The UK Government’s publication of the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1691 was released on 5 March 2026. HC 1691 introduces reforms that affect asylum processes, work and study routes, nationality based restrictions, visitor rules, and long term settlement requirements. These changes roll out across several months, with implementation dates ranging from 5 March to 1 July 2026.
A New Approach to Refugee Permission to Stay
One of the most consequential shifts in HC 1691 concerns the length of permission granted to refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection.
For asylum claims made on or after 2 March 2026, successful applicants will now receive 30 months (2.5 years) of permission to stay, replacing the previous standard 5 year grant.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children, however, will continue to receive 5 years of leave.
This change reflects a broader government strategy to increase the frequency of status reviews, ensuring ongoing eligibility and compliance. While the shorter grant period may create additional administrative burdens for applicants and advisers, it also signals a more dynamic, regularly assessed protection system.
Visa Restrictions and the New “Visa Brake”
HC 1691 introduces a mechanism widely referred to as the visa brake, allowing the government to impose rapid restrictions on specific nationalities in response to perceived risks or migration pressures enabling the temporary suspension or tightening of visa routes for certain countries resulting in the following – the refusal of student visa applications from main applicants who are nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan.
Additionally, the refusal of Skilled Worker visa applications from main applicants who are nationals of Afghanistan. This will come into effect from 26 March but will not affect applications made before 26 March. The main aim of this policy is to reduce the number of individuals entering the asylum system, therefore reducing the strain on the asylum system
Skilled Worker Route: Salary Compliance and Nationality Based Restrictions
The Skilled Worker route sees several important updates:
Salary Compliance Rules
HC 1691 strengthens enforcement around salary thresholds and employer compliance. Employers sponsoring workers must now demonstrate more robust evidence that salaries meet or exceed the required levels throughout the sponsorship period.
This change aims to:
- reduce exploitation
- ensure fair labour market competition
- align salary rules with updated labour market data
Updates to Visitor Nationality Rules
Continuing on from recent statements of change in the last 18 months, HC 1691 revises the list of nationalities subject to visa requirements for visiting the UK. The current changes will now introduce a visit visa requirement for nationals of Nicaragua and nationals of St Lucia, which means that these nationals will need to apply for and obtain a visa prior to visiting the UK. Subsequently, Nicaragua and St Lucia will be removed from the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The introduction of the visit visa requirement will include a transition period for nationals of Nicaragua and St Lucia to travel to the UK without a visa where they hold a confirmed travel booking made prior to the introduction. This period will commence at the same time as the visit visa requirement is introduced and run until six weeks after the introduction date: 15:00 BST on 16 April 2026. Applications for an ETA for nationals of Nicaragua and St Lucia closed at 15:00 GMT on 5 March 2026.
Ukraine Permission Extensions
The UK’s response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve. HC 1691 includes provisions for extensions of permission for Ukrainian nationals under existing schemes.
These extensions ensure continuity for individuals already in the UK under humanitarian pathways, though they do not introduce new routes. Applicants should monitor deadlines closely to avoid lapses in status.
Asylum System Reforms and Procedures for Failed Asylum Seekers
HC 1691 introduces procedural changes affecting the further submissions process which allows individuals to submit new evidence if their asylum claim has been refused or withdrawn and they have exhausted all of their appeal rights.
The process for making further submissions is currently contained in policy guidance which sets out the requirements that individuals must meet when making further submissions.
These requirements are not currently contained in Immigration Rules. This instrument therefore gives the existing requirements a clear statutory basis by setting them out in the Rules. This is part of a broader government effort to accelerate decision making and reduce backlogs.
English Language Requirements for Settlement
A future increase in the English language requirement for settlement is signalled within HC 1691.
This change increases the English language requirement for settlement to B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for a number of immigration routes where the existing requirement is at B1 level – the changes apply to those routes covered by Appendix KoLL. These changes will not come into force until 26 March 2027 and are deferred until this date in order to provide those subject to the new requirements with sufficient opportunity to take any steps necessary to meet them. This change aligns with the government’s broader emphasis on integration and long term contribution.
Conclusion
HC 1691 represents a significant recalibration of the UK’s immigration framework. By tightening compliance, adjusting protection pathways, and introducing new mechanisms such as the visa brake, the government aims to create a more responsive and controlled system.
If you’re preparing an application then understanding the specific timelines and requirements within HC 1691 will be crucial to navigating the months ahead. Should you require assistance in relation to the content above or in regard to another area of UK immigration, please contact us via the website or email us at contact@visa-office.com or speak with an adviser directly on 01225 256800.
