HC 1691: Major UK Immigration Rule Changes Explained (March 2026)

The Home Office has published Statement of Changes HC 1691, which came into force in March and April 2026. The changes affect a wide range of immigration routes, including settlement, skilled work, family, refugee leave and business mobility. This post sets out the most significant changes and what they mean in practice.

You can access the full statement of changes via this link.

Settlement (ILR): Higher English Language Requirement

From 20 March 2027, many applicants applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) will be required to demonstrate English language ability at B2 CEFR level, rather than the existing B1 standard.

This change is expected to affect applicants on a number of routes, including Skilled Worker and Partner visas. Applicants who submit their ILR application before the implementation date will continue to be assessed against the current B1 requirement.

Skilled Worker: Stricter Salary Compliance Rules

HC 1691 introduces tighter rules on how salary compliance is assessed for Skilled Worker visa holders and their sponsors.

The Home Office will apply greater scrutiny to actual payment records, payroll evidence and adherence to the salary thresholds specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is particularly relevant for sponsor licence holders and businesses that undergo compliance visits or audits.

Sponsors should review their internal payroll processes to ensure that sponsored workers are being paid in line with their CoS and the applicable thresholds at all times.

New Discretionary Refusal Ground

A broader discretionary refusal ground has been introduced, allowing Entry Clearance Officers and caseworkers to refuse applications from individuals with a history of immigration breaches.

This includes previous overstaying, unlawful working, or breaches of visa conditions, even where those breaches did not previously result in a formal adverse decision. The discretionary nature of

the ground means that context and supporting evidence will be important in cases where a prior breach is part of the applicant's history.

Refugee Leave Reduced from Five Years to 30 Months

One of the more significant structural changes in HC 1691 is the reduction in the initial period of refugee leave granted to successful asylum applicants.

Previously, refugees were granted five years of limited leave as a starting point, providing a relatively stable platform from which to build towards settlement. Under the new rules, the initial period is reduced to 30 months. This means that refugees will need to apply for extensions more frequently and will face a longer overall route to settlement.

This change has implications for housing, employment stability and access to services, and is likely to generate further commentary from practitioners and advocacy organisations.

Introduction of a Visa Brake

HC 1691 introduces a new mechanism, commonly referred to as the visa brake, which gives the Home Office broader powers to restrict or suspend applications from certain nationalities or immigration routes in specific circumstances.

The detailed criteria for triggering the brake have not yet been published in full, but the power represents a significant addition to the Home Office's toolkit for managing application volumes. Those planning applications on routes that could be affected should monitor official guidance for further detail as it emerges.

Family and Child Route Changes

HC 1691 includes updates to the rules governing children joining family members in the UK, along with amendments to suitability requirements across family routes.

The precise scope of these changes will depend on individual circumstances, but applicants on family routes, particularly those involving children, should ensure their applications are reviewed carefully against the updated rules before submission.

Global Talent and Global Business Mobility

Further refinements have been made to the Global Talent and Global Business Mobility routes.

A notable change affecting the Global Business Mobility route is that the overseas employment requirement has been reduced from 12 months to 0 months. This provides multinationals with considerably more flexibility when planning short-term secondments to the UK, and may open the route toa broader pool of candidates than was previously eligible.

Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme has been updated to give eligible individuals more time to apply for further leave.

Under the revised rules, applications can now be submitted up to 90 days before the current permission expires, rather than the previous 28-day window. Successful applicants will receive a further 24 months ofleave. This is a practical improvement for those who have been rebuilding their lives in the UK and removes some of the pressure around timing.

Key Takeaway

HC 1691 represents one of the more substantial packages of immigration rule changes in recent months. The cumulative effect of tighter salary compliance rules, a new discretionary refusal ground, reduced refugee leave and the introduction of a visa brake signals a continued shift towards a more restrictive and closely monitored immigration system.

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How Lace Law Can Help with UK Immigration Rule Changes

For individuals and employers planning applications across any of the affected routes, it will be important to understand how these UK immigration rule changes interact with individual circumstances. Seeking specialist legal advice before submitting an application is strongly recommended.

If you would like to discuss how any of these UK immigration rule changes may affect you or your business, please contact us to arrange a consultation.