26 Mar 2026·1 min read

Part Suitability: mandatory refusal for some UK suspended sentences from 26 March 2026 (HC 1691)

HC 1691 amends Immigration Rules criminality provisions so that a UK conviction with a suspended sentence of 12 months or more triggers mandatory refusal or…

Read Full Story

Abstract geometric scales in purple and grey, suggesting suitability and criminality rules.

Sponsorship26 Mar 2026·2 min read

Skilled Worker route: time-limited prison officer salary and skills arrangements under HC 1691

HC 1691 sets out interim Skilled Worker arrangements for prison officers, including transitional salary thresholds, shorter sponsorship periods, dependant…

Read Full Story

Abstract institutional building and ID badge shapes in grey and navy.

Policy & Law26 Mar 2026·2 min read

UK ‘Visa Brake’: Student and Skilled Worker entry clearance refusals for listed nationalities from 26 March 2026

HC 1691 introduces a temporary Visa Brake: the Home Office explanatory memorandum sets out refused entry clearance for certain Student nationals and Afghan…

Read Full Story

Abstract illustration suggesting a pause on travel documents, in navy and amber tones.

1 2 3 4 5

Key Figures 2026

Verified from gov.uk

£41,700

Skilled Worker Threshold

General minimum salary

£1,035

Health Surcharge (IHS)

Per year (standard)

£33,400

New Entrant Minimum

Under 26 / recent grads

£25,000

Health & Care Minimum

NHS & social care roles

Full salary breakdown

Quick Tools

Official gov.uk services

Key Dates

1 Feb 2026

ETA mandatory enforcement begins

Apr 2026

Expected IHS annual review

6 Apr 2026

New tax year - salary recalculations

Processing Times

Typical decision timeframes

Visa Type	Standard	Priority
Skilled Worker	3 weeks	5 days
Health & Care	3 weeks	5 days
Student	3 weeks	5 days
ETA	3 days	—

Times are estimates. Priority/Super Priority services available for additional fees (£500/£1,000).