Several immigration changes introduced in recent months will affect people planning to remain in the UK after study, some workers who have experienced exploitation, and students preparing visa applications. The most important dates are 8 October 2026, when a new Skilled Worker provision came into force; 30 November 2026, when Student visa maintenance amounts increase; and 1 January 2027, when the Graduate visa period reduces for most new applicants.

This article explains what the changes say, who may be affected and what practical steps to consider. The effect of any immigration rule depends on the individual circumstances and the version of the Rules that applies on the relevant date.

Graduate visa: 18 months for most applications from 1 January 2027

At present, an eligible graduate who applies on or before 31 December 2026 can receive two years’ permission under the Graduate route. For applications made on or after 1 January 2027, the period will be reduced to 18 months for most eligible qualifications. Graduates with a PhD or another doctoral qualification will continue to receive three years.

The date of the application determines the period of permission. It is not determined simply by when a student began or completed their course. To apply, the person must be in the UK, hold Student or Tier 4 permission, have completed an eligible course and have had their education provider report successful completion to the Home Office. The application must be made before their Student permission expires.

Students approaching the end of their course should check when their university expects to report completion and when their current permission expires. An eligible person who is considering the Graduate route should understand the difference between applying by 31 December 2026 and applying from 1 January 2027. The practical timetable may depend on the course completion date and the provider’s notification to the Home Office; a person should not submit an application before the route requirements are met.

The Graduate visa cannot be extended. A graduate may later be able to switch to another route, such as Skilled Worker, if they meet that route’s requirements. Employers recruiting graduates should also consider that the shorter period may affect workforce planning and the timing of any future sponsorship discussions.

New flexibility for certain Skilled Workers recognised as victims of modern slavery

A change to Appendix Skilled Worker took effect on 8 October 2026. It concerns a specific group: a Skilled Worker who has been referred into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and receives a positive Conclusive Grounds decision during their most recent period of permission.

Under the new paragraph SW 18.3, such a worker may have their work conditions amended to permit other work, including self-employment and voluntary work. Work as a professional sportsperson, including as a sports coach, remains excluded. The Home Office’s announcement says the change is intended to allow recognised victims to leave abusive sponsors and undertake lawful work for the remainder of their permission.

This is a targeted provision, not a general change allowing every Skilled Worker to work for any employer without restriction. The Rule uses the wording “may have” their conditions amended, and eligibility depends on the NRM referral, the positive decision and its timing in relation to the person’s current permission. People affected should check their immigration conditions and obtain advice about the appropriate process before changing their work arrangements.

For employers, the change reinforces the need to treat reports of exploitation seriously and to understand that a worker’s immigration position may be affected by a positive NRM decision. Any proposed recruitment of a person whose conditions have been amended should be checked against the worker’s current digital status and the applicable right-to-work requirements.

Student visa maintenance funds rise on 30 November 2026

The Immigration Rules will increase the Student route’s monthly maintenance amounts from 30 November 2026. The required amount will be:

• London: £1,570 per month, for up to nine months (maximum £14,130);
• Outside London: £1,203 per month, for up to nine months (maximum £10,827).

These replace the current monthly amounts of £1,529 in London and £1,171 outside London. Under the transitional provision, applications made before 30 November 2026 will be decided under the Rules in force on 29 November. Applications made on or after 30 November will be subject to the revised amounts, unless an exemption applies.

Students should not look only at the headline figure. The amount required can depend on where they will study, the length of the course, whether they have dependants and whether an exemption applies. Where funds must be shown, the evidence must also meet the relevant timing and documentation requirements. Applicants should check the applicable requirements when preparing their application.

What should students, workers and employers do now?

Students and recent graduates should confirm their course completion and Student permission dates, then consider whether a Graduate route application may be appropriate. Anyone relying on a two-year Graduate visa period should understand that the application must be made by 31 December 2026 and that all eligibility requirements must be satisfied at the time of application.

Students preparing applications from 30 November should budget for the revised maintenance figures and check whether they must provide financial evidence or qualify for an exemption.

Skilled Workers affected by exploitation should seek advice promptly if they receive a positive Conclusive Grounds decision. They should check whether their work conditions have been amended before relying on permission to take other work.

Employers should keep up to date with workers’ immigration conditions, carry out compliant right-to-work checks and obtain advice where an employee’s status or work conditions change. The new provision is specific and should not be treated as a blanket relaxation of sponsor duties.

Important: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration Rules and guidance may change. The effect of a rule depends on the facts of the individual case and the date of the relevant application or decision. Obtain advice before relying on this article to make an immigration or employment decision.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Graduate visa overview
• Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate
• Statement of Changes HC 584: Student funds and Appendix Skilled Worker
• Home Office: new visa rules for recognised modern slavery victims