05/03/2026
Other Key Reforms
• Skilled Worker sponsors must pay full required salary every pay period (with flexibilities) to enable faster detection of underpayments.
• Global Talent visa gains a new design pathway and simplified academic/research rules.
• Ukraine Permission Extension scheme widened: apply up to 90 days before expiry (previously 28 days) for a further 24 months.
• English language requirement for settlement rises to B2 (from B1) from 26 March 2027.
• Mandatory refusal/cancellation for UK suspended sentences of 12+ months, aligning with public protection priorities.
These steps reflect the Government’s focus on restoring control, reducing preventable asylum pressure, and building public confidence in a secure, modern system.
For full details:
• Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules (HC 1695, 5 March 2026) → GOV.UK
• Written Ministerial Statement on ETA enforcement → UK Parliament
• Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s IPPR speech on reforms → GOV.UK
• Visa brake guidance → GOV.UK