UK Visas and Immigration Publishes Draft Code of Practice for Employers on Avoiding Discrimination While Preventing Illegal Working

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.

What changed

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 (BSAI 2025) has amended the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, expanding the scope of employers required to conduct right to work checks and the sanctions for non-compliance. These changes extend legal obligations beyond traditional employment to a broader spectrum of working arrangements, including individual sub-contractors and online matching services. Additionally, the BSAI 2025 introduces an 'extended liability', making certain third parties potentially liable for civil penalties related to illegal working.

What changed

The UK Home Office has issued a revised statutory Code of Practice for landlords regarding 'Right to Rent' checks, effective from 1 October 2026. This updated code clarifies how landlords and letting agents must avoid unlawful discrimination, particularly race discrimination, when conducting these checks. It introduces new provisions for digital right to rent verification, including the use of eVisas and Digital Verification Service Providers, and reinforces the principle of equal treatment for all prospective tenants, regardless of how their right to rent is evidenced. Landlords must adapt their procedures to accommodate these digital verification methods and ensure no tenant is disadvantaged if digital services are inaccessible.

What changed

On 30 September 2026, the Home Office suspended Buckinghamshire New University's Student sponsor licence due to concerns regarding its adherence to sponsor duties. This suspension, effective immediately, has led to the university's removal from the Register of licensed sponsors for students. The university has been granted 20 working days to address the decision and demonstrate why its licence should be reinstated, failing which revocation may occur. Students currently holding valid permission to stay and sponsored by the university are permitted to continue their studies during this suspension period.