Cllr Vanessa Boateng JP

Immigration Update (A very Long thread) The Home Office laid out the latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules before Parliament on 3 September 2026. With amendments reaching across a wide range of routes. In this week’s update is comprehensive coverage of what those changes are, set out by individual route affected. Alongside this, the other important developments from the week, including the latest on Channel crossings, public priorities for work-based immigration, the cost of British citizenship, and important case law decisions on sponsor licence revocations. Statement of Changes HC 584 The Home Office laid its latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 584) before Parliament on 3rd September 2026 with most of the changes due to come into effect on 8th October 2026. There are three exceptions; the religious worker changes apply from 29th October, the student maintenance uplift from 30 November, and the EUSS change on biometric residence permits from 9 December. Updated guidance will be published once each change comes into force. The changes are as follows… Part Suitability The definition of breach of immigration laws in SU11.4 is being widened to cover those who previously frustrated immigration controls. In practice, applicants in the UK who failed to report for bail, or who absconded from bail or custody, can now be refused on that basis, as those applying from overseas already could be. Appendix Skilled Worker Skilled Workers who are recognised by the Competent Authorities as victims of modern slavery will be free to work for any employer for the rest of their current permission. The aim is to encourage victims to come forward and to stop exploitative sponsors using the visa as a means of control. Appendix FM & Appendix Private Life Families in the Family Returns Process can now raise Article 8 claims directly with Home Office staff. They will not need a valid application, a fee or a specified form. This puts an existing practice on a formal footing and brings these families into line with those in detention. Fee Waivers & Variations Two changes target misuse of section 3C leave. After a fee waiver decision, the application that follows must be the one named in the fee waiver request. This prevents a human rights application being switched to a non-human right route. A new rule also confirms that there is only one window for enrolling biometrics, even where an application is later varied. Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse The route is being extended to adult dependent children whose relationship with their sponsor has broken down because of domestic abuse. The change follows the Northern Ireland High Court’s decision in JR337, and the Home Office expects between 163 and 447 additional grants each year. Appendix Visitor and Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities The Visitor route is being opened to Erasmus+ ahead of the UK rejoining the programme in 2027. Erasmus+ visitors will be able to study at state-funded schools and academies for up to six months. They will also be able to give or receive training, join courses, undertake traineeships of up to 30 days, job shadow, and take part in sports coaching. Participants will need to show that they are genuinely part of the programme, and those under 18 will need consent from a parent or guardian and from their home institution. All visitors, whether they are on Erasmus+, will also be able to take part in workshops, debates and skills competitions. The Home Office is further clarifying the Visitor rules so that they stay in line with trade agreement commitments. Visitors will no longer have to show that the training they want is unavailable at home. Artists, entertainers and musicians may attend rehearsals, and a new definition of entertainment staff sets out who can assist them. Appendix Student & Appendix Child Student These routes are being relaxed for Erasmus+ participants only. Their courses can be sponsored even if