UK confirms updated Skilled Worker salary thresholds and going rates

What changed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a proposed rulemaking to introduce substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 nonimmigrant students. This measure, announced on 8 October 2026, aims to enhance the integrity of the immigration system by deterring fraud and protecting the interests of U.S. workers. Under the proposal, an initial OPT application would incur a fee of $70,000, while any subsequent OPT would cost $30,000. Stakeholders have until 9 November 2026 to submit comments on these proposed changes.

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration, along with the Home Office, have released detailed factsheets for the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026. These documents explain its plans and what impact they are expected to have. This update, published on 8 October 2026, gives clear explanations of the reforms, such as the creation of a new Independent Immigration Appeals Authority and changes to how people contribute to asylum support. The factsheets clarify how the reforms, first announced in November 2025, are meant to work, providing a deeper understanding of this important proposed law.

What changed

The UK Government, through UK Visas and Immigration, has updated the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) policy to safeguard the pre-settled status of specific children and their primary carers. This change, effective from 8 October 2026, aligns with broader Immigration Rules, enabling these groups to continue residing in the UK to complete their education. This ensures educational continuity for eligible children and secures the status of their designated carers who are crucial to their continued stay.

What changed

The UK Home Office has released HC 584, which is a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. This document updates several areas of the UK immigration system. These changes cover how decisions are made about whether someone is suitable to be in the UK and complies with immigration controls, protections for people who are victims of modern slavery, human rights claims made by families going through the Family Returns Process, procedures for waiving fees and enrolling biometrics, victims of domestic abuse, participation in Erasmus+, the EU Settlement Scheme, maintenance funds for the Student Route, routes for religious workers, settlement for Hong Kong BN(O) citizens, Long Residence rules, the Child Relative route, and other technical provisions. A large part of these changes is to help the UK take part in the Erasmus+ programme from 2027. This includes creating specific immigration rules for Erasmus+ study, training, traineeships, job shadowing, sports activities, and related placements. The changes also broaden the Victim of Domestic Abuse route to include adult dependent children. They will let some Skilled Workers who are confirmed victims of modern slavery do a wider range of work. Also, the requirement to pay an application fee will be removed for certain human rights claims made by families in the Family Returns Process. The amount of money students need for living costs — called the maintenance requirement — for the Student Route will also go up. It will increase from £1,529 to £1,570 per month if you're studying in London, and from £1,171 to £1,203 per month if you're studying outside London.