UK Visas and Immigration Introduces Single Protection Interview Process for Caseworkers
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has implemented a new process for handling protection claims, effective from 28 September 2026. New caseworker guidance details the use of a single protection interview to identify and process claims that may be suitable for refusal. This streamlined approach replaces the previous system of separate screening and substantive interviews, impacting how protection claims are assessed by immigration staff.
The detail
Policy history
UK Visas and Immigration Introduces Single Protection Interview Process for CaseworkersRelated changes
United KingdomFeesEffectiveEffective 8 Oct 2026 UK Publishes Immigration and Nationality Fee Schedule for October 2026 Without Fee Increases
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration has published an updated list of immigration and nationality fees. These new fees start on 8 October 2026. This document, called 'Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 October 2026', states that all application fees for visas and nationality routes will stay the same. This applies whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. This means the fee structure that started on 8 April 2026 will continue to be used.
Published 10 Sept 2026Effective 8 Oct 2026GOV.UK — Immigration rules & guidance updates
United KingdomProcessing TimesEffectiveAmended 25 Sept 2026 UK English Language Test (SELT) Guidance Updates: Approved Test Centres and ID Document Validity
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has published an update to the guidance on proving English language abilities for visa or citizenship applications. This update, effective from 25 September 2026, concerns the lists of approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centres available in the UK and overseas. The revision ensures applicants have access to the most current information regarding authorised test locations, streamlining the process of identifying suitable venues for mandatory English language proficiency examinations.
Published 6 Jul 2026GOV.UK — Immigration rules & guidance updates
NorwayAsylumEffectiveEffective 25 Sept 2026 Norway's Immigration Appeals Board Lifts Suspension on Returns to Iran and Resumes Case Processing
What changed
The Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) has ended its temporary suspension of the obligation to return to Iran, with effect from 25 September 2026. This change reinstates the requirement for individuals who have received a final decision mandating their return to Iran to leave Norway. Concurrently, UNE will resume processing approximately 170 outstanding cases that involve an assessment of return to Iran, including protection cases. The decision follows a reassessment of the security situation in Iran, which UNE now considers to have stabilised sufficiently to remove the general suspension.
Published 25 Sept 2026Effective 25 Sept 2026Utlendingsnemnda (UNE) — News
United KingdomPassport RulesPublishedEffective 24 Sept 2026 UK Publishes New Guidance for British Passport Applications by Adult Care Leavers
What changed
The Home Office and HM Passport Office have updated their guidance for adults who were previously in care and are applying for a British passport. This updated guidance, published on 24 September 2026, makes the application process clearer, explains how to prove British nationality, sets out identity check requirements, and offers help with getting necessary documents. The aim is to make the process simpler for this particular group of applicants.
Published 24 Sept 2026Effective 24 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Immigration rules & guidance updates
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